OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

On World NTD Day 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO), Member States and partners, launched the Global Onchocerciasis Network for Elimination (GONE) to assist endemic countries with achieving the 2030 Road Map’s onchocerciasis targets and milestones. WHO hosts the GONE secretariat. Key focus of GONE is to increase communication and information-sharing, promote South-South collaboration, enhance visibility of onchocerciasis programmes and promote action-oriented evidence-based advocacy both at country and international level. As countries reach elimination of transmission,
neighboring countries represent a threat of reintroduction. WHO will support countries to enhance cross border surveillance and collaboration

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Assist with the collection and analysis of data on onchocerciasis elimination (border endemicity, transmission zones, breeding sites, first and second line villages, MDA rounds, etc) in cross-border onchocerciasis foci of endemic countries.
• Assist with the establishment of a database and development of maps on cross-border onchocerciasis data of onchocerciasis endemic countries.
• Assist with compiling and analyzing Loa and onchocerciasis elimination mapping (OEM) related data and maps

Terms of reference

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

• Review literature and conduct literature surveys on onchocerciasis publications related to cross-border collaboration in onchocerciasis elimination
• Collect and analyze data on onchocerciasis elimination in cross-border onchocerciasis foci of endemic countries
• Organize data and documents on cross-border collaboration for onchocerciasis elimination
• Establish a database and develop maps with cross-border onchocerciasis data
• Compiling and analyzing data to be used for OEM and Loa planning for mapping and treatment
• Assist in drafting, formatting and editing workbooks reflecting cross-border onchocerciasis related data
• Participate in on-going departmental projects

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 the onchocerciasis elimination program
• Communicate clearly about the cross-border collaboration efforts in onchocerciasis elimination
• Understand the difference of work between headquarters, regional offices and country offices concerning the efforts on onchocerciasis elimination
• Know how to conduct and review literature surveys on cross-border collaboration in onchocerciasis elimination
• Know how to assemble data and prepare a comprehensive analysis on cross-border collaboration for onchocerciasis elimination

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

24 weeks – tentative start date: 2 September 2024

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing the assignment with specialization in data analysis and digital marketing; 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 data analysis
• Experience in setting up large databases
• Field and/or developing country experience
• Experience in data visualization and creation of geographic maps
• Experience with data analysis, statistical packages and interest in the design of graphical display and analysis of health information in an international comparative perspective, such as for health system performance assessment

Languages

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and French
Desirable: Basic knowledge of other UN languages

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Interns do not receive a salary. They do however receive a living allowance. The allowance depends on the duty station and other external support (grant, scholarships, etc.) received by the intern. In Geneva, the maximum amount of the allowance provided by WHO is CHF 1680 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 lumpsum of CHF 20 for each working day to buy lunch at WHO campus or elsewhere. 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 (https://www.who.int/about/values) 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 toreasonableaccommodation@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 Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (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.