About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger, achieve food security, and ensure regular access to adequate quality food. The FAO Volunteer Programme strategically gathers a wide range of voluntary services from citizens of FAO Members to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the FAO Strategic Framework. This Call for Expressions of Interest seeks dedicated individuals to contribute to the mission and activities of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP). Volunteers work under a designated supervisor on tasks established by the duty station for a maximum duration of 6 months.
Salary and benefits
- Gain professional experience within an international United Nations specialized agency.
- Contribute directly to global Sustainable Development Goals and food security initiatives.
- Develop intercultural communication skills in a diverse, multicultural work environment.
Who can apply?
- Must hold the nationality of one of the FAO Member countries.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must possess an educational level equivalent to at least secondary school completion.
- Must be fluent in at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish); knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.
- Must be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment and possess good communication skills.
- Must not have a first-degree relative (mother, father, sister, brother, son, or daughter) employed by FAO under any contract type.
Required documents
- Online application form acting as a personal history profile detailing work experience, education, and language skills
- Cover letter
- Copies of diplomas and academic credentials
When to apply
- Call published on September 21, 2026.
- Application deadline is December 31, 2026, at 22:59:00 UTC.
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal via 'Jobs at FAO'.
- Complete the online application form ensuring exact and complete details on experience, education, and languages.
- Attach the required cover letter and copies of diplomas to the online form.
- Submit the application through the recruitment portal before the deadline.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).
- Selected candidates must be in regular status regarding residence or right to stay in the proposed duty station prior to joining.
- Volunteers receive no remuneration or financial compensation from FAO.
- Women, nationals of non-represented or under-represented FAO Members, and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
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…
- An ideal opportunity for individuals passionate about food security, agriculture, and international development in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Well-suited for professionals or students seeking hands-on experience within a major United Nations agency.
- Great fit for candidates possessing secondary-level education or higher who wish to contribute their skills on a voluntary basis.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is strictly voluntary and provides no remuneration or financial compensation.
- Assignments have a maximum duration of up to 6 months.
- Candidates must independently secure valid residence or work authorization for the duty station before commencing the assignment.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This volunteer placement is well-aligned with goals to build practical international development experience, establish UN network connections, and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability initiatives without requiring a long-term career commitment upfront.
Our take
Applicants passionate about international cooperation who have independent financial means to support themselves during a non-remunerated placement should seriously consider applying.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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