The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering an Ethics Internship 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, for postgraduate students and recent graduates interested in global health ethics, public health, emerging technologies, and international health policy.
The full-time internship will take place within WHO’s Science for Health division and provides participants with practical experience supporting research, technical projects, policy development, and international ethics initiatives.
The WHO Ethics Internship runs for 24 weeks, from February 1 to July 16, 2027. Although the position is unpaid, selected interns receive a living allowance, lunch vouchers, and medical and accident insurance.
WHO Ethics Internship 2027: Key Details
- Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Position: Intern – Ethics Team
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Division: Science for Health
- Internship Duration: 24 weeks
- Internship Dates: February 1 – July 16, 2027
- Work Schedule: Full-time
- Financial Support: Living allowance
- Salary: No salary
- Application Deadline: October 23, 2026
About the WHO Ethics Internship
The WHO Ethics team works on ethical issues affecting global health and supports the development of international norms, policies, and guidance.
During the internship, participants may contribute to projects involving public health surveillance, genomics, human research, health equity, technology governance, climate change, emergency preparedness, and the ethical allocation of health resources.
The opportunity is particularly suitable for candidates interested in bioethics, medicine, public health, law, philosophy, emerging technologies, and international policy.
WHO Internship Responsibilities
Under the supervision of a Senior Ethics Specialist, interns may assist with a range of technical and research activities, including:
- Supporting ongoing global health ethics projects.
- Preparing technical briefs, evidence summaries, reports, presentations, and meeting notes.
- Reviewing and synthesizing academic and grey literature.
- Supporting research related to public health ethics.
- Contributing to the development and implementation of the WHO-OECD Tool for the Anticipatory Governance of Emerging Technologies in Public Health.
- Supporting initiatives concerning ethics in public health surveillance.
- Assisting with workshops, consultations, and expert meetings.
- Preparing agendas, background materials, participant lists, discussion summaries, and follow-up actions.
This experience can help candidates develop research, analytical, writing, communication, and international policy skills.
Learning Opportunities
The WHO Ethics Internship provides exposure to how ethical considerations are incorporated into global health policy and international guidance.
Interns can gain experience in areas such as:
- Global health ethics.
- Emerging technology governance.
- Climate change and health.
- Emergency preparedness.
- Public health policy.
- International guideline development.
- Multidisciplinary research.
- Collaboration with WHO Member States and external partners.
Participants will also work in a multicultural environment alongside specialists from different professional and academic backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should generally:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme or apply within 18 months of completing an eligible qualification.
- Have an academic background relevant to the internship, such as bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or a related discipline.
- Have an interest in applied ethics and global health.
- Understand key ethical concepts related to public health, emerging technologies, and climate change.
- Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Show respect for people from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other commonly used digital tools.
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn and produce high-quality work.
Knowledge of responsible artificial intelligence use for research may also be expected.
Language Requirements
Excellent English proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking is required for the WHO Ethics Internship.
Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, particularly given the Geneva location. Knowledge of another United Nations language can also be an advantage.
Financial Benefits
The WHO Ethics Internship is unpaid, meaning participants do not receive a conventional salary. However, WHO provides a living allowance based on the duty station and the intern’s circumstances.
For Geneva, the published allowance can be up to:
- CHF 739 per month for interns whose permanent residence is Geneva.
- Up to CHF 1,680 per month for interns whose permanent residence is outside the duty station.
The final allowance is determined after selection based on the required financial disclosure information.
Geneva interns may also receive:
- Lunch vouchers worth CHF 20 per working day.
- Accident insurance.
- Medical insurance coverage.
Applicants should confirm the current allowance and benefits directly with WHO before applying.
Required Documents
Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide:
- Proof of enrolment in an eligible academic programme.
- WHO medical certificate confirming fitness for work.
- Reference contact information.
- Other documents requested during the recruitment process.
Applicants should ensure that their academic and professional information is accurate and up to date.
How to Apply for the WHO Ethics Internship 2027
Interested applicants should submit their application through the official World Health Organization careers portal before the deadline.
The internship is competitive, and only candidates under serious consideration are expected to be contacted.
Application Deadline: October 23, 2026
Internship Period: February 1 – July 16, 2027
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Applicants should review the official vacancy carefully and confirm the eligibility requirements, allowance, documents, and application instructions before submitting their application.
Disclaimer: OpportunityShape shares job openings, internships, fellowships, scholarships, and other career opportunities for informational purposes. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility requirements, compensation, deadlines, and application procedures directly with the World Health Organization. OpportunityShape is not the employer or organiser of this internship and does not guarantee selection, employment, or placement.
