Applications are now open for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Internship Programme, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain valuable international work experience with one of the world’s leading United Nations agencies. The programme is designed to attract talented young people who are passionate about food security, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, rural development, and global development.
The FAO Internship Programme allows participants to apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment while contributing to projects that support the organization’s mission of achieving food security, improving nutrition, promoting sustainable agriculture, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About the FAO Internship Programme
The FAO Internship Programme is a learning opportunity created for highly motivated undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and recent graduates who wish to gain practical experience in areas related to FAO’s work.
Interns work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to ongoing projects, and develop valuable technical and professional skills while gaining insight into the operations of an international organization.
Internship Benefits
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience in an international work environment
- Work alongside experts in agriculture, food security, climate, and sustainable development
- Apply academic knowledge to real-world development projects
- Develop professional and technical skills
- Expand international networks
- Enhance future career opportunities within international organizations
- Learn about the United Nations system and FAO’s global programmes
Internship Duration
The internship lasts between:
- 3 and 11 months
The exact duration depends on the department, assignment, and organizational requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of an FAO Member country.
Education
Candidates must be:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme; or
- Currently enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate degree programme; or
- Recent graduates from a recognized educational institution.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have a working knowledge of at least one FAO official language:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Russian
Knowledge of a second FAO official language is considered an advantage.
Age Requirement
Applicants should be:
- Between 21 and 30 years old at the beginning of the internship.
- The internship must begin before the applicant turns 31.
Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work in multicultural and international environments
- Adaptability and teamwork
- Knowledge of standard computer applications
- Interest in FAO’s areas of work
Residence and Visa Requirements
Applicants must possess the necessary residence or immigration status required in the country where the internship will take place before the internship begins.
Family Relationship Restriction
Applicants are not eligible if they have immediate family members (mother, father, brother, or sister) employed by FAO under any type of contract.
Areas of Work
Internships may be available across a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Agriculture
- Food Security
- Climate Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Fisheries
- Forestry
- Nutrition
- Rural Development
- Environmental Science
- Economics
- Statistics
- Data Analysis
- Information Technology
- Communications
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Procurement
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Policy Development
- Sustainable Development
- International Relations
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
What You’ll Gain
During the internship, participants may:
- Support research and policy development
- Contribute to technical projects
- Assist programme implementation
- Participate in international initiatives
- Prepare reports and analytical documents
- Conduct data collection and analysis
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
- Gain exposure to global development challenges
Ideal Candidate
FAO seeks candidates who demonstrate:
- Academic excellence
- Passion for sustainable development
- Interest in agriculture and food systems
- Strong analytical skills
- Professionalism
- Innovation
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
- Commitment to international cooperation
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official FAO Careers Portal.
- Apply through the General Call for Expressions of Interest for the Internship Programme.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents, including:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Proof of enrolment or graduation from a recognized university
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Applicants who are not selected may reapply when new Calls for Expressions of Interest are published.
Why Choose FAO?
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations works to eliminate hunger, improve nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, reduce rural poverty, and build resilient food systems worldwide. An internship with FAO provides a unique opportunity to contribute to these global priorities while developing practical experience in an international professional environment.
Whether your interests lie in agriculture, climate change, economics, environmental science, technology, policy, or international development, the FAO Internship Programme offers valuable exposure to meaningful work that supports communities around the world.
Conclusion
The FAO Internship Programme is an outstanding opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking international experience within the United Nations system. With internships lasting between 3 and 11 months, participants gain hands-on experience, strengthen professional skills, and contribute to impactful projects that support global food security and sustainable development goals.
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