Internship/AI-ML Software Engineer Intern/BOS/ICT

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the AI/ML Software Engineer Internship WHO/Europe is to cultivate emerging talent in the field of artificial intelligence by providing hands-on experience with real-world applications in public health. Interns will actively contribute to the development and implementation of AI-driven projects, enhancing their technical skills while gaining a comprehensive understanding of how AI technologies can address pressing global health challenges. This program aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, preparing interns to become proficient and ethically-aware AI professionals in a global health context.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Terms of reference

Under the supervision of the AI Software Engineer Lead and/or Regional ICT Manager, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference:

• Assist in collecting, cleaning, and organizing data for AI model use.
• Help develop and refine AI models under senior team guidance.
• Document AI development processes and prepare progress reports.
• Engage in learning sessions on AI tools and apply these in projects.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to solution discussions.
• Aid in the creation of dashboards and visualizations for model outputs.
• Learn and apply ethical AI principles, ensuring data privacy compliance.
• Collaborate on a capstone project that demonstrates AI application in public health.

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:

• Gain proficiency in handling and processing data sets for use in AI models, understanding the importance of data integrity and cleanliness.
• Learn the foundational techniques of AI and ML model development, including algorithm selection, training, and validation.
• Develop skills in effective documentation and reporting for technical projects, enhancing the ability to communicate complex AI concepts clearly.
• Acquire hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools and technologies, applying them in practical, real-world scenarios.
• Enhance collaboration and communication skills through active participation in team meetings and project discussions.
• Learn to design and implement data visualizations and dashboards that effectively communicate the results and insights derived from AI models.
• Understand and apply ethical principles in AI, focusing on issues like data privacy, model transparency, and fairness.
• Experience the end-to-end process of a project in a collaborative environment, from conception through execution and evaluation, culminating in a capstone project.

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

Three months, starting between June and July 2024.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution on Software Engineering, Computer Science, or similar 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: Collaborate effectively with AI project teams, sharing insights and learning from experienced professionals to drive project success.
• Respecting and Promoting Individual and Cultural Differences: Engage with a diverse team of experts and peers from various backgrounds, promoting an inclusive environment that values different perspectives, especially in a global health context.
• Communication: Clearly articulate complex AI concepts and project updates both orally and in writing to technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding.

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

Experience

Required:

• Advanced programming skills in languages such as Python, R, or Java, particularly those relevant to AI and data manipulation.
• Familiarity with data handling, cleaning, and visualization techniques.

Desirable:

• Introductory knowledge of machine learning algorithms and principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with complex datasets and derive insights.
• Experience with mathematical/statistical modelling and data analysis.
• Experience in the subject area through academic work or research. 

Languages

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: 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, and whether their permanent residence is in the duty station of the internship.

In Istanbul, for interns with permanent residence in the duty station, the maximum amount of the allowance provided by WHO is 19,300 Turkish Lira per month. For interns whose permanent residence is outside of the duty station, the maximum amount is is approximately 48,856 Turkish Lira 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 Istanbul will receive a lunch allowance of USD 8 per working day. 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.

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.

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 to reasonableaccommodation@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