The Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization Programme (VPI) is tasked with the implementation of the European Immunization Agenda 2030 (EIA2030), which seeks to create more robust and resilient immunization systems across the WHO European Region. The primary objective of the programme is to achieve immunization equity, ensuring that vaccines are accessible to all populations, particularly underserved communities, and reducing disparities in immunization coverage across and within Member States. Another key objective is promoting life course immunization by strengthening programmes to cover all age groups, from infancy through old age, ensuring lifelong protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
In addition, the programme aims to address vaccine demand and acceptance by implementing tailored, local solutions that focus on increasing demand and overcoming challenges related to vaccine hesitancy and refusal, thereby improving public trust and engagement in immunization efforts. Strengthening immunization systems is another priority, with the goal of building and reinforcing national infrastructures to ensure the sustainable delivery of vaccines, particularly in response to emergencies, outbreaks, and evolving health challenges. Finally, the programme emphasizes monitoring and evaluation through reliable data collection, surveillance systems, and reporting to track progress and inform policy decisions, ensuring accountability towards meeting regional and global immunization targets.

Under the supervision of a technical expert in the Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization Programme (VPI), the intern will be responsible for the following tasks, as outlined in the agreed Terms of Reference:
Review relevant literature and conduct surveys on topics related to vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization strategies, and contribute to the preparation of the annual report
Conduct web research and data collection on immunization trends, vaccine-preventable diseases, and global health perspectives
Organize and manage data, documents, and reports
Support the development of tools, guidelines, and handbooks
Assist in drafting, formatting, and editing policy briefs, tool kits, manuals, brochures, and reports
Support the organization of workshops, meetings, conferences, and events of the division
Participate in ongoing departmental projects

The WHO Internship Programme aims to offer a valuable learning experience for students and recent graduates. The following learning objectives are expected to be achieved during the internship:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the objectives and strategies of the VPI programme and Division of Communicable Diseases, Environment and Health.
Develop effective communication skills to address immunization issues and vaccine-preventable diseases
Understand the distinct roles of WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices in implementing immunization strategies
Learn to critically appraise published materials
Acquire skills in data collection, analysis, and organization for producing comprehensive reporting
Assist in the preparation of background documents and materials for meetings, conferences, and workshops
Contribute to the development and drafting of official documents

The internship will last 6 months, with a tentative start date of 1 April 2025.

Education
Applicants must have completed at least three (3) years of full-time university studies in global health, public health, or a related field prior to starting the assignment. Additionally, they must be enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification.

Skills
Core competencies:
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication

All interns should be able to demonstrate the following skills in alignment with WHO core competencies:
Communication effectively orally and in writing
Showing willingness to learn from mistakes
Producing and delivering quality results
Working collaboratively with team members

In addition, interns should be proficient in commonly used computer software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Experience
Experience in research and/or drafting reports
Academic or research experience in public health/global health
Experience in fieldwork or in developing countries is desirable
Participation in volunteer work, community service, or involvement in student or professional associations is highly desirable

Languages
Essential: Fluent knowledge of English
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of any other UN language

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Interns do not receive a salary; however, they are provided with a living allowance, which varies depending on the duty station and any external support (such as grants or scholarships), the intern may receive.
In Copenhagen, the maximum living allowance provided by WHO is approximately USD 1,875 per month, paid in local currency. The exact amount will be determined for each intern after selection, based on a legal financial disclosure form that the intern will complete. Additionaly, all interns in Copenhagen receive a monthly lunch allowance of USD 176 (also paid in local currency) to cover meal expenses. 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 prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into 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.