WHO Internship Job 2027: Geneva Language Services Opportunity

Overview

The World Health Organization is offering a full-time internship in its Language Services Unit at headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The internship, with job number 2603751, lasts 24 weeks and is scheduled to start on 4 January 2027. It is aimed at students and recent graduates of conference interpretation programmes and is Geneva-based.

The Language Services Unit supports WHO governing bodies, the Director-General's Office and technical programmes with translation, interpretation, editing, official records, word-processing and online language services. Interns work under the supervision of technical experts and, depending on their profile, may test an AI interpretation platform, practise in dummy booths, interpret from at least two languages into a WHO official language, support the rollout of an interpretation management tool, and contribute to language-technology activities. Under the Chief Interpreter, they may also prepare and distribute documents for interpreters, update interpreter profiles and meetings in the e-APG planning platform, follow up on interpreter access and prepare multilingual glossaries.

Who can apply

Applicants must have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time university study before the internship begins and be enrolled in a university or equivalent programme leading to a formal qualification as a conference interpreter. Graduates can be considered if they apply within 18 months of completing the qualification.

Requirements

Expert knowledge of English and French is needed, plus another WHO official language, preferably Arabic, Chinese or Russian. Intermediate knowledge of further official languages is desirable, as is experience in translation, editing, terminology, language technology or international organizations. Candidates should show teamwork, communication and respect for cultural differences, and be familiar with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

What you get

There is no salary. Interns receive a living allowance of up to CHF 739 per month if their permanent residence is Geneva, or up to CHF 1,680 per month if it is elsewhere, with the exact amount set after selection. Interns also receive daily lunch vouchers worth CHF 20 on working days, and WHO provides accident and medical insurance.

How to apply

Applications go through the WHO recruitment system. Selected candidates may need to provide certified proof of enrollment or qualifications, a WHO medical certificate of fitness for work and reference contacts. WHO notes that internships are highly competitive.

Key dates

The deadline is 25 September 2026.