Internship Programme for FAO headquarters (HQ) 2026 – Call for Expression of Interest

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is at the forefront of global efforts to end hunger and achieve food security for all. With 195 member countries and operations in over 130 countries worldwide, FAO ensures that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives.

FAO believes that everyone can play a part in ending hunger — from local communities to global partners, and now, through its Internship Programme, passionate young professionals can contribute too.

About the FAO Internship Programme

The FAO Internship Programme offers a valuable opportunity for young women and men to gain hands-on experience in FAO’s areas of work. It is designed to attract talented and motivated individuals who wish to share their innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and academic expertise to support FAO’s mission.

Interns will contribute directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and FAO’s Strategic Framework to advance the 2030 Agenda — transforming global agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Through this experience, interns support FAO’s vision of achieving:

• Better Production
• Better Nutrition
• A Better Environment
• A Better Life — leaving no one behind.

Reporting and Technical Focus

Each intern will report to an assigned FAO supervisor.
Assignments vary depending on the intern’s academic background and the specific needs of the Organization.

Interns will perform functions as outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) provided by their hiring office.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme, or a recent graduate from a recognized institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• Field of Study: Specialization in a field relevant to FAO’s mandate (agriculture, food security, environmental science, economics, etc.).
• Language: Working knowledge of at least one FAO language — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish. Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.
• Nationality: Must be a national of an FAO Member Nation.
• Age: Between 21 and 30 years old.
• Skills: Adaptability to an international, multicultural environment and strong communication skills.

FAO looks for candidates who demonstrate:

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical & Functional Skills

Applicants should have relevant academic studies and knowledge in one or more of FAO’s technical areas.

All interns are expected to embody FAO’s core values:

• Commitment to FAO’s mission
• Respect for All
• Integrity and Transparency

Application process

1. Visit the official FAO recruitment portal: Jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2502231
2. Create and complete your online profile, ensuring all academic qualifications, employment records, and language skills are accurate and up-to-date.
3. Attach the following documents:
   • A motivational letter
   • Proof of university enrollment or a copy of your academic qualifications
4. Submit your application through the portal. Only applications submitted via the FAO recruitment website will be considered.
5. Ensure your credentials are from institutions recognized by IAU/UNESCO (verify here).
6. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If not selected, candidates can re-apply to future internship calls.
It’s strongly recommended to apply early before the deadline.

For assistance or technical support, visit: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

Additional Information

• FAO does not charge any fees during any part of the recruitment process (application, interview, or processing).
• Qualified female candidates and applicants from underrepresented countries, Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• Candidates who have previously completed an FAO internship are not eligible to apply again.
• Selected candidates must have legal residence or immigration status in the country of assignment before joining.
• Candidates with immediate family members (parents, siblings) employed by FAO are not eligible.
• A monthly stipend may be provided to interns who are not sponsored by their university or another entity.

Joining the FAO Internship Programme is more than just a professional opportunity — it’s a chance to make a real impact on global food systems, sustainability, and the fight against hunger.

If you’re passionate about global development, sustainability, and food security, this is your chance to be part of the change.