The FAO Young Professionals Programme offers qualified young professionals an opportunity to begin an international career with the United Nations food and agriculture agency. Explore eligibility and application requirements.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) offers a Young Professionals Programme (YPP) for talented young professionals seeking to build an international career in food security, agriculture and sustainable development.
The programme primarily targets nationals of countries that are non-represented or underrepresented within FAO, with priority consideration for candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and developing countries generally.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) |
| Programme | Young Professionals Programme (YPP) |
| Opportunity type | International professional career |
| Target applicants | Qualified young professionals |
| Maximum age | 32 years or younger as of 31 December of the application year |
| Education | Advanced university degree |
| Experience | At least one year of relevant professional experience |
| Languages | Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language |
| Initial contract | 2 years |
| Application deadline | Varies by vacancy |
About the FAO Young Professionals Programme
The FAO Young Professionals Programme is a recruitment initiative designed to help talented young professionals begin careers as international civil servants.
Young Professional Officers work under the supervision of senior staff and collaborate with international and national colleagues.
Their assignments may involve the identification, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of FAO activities. Depending on the role, the work may have a country-specific, regional, sector-based or thematic focus.
Who Can Apply?
Candidates must meet the programme’s stated requirements to be considered.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be 32 years old or younger as of 31 December of the year in which they apply.
Academic Qualifications
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree, PhD or equivalent qualification, in a field relevant to FAO’s work.
Professional Experience
Applicants must have at least one year of professional experience in a field relevant to FAO’s activities.
Language Requirements
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of at least one other FAO official language:
- French
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Russian
Family Relationship Restriction
Applicants must not be the son, daughter, brother or sister of an FAO staff member.
Which Candidates Receive Priority Consideration?
The programme primarily targets talented professionals from non-represented or underrepresented FAO member countries.
Priority consideration is given to candidates from:
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
- Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
- Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)
- Developing countries generally
Applicants should review the individual vacancy and the applicable eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Contract Duration and Career Level
Successful candidates are offered a two-year fixed-term contract, subject to a one-year probationary period.
According to FAO, Young Professional Officers are generally appointed at P-1 Step 1 and move to P-1 Step 2 during the second year of the assignment.
The programme provides an opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals while contributing to FAO’s activities at country, regional or thematic levels.
Application Process
FAO directs interested candidates to its official vacancy listing, where available Young Professionals Programme opportunities can be identified.
To apply, candidates should:
- Visit the official FAO vacancies page.
- Locate opportunities marked YPP (Young Professionals Programme).
- Read the specific vacancy announcement carefully.
- Check the academic, experience, language and other eligibility requirements.
- Submit the application according to the instructions and deadline in the vacancy notice.
FAO states that the application and selection process is conducted in English.
FAO YPP Information Webinars
FAO hosted outreach webinars in August 2026 to explain the Young Professionals Programme, provide application guidance and answer questions about the selection process.
The sessions were offered in English, French, Arabic and Chinese. Recordings are listed on the official programme page for prospective applicants who want to learn more about the programme and its vacancies.
Application Deadline
There is no single application deadline for all FAO Young Professionals Programme opportunities stated on the supplied programme page.
Candidates should check the closing date of each individual YPP vacancy and submit a complete application before the stated deadline.
How to Apply
Applications should be made through FAO’s official recruitment platform.
View FAO Vacancies and Search for YPP Opportunities – Official Website
Read the FAO Young Professionals Programme Details – Official Website
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The FAO Young Professionals Programme may be particularly relevant to young professionals interested in agriculture, food security, rural development, international development and related fields.
The combination of a two-year fixed-term contract, international professional exposure and work on FAO activities makes the programme worth exploring for eligible candidates.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the age limit, advanced degree requirement, minimum professional experience and language criteria. The programme is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAO Young Professionals Programme?
It is a recruitment initiative designed to help qualified young professionals begin international careers with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
What is the maximum age for applicants?
Candidates must be 32 years old or younger as of 31 December of the application year.
What degree is required?
Applicants must hold an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree, PhD or equivalent, in a field relevant to FAO’s work.
Is work experience required?
Yes. Candidates must have at least one year of relevant professional experience.
Which languages are required?
Applicants need working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian.
How long is the FAO YPP contract?
The initial fixed-term contract lasts two years, subject to a one-year probationary period.
Which countries receive priority consideration?
FAO gives priority consideration to candidates from SIDS, LDCs, LLDCs and developing countries generally, while targeting talented professionals from non-represented or underrepresented member countries.
Is the programme open to every nationality?
The supplied information describes the programme as primarily targeting nationals of non-represented or underrepresented member countries. Candidates should verify their eligibility against the specific vacancy requirements.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline depends on the individual YPP vacancy. Applicants should check the official FAO vacancies page for current openings and closing dates.
Where can applicants find available positions?
Candidates can visit the official FAO vacancies page and look for the YPP (Young Professionals Programme) category.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with FAO and do not recruit applicants on its behalf. Candidates should verify current vacancies, eligibility requirements and deadlines through the official FAO recruitment platform before applying.
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