Intern - Health Emergency Interventions Department

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Position Title: Intern - Health Emergency Interventions Department
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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees working towards global health initiatives. WHO's Health Emergencies Programme specifically focuses on building the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and coordinate international health responses during crises.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Health Emergency Interventions Department (HEI) is designed for students and recent graduates who are interested in gaining practical experience in public health, particularly in the context of health emergencies. The intern will work under the supervision of the team lead in the High Impact Epidemics Unit, contributing to the update and systematization of country profiles for yellow fever endemic countries in Africa. This role will involve conducting literature reviews, compiling data, and preparing documentation in accordance with WHO standards. The internship aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of WHO's structure, functions, and the specific objectives of the Health Emergency Interventions Department, while enhancing the intern's analytical and communication skills in a multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the update of country profiles for 27 yellow fever endemic countries in the African Region to understand historical evidence of yellow fever.
• Systematizing key information regarding yellow fever for each country.
• Conducting literature reviews on yellow fever outbreaks in the respective countries.
• Compiling information using a pre-assigned template.
• Assisting in the validation of country profiles with WHO country offices and national health authorities.
• Reviewing information post-validation by national health authorities.
• Preparing a draft version of the final document containing the 27 country profiles for yellow fever in the African Region, adhering to the WHO Style guide.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies in epidemiology, biostatistics, global health, or a related field at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing the internship. Additionally, candidates must be enrolled in a course of study leading to a formal qualification. Applicants who have graduated within the last six months may also be considered. Skills required include analytical, epidemiological, and research skills, as well as the ability to write clearly and concisely. A high level of individual responsibility, commitment, and initiative is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes completion of at least three years of full-time studies in a relevant field such as epidemiology, biostatistics, or global health. Candidates must also be currently enrolled in a university program leading to a formal qualification. This ensures that interns have a foundational understanding of public health principles and practices.

Experience:
Interns should have demonstrated experience in conducting research and drafting comprehensive reports. Participation in cross-sectorial, national, and international projects is also beneficial. A basic understanding of public health issues is expected, along with experience using scientific reference management software such as EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero for organizing bibliographic data.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English is required. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French and other UN languages is advantageous, as it may facilitate communication within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The internship duration is 12 weeks, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The tentative start date is February 3, 202

• Interns do not receive a salary but are provided with a living allowance that varies by duty station. In Geneva, the maximum allowance is 720 CHF per month for interns with permanent residence in the area, and 1620 CHF for those residing outside. Additionally, interns receive a daily meal allowance of 20 CHF for each working day. WHO provides accident and medical insurance coverage for all interns. 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 must 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 of underrepresented Member States.