About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security worldwide. Through the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Europe and Central Asia (REU), volunteers contribute their actions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework to support the 2030 Agenda. Placements are assigned in technical fields relevant to FAO’s mission, supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems across the Europe and Central Asia region.
Salary and benefits
- Volunteer assignment with FAO for up to a maximum duration of 6 months.
- Practical experience contributing directly to UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO's Strategic Framework.
- Professional exposure within an international United Nations specialized agency environment.
Who can apply?
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have completed secondary school education.
- Must be a national of an FAO Member country.
- Working knowledge of at least one official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish); knowledge of a second official language is an asset.
- Relevant working or research experience in one of the fields of the Organization.
- Ability to adapt to an international multicultural environment and demonstrate good communication skills.
- Must possess appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment prior to joining.
- Ineligible: Candidates with family members (mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, or son) employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement.
Required documents
- Completed online candidate profile (including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills)
- Motivation letter
- Copy of academic qualifications
When to apply
- Position posted on September 21, 2026.
- Application closing date is December 31, 2026, at 10:59:00 PM.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date.
How to apply
- Visit the Jobs at FAO recruitment website and complete your online applicant profile.
- Ensure all employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills are accurately documented.
- Attach a letter of motivation and a copy of your academic qualifications to the online profile.
- Submit your application through the official FAO recruitment portal before the closing deadline.
- Provide consent for personal information processing and background screening as prompted.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Qualified female applicants, nationals of under-represented Members, and candidates from LIFDCs, LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Only shortlisted and qualified candidates will be contacted directly for interviews.
- FAO operates as a non-smoking environment and maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates passionate about agricultural development, food security, and UN Sustainable Development Goals seeking structured field experience.
- Individuals with completed secondary or higher education who possess working knowledge of an official FAO language.
- Applicants who already hold valid residence or immigration status in a country within Europe or Central Asia where FAO operates.
What should you think carefully about?
- This position is unremunerated; FAO provides no salary, stipend, or financial allowance to volunteers.
- Volunteers must secure and fund their own immigration status and living expenses in the country of assignment prior to starting.
- The placement is temporary and fixed-term, lasting up to a maximum of six months.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This volunteer scheme is well-suited for early-career professionals and students seeking practical exposure to international development and agri-food systems. While unsalaried, it offers clear experience within the UN system, expanding professional networks and building technical knowledge across Europe and Central Asia.
Our take
A good opportunity for self-funded candidates looking to gain United Nations volunteer experience in food security and sustainable development. It is unsuited for those who require salary coverage or relocation financial support.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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