Job Posting

: Oct 28, 2024, 12:35:37 PM

Closing Date

: Nov 19, 2024, 12:59:00 AM

Primary Location

: Switzerland-Geneva

Organization

: HQ/GER Gender, Equity and Human Rights DGO

Schedule

: Full-time  

(2 Internship opportunities)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Situated in the Director General’s Office, the work of the Department for Gender, Rights, Equity and Diversity (GRED) focuses on four areas: 1) application of gender-responsive approaches to health; 2) promotion of the right to health and other health-related human rights; 3) identification, monitoring and addressing health inequities; and 4) promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion within WHO. The department leads, supports and catalyzes the integration of gender equality, human rights and equity perspectives in the work of WHO at global, regional and country levels in line with the commitment to leave no one behind. The programme works closely with an organization-wide network of gender equality, human rights and health equity focal points. It collaborates across the UN and multilateral system on related topics and represents the Organization in external activities on these issues.

The Department is looking for an intern to support the organisation of high-level meetings, research of current political trends, challenges, and opportunities for GRED, and assist in developing GRED knowledge networks across the organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Terms of reference

Under the supervision of a technical expert in the respective area, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference:

• Conduct policy research or analysis related to gender equality, human rights, or health equity
• Research relevant topics and compile data to support the creation of cross-cutting resources such as the GRED Country Support Package.
• Contribute to drafting country-specific reports detailing the impact of GRED initiatives, focusing on good practices and lessons learned.
• Assist in preparation for and documentation emanating from engagements/meetings linked to Department governance, including the GRED Steering Committee and the Strategic and Technical Advisory Group of Experts, as well key WHO governance mechanisms, including the World Health Assembly, the Executive Board and the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee (PBAC).
• Assist in documenting meetings, drafting minutes, following up on action items related to GRE projects and reporting more generally.
• Contribute to logistics of cross-cutting department events.
• Assist in resource mobilization efforts by researching potential donors, compiling data, and drafting relevant sections of proposals.
• Other duties as required.

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 programme component.

Within this internship, the intern will:

• Understand the objectives and principles of gender-responsive, human rights-based, and equity-oriented approaches in health.
• Gain an understanding of the distinct functions and collaborative processes within different levels of the organization.
• Research policy and analysis.
• Prepare background documents and briefing notes for high-level meetings
• Attend to the logistics to organize events.
• Engage with stakeholders in advocacy efforts, including fundraising.
• Research and draft case studies showcasing international organization’s work.

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

First intern – Tentative start date – 3 February 2025 to 3 August 2025 (24 weeks)

Second intern – Tentative start date – 4 August 2025 to 4 March 2025 (24 weeks)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies in international relations, political science, gender studies, human rights, social sciences, or an equivalent discipline or 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 (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, for example, statistical software such as XLStat may be an advantage.

Experience

• Experience in the subject area through academic work, volunteering and/or internships in related fields such as gender equality, human rights, public health, or social justice
• Experience in supporting projects, especially those related to research, event planning, or project implementation considered an asset.
• Any experience or exposure to global issues, whether through study abroad programs, international volunteer work, or working in multicultural environments considered an asset

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 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.
• 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.