PAHO Internship Programme 2026: Paid Internship Opportunities with the Pan American Health Organization
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Americas, is inviting eligible students and recent graduates to apply for its internship programme. The opportunity allows participants from diverse academic backgrounds to gain practical experience while contributing to international public health work.
The PAHO Internship Programme offers placements across headquarters, regional offices and country offices. Internships may be completed in person or virtually, depending on the placement and the needs of the relevant office.
The current generic internship roster allows applicants to identify up to two areas of professional interest. Suitable candidates may subsequently be contacted by PAHO offices when opportunities matching their academic background and skills become available.
According to the vacancy announcement, applications close on 31 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Interested candidates should submit their applications before the deadline and carefully review the eligibility requirements.
PAHO Internship Programme 2026: Overview
- Organisation: Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
- Affiliation: Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Americas
- Position: Intern
- Job reference: Req-05839
- Primary location: Washington, D.C., United States
- Other locations: Multiple PAHO offices
- Work arrangement: In person or virtual, depending on placement
- Schedule: Full-time
- Application deadline: 31 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- Financial support: Stipend or living allowance
About the Pan American Health Organization
PAHO is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System and also serves as the WHO Regional Office for the Americas. Its work involves collaborating with countries throughout the region to improve and protect public health.
The internship programme aims to provide students with practical work assignments that complement their academic education, introduce them to PAHO’s activities and provide technical departments with assistance from students specialising in different fields.
Although many interns work in health-related programmes, opportunities may also be available in communications, external relations, finance, human resources and other professional areas.
This makes the programme relevant to candidates studying public health and related disciplines, as well as students pursuing other academic fields that can contribute to the organisation’s work.
Key Responsibilities
Interns work under the supervision of a technical expert and receive assignments based on agreed terms of reference and their skills.
Depending on the placement, responsibilities may include:
- Reviewing academic literature and conducting literature surveys.
- Undertaking online research and collecting data on specific topics.
- Organising information, documents and research materials.
- Assisting with the development of tools, guidelines and technical resources.
- Drafting, editing and formatting policy briefs, toolkits, manuals, brochures and reports.
- Supporting the organisation of workshops, meetings, conferences and other events.
- Contributing to ongoing departmental projects.
The specific duties will depend on the technical area and office to which an intern is assigned.
Eligibility Requirements
Educational qualifications
Applicants must meet at least one of the following educational conditions:
- Be in the final academic year of a bachelor’s degree.
- Be enrolled in a master’s degree programme.
- Be enrolled in a doctoral programme.
- Have graduated from a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programme within the previous two years.
Applicants must also be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
Skills and experience
Candidates should demonstrate teamwork, effective communication and respect for individual and cultural differences.
PAHO also expects interns to communicate effectively in writing and orally, learn from mistakes, deliver quality results and collaborate with colleagues.
Applicants should be familiar with commonly used computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Research experience, report writing, data analysis, relevant academic projects or field experience may be advantageous, depending on the placement.
Language requirements
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of PAHO’s official working languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. Knowledge of the local language at a particular duty station may also be beneficial.
Additional eligibility conditions
Applicants must not have previously participated in PAHO’s internship programme. They must also meet the organisation’s restrictions concerning relationships with PAHO staff members and certain individuals employed by national governments or local authorities.
Candidates should consult the official vacancy announcement for the full conditions.
Stipend, Insurance and Other Benefits
PAHO interns receive a stipend, described in the vacancy announcement as a living allowance. However, the announcement does not specify the amount.
Applicants should consider the cost of living and accommodation, particularly if their placement requires relocation. Interns are responsible for obtaining and financing any necessary visas.
PAHO provides insurance covering medical expenses, death and permanent disability for the duration of the internship, at the organisation’s expense.
The internship is a learning opportunity and does not guarantee future employment with PAHO. Former interns are ineligible for appointment to a PAHO position for six months following the conclusion of their internship.
Required Documents and Application Process
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official PAHO careers portal.
- Search for PAHO Internships using requisition number Req-05839.
- Complete the online application and select up to two areas of interest.
- Upload a current CV and relevant academic information.
- Include a motivation letter, which PAHO strongly recommends.
- Submit the application before the stated deadline.
Candidates selected for further consideration may be interviewed. If selected, applicants will need to provide certified proof of enrolment or relevant academic records, a supporting letter from a professor and a medical certificate of fitness for work, as required by PAHO.
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and the selection process is competitive.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
The PAHO Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience within an international public health organisation. With potential placements across multiple offices and professional disciplines, the programme may suit candidates interested in research, health policy, communications, finance and other areas supporting public health.
Eligible applicants should review the official requirements, prepare their supporting documents and submit their applications before 31 December 2026.
