WHO Internship 2027 in Geneva – Global Tobacco Epidemic Report
Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
Programme: WHO Internship Programme
Position: Internship – Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention
Job Reference: 2603774
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: 6 months
Internship Period: 1 February – 16 July 2027
Work Schedule: Full-time
Field: Global Health, Public Health, Data Science, Statistics and Tobacco Control
Open to: All Nationalities
Deadline: 29 September 2026
Financial Support: Living allowance + lunch support + medical and accident insurance
About the Internship
The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering a six-month internship at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, for students and recent graduates interested in global health, health data, research and tobacco-control policy.
The selected intern will work with the Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention and contribute to the preparation of the 2027 WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic (GTCR).
The internship provides practical experience in research, data validation, web research, report preparation and international public health work.
Internship Responsibilities
The selected intern may be responsible for:
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Proofreading drafts and revisions.
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Cross-checking report content.
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Conducting independent data validation.
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Supporting analysis for the global tobacco report.
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Conducting web research.
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Collecting information and data on specific topics.
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Organizing and validating data and documents.
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Supporting preparations for the report launch.
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Participating in ongoing departmental projects.
The position combines research, data analysis, health information management and international public health communication.
Learning Opportunities
During the internship, participants can gain experience in:
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Understanding global tobacco-control policies.
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Monitoring policy progress.
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Collecting and validating health data.
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Preparing comprehensive analyses.
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Communicating research findings.
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Working with stakeholders from different backgrounds.
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Understanding the work of WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices.
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Contributing to the production of a major international health report.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the general WHO internship requirements as well as the specific requirements of the vacancy.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must:
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Have completed the equivalent of at least three years of full-time university study before starting the internship in a health- or data-science-related field.
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Be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification.
Recent graduates may also be considered if they apply within 18 months of completing their formal qualification, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.
WHO's general internship requirements also include:
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Being at least 20 years old at the date of application.
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Holding a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
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Not having previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
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Strong teamwork skills.
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Effective written and oral communication.
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Willingness to learn.
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Ability to produce quality work.
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Ability to work collaboratively.
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Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience in the following areas is particularly relevant:
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Research.
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Report writing.
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Data analysis.
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Statistical software.
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Health information analysis.
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Academic research related to the internship subject.
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Graphical presentation of health information.
Experience with specialized data-analysis or statistical software may be an advantage.
Language Requirements
Essential
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Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable
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Intermediate knowledge of another UN language.
Strong English communication skills are therefore important for applicants.
Financial Support and Benefits
Although WHO interns do not receive a salary, eligible interns receive a living allowance.
For the Geneva duty station, the vacancy currently lists:
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Up to CHF 1,680 per month for interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva.
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Up to CHF 739 per month for interns whose permanent residence is in Geneva.
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CHF 20 lunch support per working day in Geneva.
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Medical insurance.
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Accident insurance.
The exact living allowance may depend on factors including the intern's permanent residence and other external financial support.
Applicants should also consider that Geneva has a high cost of living, and accommodation is not stated as being provided by WHO.
Internship Duration and Location
Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
Location: WHO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
Start Date: 1 February 2027
End Date: 16 July 2027
Duration: Approximately 6 months
Schedule: Full-time
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official WHO online recruitment system (Stellis).
Application Steps
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Visit the official WHO Careers website.
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Search for vacancy 2603774.
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Review the complete vacancy requirements.
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Create or access your WHO candidate profile.
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Complete the online application.
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Provide your education, research experience and relevant skills.
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Submit the application before the deadline.
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Keep the application acknowledgement for your records.
WHO states that internship applications should be submitted through vacancies published on its official Careers website.
Application Deadline
29 September 2026
The vacancy displays the closing time according to the application system and applicant settings. Candidates are advised to check the exact closing time shown in their WHO application account and submit their application well before the deadline.
Selection Process
The internship is competitive, and WHO states that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Candidates selected for further consideration may be asked to provide:
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Certified proof of enrolment in an eligible programme.
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A WHO medical certificate of fitness for work.
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Reference-check information.
WHO may also conduct background verification for final candidates.
Who Should Apply?
The internship may be particularly relevant to students and recent graduates in:
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Public Health.
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Global Health.
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Epidemiology.
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Health Sciences.
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Data Science.
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Biostatistics.
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Health Policy.
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Health Systems.
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Statistics.
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Medicine and related disciplines.
Candidates with experience in research, data analysis, statistical software and health-related reporting should highlight these skills in their applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this WHO internship paid?
WHO describes the position as an internship without a salary. However, eligible interns receive a living allowance. For interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva, the current vacancy lists up to CHF 1,680 per month, subject to the applicable conditions.
Where is the internship located?
The internship is based at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
How long is the internship?
The internship runs from 1 February to 16 July 2027, approximately six months.
Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. Recent graduates may be considered if they apply within 18 months of completing their formal qualification, provided they meet the other requirements.
Do I need data-analysis experience?
The vacancy identifies research, report writing, data analysis and statistical software experience as relevant. Applicants with these skills should clearly highlight them in their application.
Does WHO provide accommodation?
The vacancy does not state that WHO provides accommodation. Applicants should therefore plan for their own accommodation and consider the cost of living in Geneva.
Is there an application fee?
No. WHO warns applicants about recruitment scams and states that it does not ask candidates for money as part of recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the official WHO recruitment system.
Important Information for Applicants from Rwanda
The opportunity is listed as open to all nationalities, meaning applicants from Rwanda are eligible to apply, provided they meet the academic, age, passport and other WHO internship requirements.
Key Details
Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
Opportunity: WHO Internship 2027
Position: Internship – Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention
Reference: 2603774
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: 6 months
Dates: 1 February – 16 July 2027
Deadline: 29 September 2026
Open to: All Nationalities
Financial Support: Living allowance + CHF 20 lunch support per working day + insurance
Field: Global Health, Public Health, Data Science, Statistics and Tobacco Control
Application
Applicants should apply through the official WHO Careers/Stellis recruitment system and search for vacancy 2603774.
Important: Do not pay anyone to apply for this opportunity. Use the official WHO recruitment system only.