About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme provides opportunities for individuals to contribute their volunteer actions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework, supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. Volunteers will be assigned to a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO under the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) with a duration of up to a maximum of 6 months.
Salary and benefits
- Opportunity to contribute to international efforts to end hunger and achieve food security
- Gaining professional experience within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Note: FAO does not provide any remuneration to volunteers.
Who can apply?
- Must have completed secondary school education
- Working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish); knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset
- Be nationals of FAO Members
- Candidates should be aged 18 or older
- Candidates should be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment and have good communication skills
- Relevant working or research experience in one of the fields of the Organization
- Candidates with family members (mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, or son) employed by FAO under any type of contractual arrangement are not eligible
- Selected candidates should have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment prior to joining the Organization
Required documents
- Letter of motivation
- Copy of academic qualifications
- Complete online profile including employment records and language skills
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: 24/Jan/2026
- Closure Date: 25/Aug/2026, 9:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile with employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Attach a letter of motivation and copy of academic qualifications to the online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).
- Qualified female applicants and qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members, as well as candidates from Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are encouraged to apply.
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
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…
- Nationals of FAO Member countries aged 18+ who have completed secondary school.
- Individuals with research or working experience in FAO's fields of operation.
- Those comfortable working in multicultural, international environments.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a self-funded volunteer position with no remuneration.
- Candidates must already possess the same residence or immigration status required for their proposed assignment country.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a great way to build a professional network and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals while gaining experience in agri-food systems across Africa.
Our take
Excellent for early-career professionals or students wanting to enter the UN system without pay, in exchange for high-level professional experience.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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