Kick Start Your Career: Explore FAO Young Professional Officer Opportunities (YPP) for 2026: International Careers for Young Professionals from Developing Countries
Overview
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened nine Young Professional Officer vacancies under its Young Professionals Programme (YPP). The programme lets young professionals start careers as international civil servants, working within FAO teams on technical, policy, programme and operational activities linked to food systems, climate action, nutrition, finance and sustainable development. It also supports FAO's aim of greater geographical diversity in its workforce.
The current vacancies cover food loss and waste, aquatic value chains, economics, communications, programme support, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), school food and nutrition, finance, and climate change and natural resources management. The intake is not limited to technical agricultural posts, so candidates from communications, administration, economics and finance backgrounds may also find a fit.
Who can apply
The programme is aimed at young professionals from FAO Member Nations. Priority consideration is given to candidates from Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and developing countries more broadly. Candidates should read the requirements of each vacancy and check how their qualifications and experience match the position.
What you get
Successful candidates gain experience working with international teams, technical experts, policymakers and development stakeholders, which can support later careers in international development, agriculture, climate policy, economics, nutrition, communications and multilateral organisations.
How to apply
FAO is holding outreach webinars to explain eligibility, the application and selection processes and how to prepare a competitive application. The webinars will be held in English, French, Arabic and Chinese. The source says more FAO YPP vacancies are expected.
Key dates
The outreach webinars take place between 20 and 27 August 2026. No application deadline is stated.