How can I apply for an internship?
Please send a detailed personal history form, including educational and practical experience, and a covering letter indicating areas of interest through WHO career site www.who.int . The Regional Office accepts applications throughout the year.
Web site of the Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean: http://www.emro.who.int
When to expect a reply on your application
You should expect to receive a reply within 45 working days of receipt of your internship application.
Should I arrange an interview?
No, WHO will contact you if you have been selected for an interview. Nor is it necessary or advised that intern applicants send school or other documents to WHO. If and when selected, the technical unit may ask for these supporting documents.
If I am accepted, what kind of work will I be doing?
This will depend on the needs of the office to which you are assigned, your qualifications and interests.
How long is the WHO internship programme?
For the internship to be worthwhile and effective, interns will be accepted for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 3 months. Exceptionally, an internship may be extended with agreement from the technical unit concerned but cannot be longer than 6 months in duration.
Can I get financial support from WHO?
WHO does not provide financial support for interns. All successful applicants are expected to make their own arrangements for travel, lodging and living expenses during the internship period. There are a number of resources for supporting internships. Start the search at your own university.
Do I need to be at the WHO office full-time?
Internships at WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and country offices are full time and interns are expected to work Sunday to Thursday, 08:00 to 4:00 for the duration of the internship. Days of the week and hours may vary from country to country.
Is an intern entitled to sick leave?
An intern is not expected to work if he/she is unwell but it is important that the supervisor be informed of any absences. Any expense relating to illness is the responsibility of the intern. Especially long periods of absence, through illness or for other reasons, should be recorded in the written performance evaluation prepared by the supervisor at the end of the assignment.
Is an intern entitled to annual leave?
No. The duration of the internship should not be interrupted. Time off may be exceptionally granted by the supervisor as long as the assignment is not adversely affected.
Will travel expenses to and from the duty station be reimbursed by WHO?
No, travel expenses are the responsibility of the intern.
Is the intern entitled to a per diem payment to cover expenses incurred during the internship or while working as a volunteer?
No, interns are not paid.
Will WHO provide assistance in finding suitable accommodation?
WHO is unable to provide help in finding accommodation and the Organization does not cover any costs for living expenses during the assignment.
Who is the contact person for internship program?
In case of any query and questions please email at :
Is there anything else I should know?
The WHO Internship programme is not connected with WHO employment activities and there should be no expectation of such. Interns cannot apply for posts advertised internally to WHO staff during the period of their internship and for three months following the end of their internship. Publication of Information: No papers or reports may be published based on information obtained from WHO during the internship.
