WHO Internship in Research, Ethics and Innovation 2026 – Manila, Philippines | Apply Now
The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications for an exciting Internship in Research, Ethics and Innovation within the Division of Data, Strategy and Innovation (WPRO) in Manila, Philippines. This 12-week full-time internship offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical international experience in health research, research ethics, governance and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in health.
The internship is particularly suitable for candidates with academic backgrounds in Public Health, Health Policy, Global Health, Bioethics, Research Ethics, Health Sciences, Law, or another relevant discipline.
The WHO internship will run from September to December 2026, with applications closing on 2 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
WHO Internship 2026 – Job Overview
| Job Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Intern – Research, Ethics and Innovation |
| Organization | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Division | Data, Strategy and Innovation |
| Duty Station | Manila, Philippines |
| Contract Type | Internship |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Start Period | September 2026 |
| End Period | December 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 2 September 2026 |
| Grade | No grade |
| Salary | No salary; living allowance provided |
| Primary Language | English |
About the WHO Internship
The Research, Ethics and Innovation (REI) Unit supports countries across the Western Pacific Region in strengthening health research and development systems, research ethics and governance, and responsible AI innovation in healthcare.
The selected intern will work under the supervision of a technical expert and contribute to research and programme activities designed to support ethical, equitable and evidence-informed public health decision-making.
This is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates who want to understand how an international health organization contributes to research governance, ethics oversight and responsible innovation.
Key Responsibilities
The successful intern will support the REI Unit with a range of research and programme activities, including:
- Conducting literature reviews and evidence syntheses on research ethics, governance and responsible AI in health.
- Researching challenges affecting national ethics and governance mechanisms across Member States.
- Collecting, organizing and analysing relevant information and evidence.
- Assisting with background reports, briefing notes and presentations.
- Supporting the planning and coordination of technical meetings, workshops and webinars.
- Preparing meeting materials and documentation.
- Supporting knowledge management activities.
- Maintaining technical resources and assisting with dissemination of programme outputs.
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Internship Learning Opportunities
The WHO internship is designed to provide practical learning and professional development.
During the placement, the intern is expected to:
- Develop an understanding of WHO’s role in strengthening health research systems.
- Learn about research ethics and responsible AI adoption in health.
- Gain practical experience in literature reviews and evidence synthesis.
- Develop policy analysis and research skills.
- Improve technical writing through preparation of reports, briefing notes and presentations.
- Understand how WHO supports evidence-informed policy-making.
- Gain experience supporting regional technical meetings and expert consultations.
- Strengthen communication, analytical and project management skills.
Internship Timeline
The 12-week internship is expected to follow this indicative structure:
Weeks 1–3: Literature review and analytical framework development
Weeks 4–7: Country mapping and data compilation
Weeks 8–10: Drafting analysis
Weeks 11–12: Finalization of outputs
WHO Internship 2026 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have completed the equivalent of at least three years of full-time university studies in a relevant field.
Eligible academic backgrounds include:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Global Health
- Bioethics
- Research Ethics
- Health Sciences
- Law, including health, public or international law
- Another relevant discipline
Applicants who have already graduated may also be considered if they apply for the internship within six months of completing their formal qualification.
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Required Skills and Experience
Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
- Academic or policy research experience.
- Experience conducting literature reviews or evidence synthesis.
- Experience preparing technical reports, policy briefs or scientific manuscripts.
- Experience supporting research projects or public health programmes.
- Experience organizing meetings, workshops or academic events.
- An interest in research ethics, health research governance, implementation research or evidence-informed policy.
Applicants should also demonstrate WHO’s core competencies, including:
- Teamwork
- Effective communication
- Respect for individual and cultural differences
- Willingness to learn
- Ability to produce quality results
- Ability to work collaboratively
Familiarity with commonly used computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is expected. Knowledge of statistical software such as XLStat is an advantage.
Language Requirements
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another United Nations language.
WHO Internship Living Allowance
The WHO internship does not provide a salary, but interns receive a living allowance. The amount depends on the duty station, the intern’s permanent residence and other external financial support such as grants or scholarships.
For the Manila duty station, the vacancy states an estimated maximum allowance of:
- PHP 895.48 per day for interns whose permanent residence is in Manila.
- PHP 2,183.80 per day for interns whose permanent residence is outside Manila.
The exact allowance is calculated after selection based on the intern’s financial disclosure.
In addition, interns in Manila receive the equivalent of USD 5 for each working day to purchase lunch at the WHO Campus or elsewhere.
WHO also provides interns with accident and medical insurance coverage.
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Why Apply for a WHO Internship?
A WHO internship can provide valuable exposure to the work of a major international public health organization. For students and recent graduates interested in research, health policy, ethics, governance or responsible AI, this opportunity can provide practical experience that complements academic training.
The internship also offers exposure to international collaboration and regional public health programmes while developing research, communication, analytical and project management skills.
Important Information for Applicants
WHO internships are highly competitive, and only a limited number of applicants are accepted each year.
Candidates selected for serious consideration may be required to provide:
- Certified proof of enrolment in an eligible course.
- A completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work.
- Reference-check contact details.
- Other documentation required during the recruitment process.
WHO notes that higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the WHO Internship – Research, Ethics and Innovation is:
2 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline because WHO internships are highly competitive.
How to Apply for the WHO Internship 2026
Interested candidates should apply through the official WHO Careers website and carefully review the vacancy requirements before submitting their application.
Applicants should ensure that their educational background, research experience, technical skills and career interests clearly demonstrate their suitability for the internship.
Official Job Opening: Internship – Research, Ethics and Innovation/Division of Data, Strategy and Innovation.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Research, Ethics and Innovation Internship 2026 is a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking international experience in public health research, ethics, health governance and responsible AI.
With a 12-week placement in Manila, Philippines, practical research responsibilities, a living allowance and exposure to WHO’s regional work, the internship can provide a strong foundation for candidates pursuing careers in global health, research, policy, ethics and international development.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, consider preparing your application early and applying before the 2 September 2026 deadline.
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