About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Internship Programme aims to attract talented young individuals who are motivated to share new perspectives, innovative ideas, and academic experience in FAO’s domains. The programme provides a learning opportunity to supplement academic knowledge with a practical work assignment related to FAO’s work, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework. Interns are assigned to different fields of work according to their profile and the needs of the organization.
Salary and benefits
- FAO provides a monthly stipend to interns if they are not sponsored by sending universities or other entities.
- Practical work experience in an international multicultural environment related to FAO's mission and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Who can apply?
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme in a bona fide educational institution at the time of application, or be a recent graduate.
- Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Candidates must specialize in a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO.
- Working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish); knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.
- Must be nationals of FAO Members.
- Aged between 21 and 30 years old.
- Able to adapt to an international multicultural environment and possess good communication skills.
- Candidates who have already undertaken an internship assignment at FAO are not eligible.
- Candidates with family members (mother, father, sister, or brother) 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
- Evidence of attendance in a recognized university or a copy of academic qualifications
- Completed online profile including employment records, academic qualifications, 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 FAO recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile accurately.
- Attach a letter of motivation and evidence of university attendance or copy of academic qualifications to your online profile.
- Apply and submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal.
- Provide consent for personal information sharing for employment support services when prompted before submitting.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Duration of the internship is from 3 months to 11 months.
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- 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…
- Current undergraduate or graduate students, or recent graduates aged 21-30.
- Individuals with academic specialization in fields relevant to FAO's mission of sustainable agri-food systems.
- Those proficient in at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish).
What should you think carefully about?
- You must already possess the required residence or immigration status for the country where you are assigned.
- The internship lasts between 3 and 11 months, which may require planning around academic calendars.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is an ideal opportunity for those looking to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. By contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, you can build a high-profile international resume while gaining practical experience in a multicultural environment.
Our take
Highly recommended for students or recent graduates (21-30) with a background in agri-food systems who want a paid entry-level UN experience in the Near East and North Africa region.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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