Internship – Integrated Communicable Disease Unit, DDC

Interns for the Integrated Communicable Disease Unit, Division of Programmes for Disease Control

Western Pacific Regional Office, World Health Organization

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
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The Integrated Communicable Diseases (ICD) unit is placed at the core of the division to tackle communicable diseases in the Western Pacific Region in achieving the goals of “Reaching the Unreached”. ICD unit integrates End TB and Leprosy, HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections, Malaria, Dengue, and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Surveillance to take a systems approach for impact-oriented implementation of communicable disease control programmes at regional and country levels. ICD works for action across government and society in strengthening integrated, people-centred care and prevention of communicable diseases by advocating for bold policies and supportive system, intensified research, and innovation, establishing strong partnerships and strengthening surveillance, monitoring and evaluation. Focus areas of the programme are regional and country adaptation of evidence-based policies and strategies, facilitation of coordinated multisectoral actions, and enhancement of intervention and service delivery.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Terms of reference

Under the supervision of a technical expert in communicable diseases and reaching the unreached, and in line with the ICD research agenda and planned technical products, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference:

Research and Analysis:

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Conduct in-depth research on a prioritized topic related to communicable diseases of public health concern and aligned with the Research Agenda for Reaching the Unreached in the Western Pacific Region.

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Utilize a variety of research methodologies, including literature review, secondary data analysis, and, if applicable, qualitative methods such as interviews with key stakeholders.

Knowledge Dissemination:

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Prepare and submit a research paper based on the findings for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Develop and present findings in various formats such as seminars, webinars, or workshops, to maximize impact and outreach.

Technical Material Development:

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Create 1-2 products of mutual interest within the communicable diseases domain. These materials, such as technical briefs, tools, communication materials, guides, manuals, or reports, should be practical, evidence-based, and aligned with WHO’s standards and objectives.

Meeting Participation and Learning:

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Actively participate in relevant meetings, both online and onsite, to deepen understanding of the field and the operations of the World Health Organization.

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Engage in these meetings not just as an attendee but as a contributor, offering insights and learning from others’ expertise.

Professional Development:

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Engage in opportunities for skill and knowledge development, including attending WHO-led training sessions and workshops related to communicable diseases and public health.

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Network with professionals within WHO and in the broader public health community to build connections and gain a more comprehensive understanding of global health challenges.

Reporting and Evaluation:

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Regularly report progress on assigned tasks and projects to the assigned supervisor.

<– [if supportLists]–>•<–[endif]–>Participate in periodic evaluations to assess the effectiveness and impact of the internship experience, both for personal development and contribution to the unit.

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:

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>Understand the objectives of the programme/area of work

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>Communicate clearly about the programme/area of work

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>Understand the difference of work between headquarters, regional offices and country offices

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>Know how to conduct and review literature surveys

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>Know how to assemble data and prepare a comprehensive analysis

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>Prepare background documents for meetings

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>Develop the outline of a document

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

12 weeks – tentative start date, 15 January 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; 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 such as XLStat may be an advantage.

Experience

• Experience in research and/or in drafting reports
• Experience in the subject area through academic work or research
• Field and/or developing country experience
• 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
• More specific experience such as specialized computer programmes

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. 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. 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.

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to putthe WHO Values Charterinto 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.

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>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.

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>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.

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>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

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

<– [if supportLists]–>·<–[endif]–>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.