UN FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF) 2026

Overview

The UN FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF) 2026 is run by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. FAO has over 195 Members and works in over 130 countries.

The programme aims to attract talented young women and men who are motivated to share fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and recent academic experience in FAO's fields. Interns add a practical work assignment in a field related to FAO's work to their academic knowledge. Through the experience they contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to FAO's Strategic Framework supporting the 2030 Agenda, which works toward more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.

What you get

FAO provides a monthly stipend to interns who are not sponsored by their sending university or another entity.

Who can apply

Applicants should be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a bona fide educational institution at the time of application, or be recent graduates. They must be nationals of FAO Members and aged between 21 and 30.

Requirements

FAO only considers higher educational qualifications from institutions accredited or recognised in the World Higher Education Database, maintained by the International Association of Universities and UNESCO. Candidates must specialise in a field relevant to FAO's mission and work, and must have a working knowledge of at least one FAO language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish. Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset. Candidates should adapt well to an international multicultural environment and have good communication skills.

How to apply

Applications are made online. Candidates should make sure their profile is accurate and complete, including employment records, academic qualifications and language skills.

Key dates

The application deadline is December 31, 2026.