World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) Internships 2018

Application Deadline: Nov 29, 2017, 2:59:00 PM

The Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), based in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, is one of the six regions of the World Health Organization (WHO). AFRO is responsible for 47 of the 54 countries in Africa. The regional office plans and executes WHO’s work in these countries and supports Member States to attain the highest possible level of health for all people.

The Internship and Volunteer Programme in the African Region provides opportunities for graduate and postgraduate students to gain an insight into the work of the Organization, while enriching their knowledge and experience in the field of health, thereby contributing to the advancement of population health.

Objectives of the Internship Programme:

a) To provide a framework for assigning students from diverse academic backgrounds to WHO programmes that can enhance their educational experience through practical assignments;

b) To expose students to the work of WHO;

c) To provide WHO programmes with input from students specializing in various fields. Most students are placed in health-related programmes, although other disciplines can be considered as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

AFRO offers internships in the follow areas:

1. Communicable diseases (HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) and public health and environment programmes);

2. Family and Reproductive Health (Health through life course, nutrition and immunization);

3. Noncommunicable Diseases (prevention and management of NCDs (including risk factors), mental health, violence and injuries);

4. Health systems strengthening (health policy, financing and access, integrated service deliver and health information and knowledge management, aiming at Universal Health Coverage);

5. Health Security and Emergencies (disease surveillance, emergency risk assessment and management, outbreak and disaster response and laboratory support);

6. Administration (Human Resources, IT etc);

7. Corporate Communications;

8. Country Relations.

Internship positions are non-paid and are offered in the different country offices and technical clusters in the African Region. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

– Have completed three years of full-time studies (bachelor’s level or equivalent) 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 start the internship within six months after completion of their formal qualification).

Skills:

-Be at least twenty years of age on the date of application;

-Be able to work full-time and support oneself financially during an internship placement (i.e. with no remuneration from WHO);

– Not be related to a staff member (e.g. son/daughter, brother/sister or mother/father);

– Have not previously participated in WHO’s Internship Programme;

-Hold a valid passport of a WHO Member State.

Experience:

Have completed 3 years of full time study in the relevant area.

Languages:

Be fluent in either English or French, the working languages of AFRO.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Please note that internships at WHO are very competitive and only a small number of applicants will be accepted each year. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

– All internships at WHO are unpaid and full-time.

– The duration of WHO internships is between six weeks and six months, depending on the requirements of the programme.

– Interns are NOT eligible for appointment to any position in WHO for a period of three months following the end of the internship.

Notes:

All applications for WHO Internships are acknowledged when received and if the applicant passes the initial screening will be made available to technical units for review.

If selected for a WHO Internship, you will be required to provide certified copies of proof of enrolment in a course of study and proof of personal medical insurance (illness) coverage.

An important reminder: WHO Internships are not paid. Living abroad is expensive. All intern candidates should be aware of these factors before they consider applying for a WHO Internship. WHO does not provide financial support and interns are encouraged to seek funding from other external sources.

Please note: WHO does not charge for internships.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) Internships 2018