IFAD Internship Programme 2026: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply for the Six-Month Internship
Overview
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and United Nations specialized agency working to reduce rural poverty and hunger. Its Internship Programme offers university students and recent graduates a six-month learning experience in fields linked to its mission, such as agriculture, rural development, food security, economics, policy, finance, administration, research and communications. Assignments vary with organizational needs.
Who can apply
For the regular programme, applicants must meet one of these academic conditions: be enrolled at an accredited university or graduate school, have attended university courses in the previous 12 months, have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the time they join, or be a recent graduate of undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Candidates must be 30 or younger and fluent in English. Other official IFAD languages are an advantage, and interns for certain country, multi-country or regional offices may need fluency in the main language used there.
The Enhanced Internship Programme is for eligible young professionals who are not based in Rome, and aims to widen geographic diversity among IFAD personnel. The same academic, language and age requirements apply.
What you get
Interns receive a monthly allowance and gain exposure to the work of an international financial institution in a multicultural setting, building research, communication, analytical, organizational and teamwork skills. Participants in the Enhanced Internship Programme also receive housing and travel allowances.
How to apply
Applicants should review the specific opportunity, confirm that they meet the age, academic and language requirements, and submit a complete, accurate application. A CV should present education, skills, achievements, projects, volunteer work and any previous experience, and the application should show interest in international development and how the academic background fits.