FAO Internship Programme 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, Requirements and How to Apply

Overview

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is running an Internship Programme for Africa through a Call for Expression of Interest, handled under the organizational unit RAF. It lets students and recent graduates gain practical experience in food security, agriculture, nutrition, sustainable development and resilient agri-food systems. Assignments are held at various locations and last from three months to 11 months, depending on organizational needs and the specific assignment. Interns work under a supervisor on the responsibilities set out in the Terms of Reference of the hiring office.

What you get

Interns apply what they have studied to real assignments in an international, multicultural setting, and build skills in communication, teamwork, research and knowledge sharing. A monthly stipend may be provided where the intern is not financially supported by a university or another sponsoring organization.

Who can apply

Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years old and be nationals of FAO Members. They must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognized institution at the time of applying, or be recent graduates. The institution's qualifications must be recognized or accredited under the World Higher Education Database framework referenced by FAO, and the applicant's field of study must be relevant to FAO's work.

A working knowledge of at least one FAO official language is required: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish. Another FAO language is an advantage. FAO looks for results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, along with the ability to adapt to a multicultural environment.

Key dates

The call was posted on 25 January 2026, and applications close on 25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM.