Intern (WHO)

1. Strengthening key health system functions, data use and innovations toward universal health coverage

2. Strengthening health system functions to implement condition and disease-specific programmes

3. Building sustainable national capacities and partnership to ensure public health security and safety, including outbreak and crisis response

4. Reducing risk factors and determinants of health across the life course

Within the country office, there are five technical teams providing support, including the universal health coverage team, health emergency team, disease control team, healthy lifestyle and environment team, and communications for health team. The technical areas covered include:

• Health systems strengthening to enable equitable access to quality health services for all with a focus on primary health care and redesigning of the health system to meet future challenges
• Strengthening of national capacity to reduce the level of risk and degree of impact of health emergencies, such as outbreaks of epidemic-prone disease, food safety incidents as well as natural and man-made disasters, through programmes that lead to improved preparedness, surveillance, prevention and response
• Communicable disease control through delivery of technical support targeting the reduction of morbidity and mortality of such diseases through surveillance; monitoring and evaluation; consistent efforts to provide access to the highest levels of prevention, treatment, and care; and a comprehensive approach to advocacy, communication, and involvement that results in the committed partnership of all stakeholders
• Promotion of healthy settings by addressing key health-related social, environmental, and behavioral risk factors and determinants through a life course approach to health promotion, non-communicable diseases, impact of climate change, and healthy environment
• Communications principles and processes that inform and change attitudes and behaviours for defined public health outcomes at the individual, community, and societal levels

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Conduct a literature review on specified technical area
• Review data and conduct data analyses if relevant to the specified technical area
• Assist in reviewing policy implementation, drafting the reports and presentations
• Support the technical team for organizing meetings/training courses/field visits
• Participate in team meetings and other relevant meetings as needed.
• Deliver a final presentation on the internship, including project completed, lessons learnt, and future plans
• Other tasks as assigned.

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 health programme/area of technical work in Viet Nam
• Communicate clearly about the programme/area and context in Viet Nam
• Understand health policy development and implementation in Viet Nam
• Understand the roles of the country office, regional office, and headquarters and the differences in the work across offices
• Understand the role of partner coordination and multistakeholder engagement
• Know how to review data and conduct analyses
• Prepare background documents and materials as needed

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies 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). Ideally studies in development, public health, international relations, research and or science.

Skills

Core competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication

• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Showing willingness to learn from mistakes
• Producing and delivering quality results
• Working collaboratively with team member

Experience

• Experience in research and/or drafting reports
• Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative data analyses depending on technical area of interest
• Experience in the subject area through academic work or research would be desirable

Essential: Expert written and spoken English

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

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 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 details
• Interns are not eligible to take up a consultant or other non-staff contract in WHO for a period of three months following the end of the internship. However, no such restriction applies to temporary or longer-term staff positions if the vacancy has been advertised and a competitive process completed.
• 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.