WHO, Internship - Mental health

Under the overall coordination of the Unit Head, MHS, interns are supervised by a staff member and, depending on their profile, skills and the needs of the Unit, may contribute to one or several activities within the MHS Unit’s mental health area of work

The intern may assist with activities such as:

• Undertaking literature reviews, desk research and evidence synthesis on relevant topics;
• Supporting the collection, organization, validation and analysis of information and data;
• Contributing to the preparation and review of technical documents, reports, briefs, presentations and other knowledge products;
• Supporting the development, adaptation and dissemination of technical resources and materials;
• Providing administrative and organizational support for multi-stakeholder meetings, technical consultations, workshops, webinars and other events, including preparation and documentation;
• Supporting communication and knowledge-sharing activities related to the work of the Unit;
• Contributing to stakeholder mapping and the organization of information relating to relevant initiatives, programmes and partners;
• Supporting ongoing technical projects and activities on mental health within the MHS Unit; and
• Carrying out other related tasks according to the intern's profile and the needs of the Unit.

Candidates are requested to identify their top three interests among the following unit activities:

1. mental health policy, legislation and human rights
2. mental health promotion, child and young people’s mental health
3. suicide prevention
4. mental health services (e.g. mental health in primary care, community teams, hospital care)
5. psychological and/or pharmacological interventions (including digital technologies)
6. mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies
7. mental health data, analysis and epidemiology
8. strengthening inclusion and engagement of people with lived experience

Applicants must have completed a minimum of three years of full-time university studies (or equivalent) prior to commencing the internship and must either be currently enrolled in a course of study leading to a formal qualification or have graduated within the 18 months preceding their application.

Preference will be given to candidates with more advanced university qualifications, particularly those with completed postgraduate studies.

The applicant’s university studies must be either
(a) in public health, global health, epidemiology, health policy - with course work in mental health
(b) psychiatry, psychology, mental health nursing, or mental health social work.

Experience gained through academic work, research, volunteering, advocacy or other activities in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:

• Mental health, public health or global health, including mental health advocacy and activities;
• Research, literature reviews or evidence synthesis on a health-related topic;
• Data collection, management or analysis on a health-related topic;
• Drafting reports, briefs or other written products on a health-related topic;
• Organization of meetings, events or consultations on a health-related topic;
• Work in multicultural or international environments.

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.