WHO Ethics Internship 2027 in Geneva: 24-Week Opportunity in Global Health
Overview
The World Health Organization offers a 24-week postgraduate internship with the Ethics team in the Science for Health division, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The selected participant will support research, policy development, and international coordination concerning global health ethics, including tasks related to emerging technology governance, health emergency ethics, technical reports, and international consultations. The program runs full-time from 1 February to 16 July 2027.
Who can apply
Applicants must be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification or apply within 18 months of completing their studies in relevant fields such as bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or related disciplines. Candidates must have expert knowledge of English and demonstrate an interest in applied ethics with familiarity in key ethical concepts like public health, climate change, and emerging technologies. Intermediate French or another United Nations language is desirable, and qualifications must come from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database.
What you get
While the internship is unpaid, WHO provides accident and medical insurance coverage, lunch vouchers worth CHF 20 per working day, and a living allowance subject to eligibility and financial assessment. The maximum monthly living allowance for Geneva is CHF 739 for interns residing permanently in Geneva and CHF 1,680 for those with a permanent residence outside of Geneva. Actual payments are determined after selection using a financial disclosure form.
Requirements
Candidates must be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and know how to use artificial intelligence responsibly for research purposes. Selected candidates may need to provide proof of enrolment, a medical certificate of fitness for work, and references. Applicants are advised to consider the high cost of living and housing challenges in Geneva before accepting the position.
How to apply
Interested candidates must visit the official WHO careers platform to locate the Ethics Team internship vacancy, review the full description, prepare an updated curriculum vitae, gather proof of enrolment, and submit their application through the online recruitment system before the deadline.
Key dates
The application deadline is 23 October 2026. The internship takes place from 1 February to 16 July 2027.