Internship – WHO Academy, Learning & Innovation Department, Localization Unit (HQ/ACD)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Localization Unit within the WHO Academy’s Learning and Innovation Department is dedicated to ensuring that the Academy’s learning programs are accessible, culturally relevant, and linguistically accurate for health professionals and stakeholders worldwide. The unit aims at driving innovation in multilingual content delivery through the application of cutting-edge technologies, such as machine translation and language technologies, while upholding standards of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The Localization Unit plays a pivotal role in making WHO Academy’s learning resources globally accessible, ensuring that they meet linguistic, cultural, and accessibility requirements, while fostering efficient workflows and continuous improvement.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Terms of reference

Under the supervision of the Localization Team Lead, the intern will support key activities that enhance the quality and accessibility of localized content:

Terminology Management:

• Assist with extracting, researching, and managing terminology to ensure standardized, accurate, and context-appropriate usage across localized versions of WHO Academy courses.
• Coordinate with internal partners to ensure consistency and accuracy in terminology application.

Linguistic Testing of Courses:

• Conduct linguistic and functional testing of localized courses to ensure that translations meet both linguistic accuracy and cultural relevance standards.
• Provide feedback on any inconsistencies or issues in translated content and collaborate with the Localization team to resolve them.

Accessibility Compliance:

• Assist in reviewing courses to ensure compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and other relevant standards, with a focus on accessibility for learners with disabilities.
• Identify potential areas for improving accessibility across courses and suggest enhancements.

Exploration of Machine Translation and AI:

• Research and explore new machine translation tools, AI solutions, and language technologies to improve workflow efficiency in the Localization Unit.
• Support testing and evaluation of these tools to assess their potential for integration into the current localization process.

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:

• Gain hands-on experience in the field of localization, working within a global health organization.
• Develop skills in terminology management, linguistic testing, and quality assurance for multilingual content.
• Learn how to apply and ensure compliance with accessibility standards in digital learning content.
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge machine translation and AI tools, understanding their application in real-world localization processes.
• Build practical knowledge of global health education and its translation into diverse cultural and linguistic contexts.
• Enhance research, collaboration, and communication skills through engagement with internal teams.

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

24 weeks - tentative start date 20 January 2025.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies in Translation, Linguistics, Applied Languages, Digital Learning, Educational Technology, Computer Science (with a focus on AI/ML), or a related field at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing the assignment; AND be enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification in the fields of study mentioned above.
Applicants who have already graduated may qualify for consideration provided that they apply to the internship within six months after completion of their formal qualification.

Skills

Core competencies

• Strong interest in localization, translation, and multilingual content creation.
• Basic understanding of terminology management and translation memory tools.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and interest in ensuring accessibility in digital products.
• Knowledge of or interest in machine translation technologies and AI solutions for language processing.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and multilingual environment.

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, for example, statistical software such as XLStat may be an advantage.

Experience

• Previous experience in translation, localization, or working with digital learning content.
• Experience with linguistic or accessibility testing is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and analyze tools and processes related to localization.

Languages

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and French.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Spanish or Arabic.

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 Lyon, for interns with permanent residence in the duty station, the maximum amount of the allowance provided by WHO is 622 EURO per month. For interns whose permanent residence is outside of the duty station, the maximum amount is 1446 EURO 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 Lyon will receive a daily lumpsum amount for meal expenses (10 EURO 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.