Launch Your Global Career With The WHO Internship Programme 2026

The World Health Organization is offering a 24-week paid internship within its Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management, specifically in the Medical Countermeasures Unit in Geneva. The unit sits at the heart of global pandemic preparedness, managing everything from emergency vaccine supply coordination to biological material sharing and equitable access to diagnostics and therapeutics during outbreaks. Interns will work directly alongside specialists on research, data analysis, and technical documentation that informs real WHO policy and emergency response strategies. This is open to students and recent graduates from any country worldwide, across medicine, public health, biology, and related fields. If you're building a career in global health or pandemic preparedness, this is one of the most credible internship placements available anywhere right now.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on medical countermeasures including vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics
• Collect and analyse scientific data
• Assist in preparing technical reports and policy briefs
• Support workshops, conferences, and international meetings
• Prepare background documents for WHO programmes
• Contribute to projects related to epidemic and pandemic preparedness

Requirements

• Open to nationals of all countries
• Must have completed at least three years of undergraduate studies before the internship begins
• Currently enrolled in a university degree or graduated within the last 18 months
• Relevant field of study: Medicine, Public Health, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Virology, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Information Sciences, or Medical Sciences
• Strong English language skills
• Knowledge of French or another UN language is an advantage
• Good research, analytical, and communication skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with statistical software or scientific research is an added advantage

Required Documents

• Updated CV/Resume
• Proof of enrollment or recent graduation
• Motivation/Cover Letter
• Academic transcripts (if requested)
• Reference details (if requested)

Benefits

• Monthly living allowance of CHF 1,680
• Daily lunch vouchers
• Medical insurance coverage
• Accident insurance
• Practical exposure to WHO's global health operations and pandemic preparedness work
• International networking opportunities with public health specialists worldwide