WHO Ethics Paid Internship 2027 in Switzerland

The World Health Organization (WHO) Internship – Ethics Team in Foresight, Leadership & Ethics in Science 2027 offers an exciting opportunity for eligible postgraduate students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in global health ethics. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, this six-month internship provides an opportunity to contribute to international research, public health policy development, and ethical governance under the guidance of WHO specialists.

The internship is hosted by WHO Headquarters within the Science for Health division. It focuses on ethical challenges in public health, emerging technologies, climate change, health emergencies, and research involving human participants. Candidates interested in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, and related disciplines are encouraged to explore this opportunity.

What Will the Intern Do?

The selected intern will work with the WHO Ethics Team on projects addressing complex ethical questions in global health. Responsibilities include reviewing academic research and other relevant literature, preparing evidence summaries and technical briefs, drafting reports and presentations, and documenting expert consultations and workshops.

The intern may also contribute to WHO’s work on the governance of emerging technologies, public health surveillance, research ethics, and the development of international ethical guidelines. Additional responsibilities include supporting expert meetings, international conferences, and collaborative projects involving WHO departments and external partners.

This internship offers practical exposure to how international organizations develop evidence-based guidance and work with governments, researchers, and public health professionals.

Financial Benefits

Although the internship does not provide a salary, WHO offers a living allowance to eligible selected interns. The allowance depends on the candidate’s permanent residence, other financial support, and applicable eligibility rules.

For the Geneva duty station, the advertised maximum monthly living allowance is:

• CHF 1,680 per month for eligible interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva.

• CHF 739 per month for eligible interns whose permanent residence is in Geneva.

Eligible interns also receive daily lunch vouchers valued at CHF 20 per working day and medical and accident insurance during the internship. The actual allowance is determined individually after selection and financial disclosure.

Applicants should consider Geneva’s relatively high living costs and accommodation expenses before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be enrolled in a postgraduate programme, or have completed their qualification within the preceding 18 months, in one of the following fields:

• Bioethics

• Public health

• Medicine

• Philosophy

• Law

• Related academic disciplines

Candidates should demonstrate an interest in applied ethics, strong English communication skills, research and analytical abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Intermediate French or another UN official language is desirable.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should review the official vacancy announcement and submit their applications through the WHO online recruitment system. Applicants should ensure that their educational background and skills match the stated requirements.