Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The WHO Ethics Internship 2027 is a competitive 24-week programme based at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Hosted by the Ethics Team within WHO’s Science for Health division, this internship provides hands-on experience in global health ethics, research, policy development, and international collaboration.
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a significant opportunity to gain exposure to international health policy and build professional networks at the world’s leading health authority.
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Internship Dates and Duration
The internship runs from February 1 to July 16, 2027. The fixed 24-week duration allows interns to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects while developing comprehensive understanding of WHO’s ethical frameworks.
Financial Support
Eligible selected interns receive substantial financial support:
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- Monthly living allowance: Up to CHF 1,680 for interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva; up to CHF 739 for those permanently residing in Geneva
- Lunch vouchers: CHF 20 per working day
- Medical and accident insurance: Coverage during the internship period
For African applicants, the CHF 1,680 monthly allowance (approximately USD 1,900) provides meaningful support toward living costs in Geneva, though interns should budget carefully as Switzerland has high living expenses.
What Interns Do
Selected interns support the Ethics Team across multiple workstreams:
- Conducting research on ethical issues in public health, emerging technologies, health emergencies, climate change, and health research
- Preparing technical reports and presentations for internal and external audiences
- Reviewing academic literature and synthesizing findings
- Assisting with organization of expert meetings and consultations
- Contributing to development of international guidance documents on health ethics
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification (master’s or doctoral level) OR have completed one within the preceding 18 months
- Hold an academic background in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or a related discipline
- Demonstrate genuine interest in applied ethics, public health, climate change, or emerging technologies
- Possess expert-level English proficiency; French or another UN language is desirable
- Demonstrate strong teamwork, communication, research, and writing skills
There is no explicit nationality restriction, making this open to qualified Zimbabwean and SADC applicants who meet the academic and language requirements.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official WHO Careers portal. The process involves:
- Create an account on the WHO Careers portal
- Search for the Ethics Internship position for 2027
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents including CV, cover letter, and proof of enrollment or recent graduation
- Submit before the deadline
Early application is advised as WHO internships are highly competitive.
Why This Matters for African Applicants
For Zimbabwean and SADC region applicants, this internship offers several distinct advantages:
- Policy influence: Direct exposure to global health ethics frameworks that shape health policy across Africa
- Network building: Connections with WHO staff and fellow interns from diverse backgrounds
- Career acceleration: WHO internship experience is highly valued by employers in international health, academia, and policy institutions
- Practical skills: Training in drafting international guidance documents and participating in expert consultations
Applicants should highlight any experience with health ethics issues relevant to African contexts, such as research ethics, equitable access to health technologies, or climate health impacts.
Preparing a Strong Application
Given the competitive nature of WHO internships, African applicants should:
- Clearly articulate specific interest in WHO’s ethics work, citing relevant team publications or guidance documents
- Demonstrate how their academic background connects to WHO’s priority areas including health emergencies and emerging technologies
- Provide evidence of independent research capability and academic writing skills
- Obtain strong references who can speak to ethics-related coursework or research
- If applicable, note proficiency in French as an asset for Geneva-based work
Living in Geneva
Interns should prepare for Geneva’s high cost of living. While the monthly allowance and lunch vouchers provide substantial support, additional personal funds may be needed for accommodation deposits, transport, and initial setup costs. WHO typically provides guidance on finding intern accommodation, and many interns share housing to reduce costs.
Official scholarship page: https://careers.who.int/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
