SwitzerlandWHO Ethics Internship is a 24-week placement (1 February to 16 July 2027) with the Ethics team in WHO’s Science for Health division in Geneva. The internship involves supporting ethics technical projects, literature reviews, development of normative guidance, and documentation of consultations and expert meetings.
The internship is offered by the Ethics team within WHO’s Science for Health (FLS unit) which develops global norms in health ethics, supports Member States in building ethics capacities, and addresses ethical issues across public health, research, emerging technologies and climate change.
WHO Ethics Internship Benefits
- Monthly living allowance of up to CHF 1,680 for those whose permanent residence is outside Geneva.
- Monthly living allowance of up to CHF 739 for those permanently residing in Geneva.
- Lunch vouchers worth CHF 20 per working day.
- Medical and accident insurance during the internship.
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WHO Ethics Internship Eligibility Criteria
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification or have completed one within the preceding 18 months.
- Have an academic background in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrate an interest in applied ethics, public health, climate change, or emerging technologies.
- Have expert-level English proficiency; French or another UN language is desirable.
- Demonstrate teamwork, communication, research, and writing skills.
How to Apply for WHO Ethics Internship?
- Apply Online
- Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates (https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/stellis/20211118-how-to-apply-to-who-job-opportunities.pdf?sfvrsn=650fa59d_3)
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Saturday, 24 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the WHO Ethics Internship. These answers cover objectives, duration, eligibility, benefits, application process, and practical requirements for applicants.
What is the duration and dates of the WHO Ethics Internship?
The internship runs for 24 weeks from 1 February to 16 July 2027. These dates are specified in the internship description and represent the full period of assignment with the Ethics team in Geneva.
Where is the internship located?
The internship is based at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland (Primary Location: Switzerland-Geneva) within the Science for Health (SFH) division, Ethics team.
Does the internship provide a salary?
Interns do not receive a salary. WHO provides a living allowance instead. The allowance amount varies by duty station and whether the intern’s permanent residence is in the duty station.
How much is the living allowance for Geneva interns?
In Geneva, the maximum living allowance provided by WHO is 739 CHF per month for interns with permanent residence in the duty station, and up to 1680 CHF per month for those whose permanent residence is outside the duty station.
Are there other financial supports provided?
Yes. All interns in Geneva will receive daily lunch vouchers for meal expenses (20 CHF per working day). WHO also provides accident and medical insurance coverage during the internship.
Who is eligible to apply for this internship?
Applicants are expected to be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification (or apply within eighteen months of completion) in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law or related disciplines. An interest in applied ethics and familiarity with key ethical concepts is required.
What skills and competencies are required?
Interns should demonstrate WHO core competencies including teamwork, respect for cultural differences, and communication. They should communicate effectively in writing and orally, show willingness to learn, deliver quality results, and work collaboratively with team members.
What language proficiency is required?
Essential: expert knowledge of English (read, write and speak). Desirable: intermediate knowledge of French and/or another UN language, as noted in the internship description.
What documents are required if selected?
If selected, candidates must provide certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of studies, a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work, and contact details for reference checks, as specified in the additional information.
How do I apply and where can I find application instructions?
Applications are submitted via the WHO Careers portal (Apply Online). Detailed guidance on completing WHO job applications is provided in the linked Instructions for candidates PDF available from the job description.
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