Internship in Health Emergencies Programme

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Position Title: Internship in Health Emergencies Programme
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response. The organization operates globally, focusing on health emergencies, epidemic and pandemic preparedness, and response to health crises.

Job Overview:
The internship position within the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme is designed to provide students and recent graduates with a comprehensive learning experience in public health, particularly in the context of health emergencies. Interns will work under the supervision of a technical expert and will be involved in critical tasks such as finalizing risk assessment tools for Member States, publishing these tools on the WHO website, and promoting their use. The internship aims to enhance understanding of the program's objectives, improve communication skills, and familiarize interns with the operational differences between WHO's headquarters, regional offices, and country offices. Interns will also learn about document preparation and dissemination, which are vital skills in public health communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for participating in the finalization of two risk assessment tools for Member States, which involves reviewing and editing content to ensure clarity and accuracy. They will assist in the publication process of these tools on the WHO website, which includes formatting and adhering to WHO's publication standards. Additionally, interns will engage in the dissemination and promotion of these tools to ensure they reach the intended audience. They will also explore collaboration opportunities between the climate change unit and the strategy and guideline unit, contributing to interdisciplinary approaches in health emergencies. Furthermore, interns will participate in ongoing projects related to wastewater and environmental surveillance, gaining hands-on experience in current public health initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed the equivalent of five years of full-time studies in medicine at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing the internship. They should also be currently enrolled in a course of study leading to a formal qualification. Applicants who have graduated within the last six months may also be considered. Core competencies required include teamwork, respect for cultural differences, and effective communication skills. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn from mistakes and produce quality results while working collaboratively with team members. Familiarity with commonly used computer programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential, and knowledge of statistical software like XLStat is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes completion of five years of medical studies at a recognized institution. Candidates must be enrolled in a relevant course of study that leads to a formal qualification, ensuring they have the necessary theoretical foundation to contribute effectively to the program's objectives. This educational requirement underscores the importance of having a solid understanding of medical and public health principles, which are critical for the tasks assigned during the internship.

Experience:
Interns are expected to have some experience in research and/or report drafting, which will aid them in their responsibilities during the internship. Experience in epidemiology, data analysis, and the use of statistical packages is highly valued. Additionally, experience in public health at the national level, as well as in surveillance and infectious diseases prevention, will be considered an asset. This experience will help interns navigate the complexities of health emergencies and contribute meaningfully to the program's goals.

Languages:
Essential for this position is expert knowledge of English, as it is the primary language of communication within WHO. Desirable is expert knowledge of French, which is one of the official languages of the organization and will facilitate better communication in a multilingual environment. Proficiency in additional languages may also be beneficial, particularly in contexts where WHO operates in diverse linguistic regions.

Additional Notes:
The internship is set to last for 13 weeks, with a tentative start date of February 17, 202

• Interns will not receive a salary; however, they will receive a living allowance that varies based on their permanent residence status in Geneva. For those residing in Geneva, the maximum allowance is 720 CHF per month, while for those residing outside, it is 1620 CHF per month. Additionally, interns will receive a daily lump sum for meal expenses and will be covered by accident and medical insurance. Candidates should be aware that internships at WHO are highly competitive, and only a limited number of applicants will be accepted each year. Selected candidates will need to provide proof of enrollment in an eligible course of studies and complete a medical certificate of fitness for work. WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals from underrepresented Member States.