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 sexual and reproductive health and rights; 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 sexual and reproductive health and rights. More information about SRH and HRP can be found at https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

This internship offers the opportunity to work across the HRP research capacity strengthening and human rights portfolios with a specific focus on the relationship between climate change, climate action and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Under the supervision of the Technical Officer, Research Capacity Strengthening and supported by the Human Rights Adviser, this internship has the following agreed terms of reference:

1. Develop evidence-based products on climate change and sexual and reproductive health and rights for different audiences (approx. work effort 80%)
   - Produce an overview and analysis of available research agendas on climate change and SRHR among HRP co-sponsors, partners and research networks.
   - Support the development of research proposals in climate change and SRHR, in collaboration with partners across SRH/HRP, WHO, and external partners, in a manner that aligns with the department’s vision for research capacity strengthening.
   - Produce a policy brief on climate change and SRHR, based on HRP research and other materials, and through a process of several iterations (outline, internal consultation, external consultation, finalization).
   - Support coordination activities for the climate change and SRHR working group including, staying abreast of SRH and WHO mapping exercises of activities and actions.
   - Assist in organizing workshops, meetings and events.
   - Participate in on-going departmental projects and support on-going research capacity strengthening initiatives, as they relate to SRHR and climate change.
2. Contribute to a horizon scanning of upcoming agenda-setting processes for climate action and sexual and reproductive health and rights (approx. work effort 20%)
   - Setting up interviews with key internal and external partners.
   - Developing interview questions.
   - Producing interview reports and overall analysis.

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 research capacity strengthening, climate change and human rights.
- Understand the difference of work between WHO headquarters, regional offices and country offices.
- Understand WHO processes for research priority setting.
- Know how to review research agendas and develop research proposals.
- Know how to assemble data and prepare a comprehensive analysis.
- Develop the outline and draft of a publishable WHO product.

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

Minimum 6 weeks, maximum 24 weeks. Tentative start date in March 2025.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies in public/global health or other health-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). Demonstrable coursework in sexual and reproductive health and rights and/or climate change (explicitly state said coursework under “Training” in the application).

Skills

- Core competencies
- Teamwork
- 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.

Experience

- Familiarity with the interconnections between climate change and health.
- Previous experience with producing written material for public consumption is an asset, but not necessary.
- Demonstrated interest in sexual and reproductive health and human rights through academic and/or professional/voluntary work.

Languages

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another 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 738 CHF per month. For interns whose permanent residence is outside of the duty station, the maximum amount is 1716 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 lunch voucher (20 CHF per working day). WHO also provides all interns with accident and medical insurance coverage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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
9. WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
10. 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.