Internship - Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research - HQ/SRH

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The World Health Organization's Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) includes the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). HRP is the main instrument within the United Nations system: for identifying research priorities on SRHR; for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinary research; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity to conduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policy making and sexual and reproductive health programmes. The Department draws on research and global expertise to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines on SRHR. More information about SRH and HRP can be found at https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Terms of reference

WHO‘s Cognitive testing of a survey instrument to assess sexual practices, behaviours, and health-related outcomes (CoTSIS study) was conducted between 2021-2023 in 19 countries. This study used cognitive interviewing to test a draft questionnaire that was developed to assess sexual practices, behaviours, and health-related outcomes. The objectives were to assess the willingness of individuals to answer questions of a sensitive nature; determine item comprehensibility; and evaluate whether the questionnaire assesses the intended constructs consistently and accurately when translated and implemented in diverse settings. As a result of the study, the questionnaire was refined and ultimately published in December 2023 as WHO’s Sexual Health Assessment of Practices and Experiences (SHAPE).

The CoTSIS study generated valuable qualitative data about how more than 600 people around the world (ages 15-80 ) understand concepts and interpret questions on subjects relating to various sexual practices, sexual orientations, social norms related to sexuality, etc. Of interest for this internship is the data related to measures which assess sex (sex assigned at birth) and gender identity.

Under the supervision of the Scientist for sexual wellbeing and functioning, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference:

1. Undertake a secondary analysis of qualitative data related to sex and gender identity measures from WHO’s 19-country CoTSIS study (approx. work effort 80%)

• Review individual site data sets and combine data across sites to include probes from relevant measure and demographic measures
• Code qualitative data around the questions and associated probes related to the two measures in question, to understand how participants interpreted ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ constructs, response options associated with each measure, and being asked both questions in succession.
• Synthesize salient themes based on coded data
• Lead writing of a draft manuscript for submission to a peer-review publication
• Circulate manuscript to CoTSIS study sites for comment
• Submit the manuscript for publication
• Participate in on-going departmental projects

2. Contribute to the preparation work for setting a research and normative agenda for sexual health (approx. work effort 20%)

• Horizon scanning of existing normative products in priority areas of sexual health (e.g. including menopause, endometriosis, other areas of women’s health)
• Stakeholder mapping exercise mapping of key associations and professionals active in these areas
• Assist in organizing and preparing sexual health-related convenings, meetings, communications.

Learning objectives

The purpose of the WHO Internship Programme is to provide an enriching learning experience for students and recent graduates. The Learning Objectives outlined within each internship vacancy are a key component of the programme. Within this internship, the intern will:

• Understand the objectives of WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, specifically its work on sexual health and human rights
• Understand the difference of work between headquarters, regional offices and country offices
• Understand WHO processes for research priority setting
• Know how to conduct an analysis of qualitative data
• Know how to synthesize analysis findings and develop the outline and draft of a publishable manuscript

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

24 weeks - tentative start date 25 January 2025

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing the assignment; AND be enrolled in a course of study Public health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Gender studies, social science, or a related field.at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification (applicants who have already graduated may also qualify for consideration provided that they apply to the internship within six months after completion of their formal qualification).

Skills

Core competencies

• Team work
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication

All interns should be able to demonstrate the following skills in line with the WHO core competencies:

• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Showing willingness to learn from mistakes
• Producing and delivering quality results
• Working collaboratively with team members

In addition, interns need to be familiar with commonly used computer programmes, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Knowledge of specialized computer programmes related to systematic review, for example, Covidence or Rayyan may be an asset.

Experience

• Previous experience with or training on qualitative research theory and methods and/or qualitative data analysis
• Familiarity with research on sex, gender, LGBTI health is desirable, but not required
• Demonstrated interest in sexual and reproductive health through academic and professional work or research

Languages

Essential:Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of other UN language.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Interns do not receive a salary. They do however receive a living allowance. The amount of living allowance is different in each duty station. The amount also depends on any other external financial support received by the intern (grant, scholarships, etc.) and whether their permanent residence is in the duty station of the internship. In Geneva, for interns with permanent residence in the duty station, the maximum amount of the allowance provided by WHO is 720 CHF per month. For interns whose permanent residence is outside of the duty station, the maximum amount is 1620 CHF per month. The exact amount of the living allowance will be calculated for each intern, after selection, based on a legal financial disclosure form that the individual will complete. In addition, all interns in Geneva will receive a daily lumpsum amount for meal expenses (20 CHF per working day). WHO also provides all interns with accident and medical insurance coverage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Please note that internships at WHO are very competitive and only a small number of applicants will be accepted every year. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted
• Living abroad is expensive and finding accommodation can be challenging. All intern candidates should be aware of these factors before they consider applying for a WHO Internship.
• If selected for a WHO Internship, candidates will be required to provide certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of studies, a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work, and the contact details for reference checks.
• WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link:http://www.whed.net.Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put theWHO Values Charterinto practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to: reasonableaccommodation@who.int
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Department of Staff Health and Wellbeing (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.