The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced applications for its Intern – Collaborative Analysis position at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin, Germany. The full-time internship offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in pandemic and epidemic intelligence while working with one of the world’s leading public health organizations.
Applications are open until 3 August 2026, with the successful candidate expected to begin the 24-week internship on 19 October 2026.
Internship Overview
The internship is hosted by WHO’s Health Emergency Intelligence and Surveillance (EIS) division, which focuses on strengthening global capacity to detect, assess, and respond to public health threats through collaborative intelligence and data-driven decision-making.
Position Details:
- Position: Intern – Collaborative Analysis
- Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Contract Type: Internship
- Duration: 24 weeks
- Start Date: 19 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 3 August 2026
- Schedule: Full-time
About the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence
The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence was established in Berlin to improve global preparedness for health emergencies by promoting collaboration, innovation, and advanced analytics.
The hub works alongside governments, researchers, international organizations, and public health experts to generate timely insights that support faster and more informed responses to disease outbreaks and pandemics.
Its mission includes:
- Improving global pandemic preparedness.
- Supporting evidence-based public health decisions.
- Strengthening international collaboration.
- Enhancing surveillance and health intelligence systems.
- Reducing fragmentation in global health data and analytics.
Key Responsibilities
The selected intern will support the Collaborative Analysis Unit in a variety of technical and research activities related to pandemic and epidemic intelligence.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Conducting literature reviews and systematic research.
- Supporting landscape analyses of public health intelligence tools.
- Documenting existing analytical tools and methodologies.
- Assisting with data collection, analysis, and revisions for ongoing epidemics.
- Preparing materials for technical meetings and publications.
- Drafting policy briefs, reports, guidance documents, and web content.
- Supporting ongoing projects within the Collaborative Analysis Unit.
- Assisting with surveys, protocols, and evidence synthesis.
The internship offers exposure to international public health research and provides practical experience in supporting global health emergency preparedness initiatives.
Learning Opportunities
WHO states that the internship is designed to provide valuable professional development for students and recent graduates interested in epidemiology, public health, and health intelligence.
Participants will gain practical knowledge in:
- Conducting systematic literature reviews.
- Developing research protocols.
- Performing landscape analyses.
- Summarizing scientific evidence.
- Understanding pandemic and epidemic intelligence systems.
- Supporting collaborative analysis and data-driven decision-making.
- Preparing technical reports and scientific documentation.
Eligibility Requirements
WHO is seeking motivated applicants currently pursuing higher education or those who have recently completed their studies.
Applicants must:
- Have completed at least three years of full-time university education before the internship begins.
- Be enrolled in a university programme leading to a formal qualification, or have graduated within the previous 18 months.
- Be studying data science, epidemiology, public health, medicine, or a related discipline.
Skills and Qualifications
Candidates should demonstrate strong research, analytical, and communication skills.
WHO is looking for applicants with:
- Knowledge of systematic literature reviews.
- Experience conducting landscape analyses.
- Familiarity with scientific publications.
- Basic understanding of epidemiology.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Fluency in English.
Knowledge of statistical software or additional United Nations languages would be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
Financial Support for Interns
Although WHO internships are unpaid, selected interns receive financial assistance to help cover living expenses.
Support provided includes:
- Monthly living allowance of up to €684 for interns whose permanent residence is in Berlin.
- Monthly living allowance of up to €1,488 for interns relocating from outside Berlin.
- Daily lunch vouchers.
- Medical insurance coverage.
- Accident insurance throughout the internship.
The exact allowance depends on each intern’s financial circumstances and any external funding they receive.
Important Information for Applicants
WHO notes that internships are highly competitive, with only a limited number of candidates selected each year.
Successful applicants will be required to provide:
- Proof of university enrolment or recent graduation.
- A medical certificate confirming fitness for work.
- References for background verification.
- Required visa documentation, where applicable.
Applicants should also be aware that securing accommodation in Berlin can be challenging and should plan accordingly before accepting an internship offer.
Application Deadline
Students and recent graduates interested in global public health, epidemiology, data analysis, and pandemic preparedness are encouraged to submit their applications before 3 August 2026.
The Collaborative Analysis Internship offers a unique opportunity to work alongside international experts, contribute to global health intelligence initiatives, and gain valuable experience supporting WHO’s mission to strengthen pandemic preparedness and improve responses to future public health emergencies.
