WHO Internship: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (HQ/SRH)

Table of Content

Overview of WHO Internship – Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research
Program Objectives
Key Responsibilities
Learning Objectives
Internship Details
Eligibility Criteria
Benefits
Additional Information and Important Dates

The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering an exciting internship opportunity within its Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH). This internship addresses the critical intersection of climate change and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Interns will collaborate with the Human Reproduction Program (HRP), a leading initiative within the UN system focused on research and capacity-building in SRHR.

Program Objectives

The WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research aims to:

Develop global norms, standards, and guidelines for SRHR.
Promote interdisciplinary research and capacity-building to support evidence-based policies.
Focus on the impact of climate change on SRHR, enhancing understanding and developing actionable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Interns will contribute to two main areas:

Developing Evidence-Based Products (80%)
- Review research agendas related to climate change and SRHR among HRP partners.
- Assist in drafting research proposals and policy briefs.
- Coordinate working groups and organize workshops and events on SRHR and climate change.
Horizon Scanning for Agenda-Setting Processes (20%)
- Conduct interviews with internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop and analyze interview questions to inform WHO strategies.
- Compile reports based on findings.

Learning Objectives

Interns will gain:

Hands-on experience in reviewing research agendas and drafting proposals.
Insights into WHO’s processes for setting research priorities.
Skills in developing publishable products like policy briefs.
Exposure to global health collaboration and research.

Internship Details

Duration: 6–24 weeks
Tentative Start Date: March 2025
Location: WHO Headquarters, Geneva

Eligibility Criteria

Education

Completion of at least three years of full-time studies in public/global health or related fields.
Enrollment in a university program or recent graduation (within six months).
Coursework in SRHR or climate change is advantageous.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
Teamwork and cultural sensitivity.

Experience

Knowledge of the link between climate change and health.
Interest or background in SRHR and human rights.

Languages

Essential: Expert-level English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another UN language.

Benefits

While the internship is unpaid, interns receive the following benefits:

Living allowance:
- 738 CHF/month for those residing permanently in Geneva.
- 1716 CHF/month for those living outside the duty station.
Lunch vouchers worth 20 CHF/day.
Accident and medical insurance coverage.

Additional Information

Selection Process: Highly competitive; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Accommodation: Interns must arrange their own living accommodations.
Health Requirements: Submission of a fitness-for-work medical certificate is mandatory.
Diversity and Inclusion: WHO encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including women, persons with disabilities, and nationals from underrepresented regions.

Important dates

Interested applicants should submit their applications via the WHO Internship Portal by January 16, 2025.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply