OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a concentration of global production capacity of essential health products in a few regions/countries and vulnerabilities in global supply chains. For low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that rely largely on importation of medical products to meet public health demands, they are at greater risk for lack of access to quality-assured medical products. The Local Production and Assistance (LPA) Unit has been receiving requests from Member States for support in strengthening quality local production and technology transfer as many LMICs look to technology transfer and strengthening local manufacturing capacity to improve timely access and strengthen national health security, particularly during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The LPA Unit in the Innovation and Emerging Technologies (IET) Department, Access to Medicines and Health Products (MHP) Division supports Member States in strengthening local production and technology transfer of quality, safe and effective health products to improve access under the context of WHA74.6 on Strengthening local production of medicines and other health technologies to improve access and other World Health Assembly resolutions and decisions related to local production and access to health products. The LPA Unit supports Member States using a holistic, ecosystem-wide approach, such as global coordination and fostering collaborations & synergies, conducting ecosystem assessments for sustainable quality local production, development, and implementation of national/regional strategies & roadmaps, capacity building, specialized technical assistance, facilitation of technology transfer and development of global resources on local production and technology transfer.

The purpose of this programme is to provide support to the LPA Unit with programme activities in strengthening sustainable local production and technology transfer for improving access to quality-assured, safe and effective health products.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Terms of reference

Under the supervision of the Unit Head, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference:

• assist in organizing the World Local Production Forum and other workshops, meetings, etc.
• assist in drafting, formatting and/or editing reports, advocacy materials and other documents
• undertake web research and data collection on specific areas related to local production and technology transfer
• review literature and conduct literature searches
• participate in the development of relevant technical products
• assist colleagues in implementing activities related to local production and technology transfer

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 areas of work
• Communicate clearly about the areas of work
• Know how to organize and prepare meetings, workshops, etc. for a wide range of stakeholders
• Know how to assemble data and prepare a comprehensive analysis
• Understand the different forms of documents (e.g. meeting reports) and publications (e.g. advocacy) related to the areas of work
• Understand different aspects in implementing activities related to the areas of work

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

Between 12 weeks and 24 weeks – tentative start date 5th August 2024

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution, desirably related to health, 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

• 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. Knowledge of specialized computer programmes, for example, statistical software or website programmes, may be an advantage.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in drafting, formatting and/or editing reports and other documents
• Experience in a health-related area through academic work or research
• Experience in conducting searches and reviewing literature
• Desirable experience in a health-related area through practical work in the health industry
• Desirable experience in a developing country related to the areas of work
• Desirable experience in web design and developing advocacy materials

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 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