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, high-quality food. The FAO Volunteer Program offers individuals the opportunity to provide volunteer support to the Organization’s work under the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the FAO Strategic Framework. Volunteers are assigned to activity sectors aligned with FAO’s mission to make agrifood systems more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This call for expressions of interest is for the Africa Regional Office (RAF) with various duty stations. Selected volunteers will support organizational tasks under the direction of an assigned supervisor for a maximum duration of up to 6 months.
Salary and benefits
- Gain professional experience within a specialized United Nations agency
- Contribute directly to global food security, nutrition, and sustainable development initiatives
- Work within a multicultural, international environment and develop professional networks
- Note: FAO does not provide any remuneration or financial compensation to volunteers
Who can apply?
- Hold at least a secondary school education level
- 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
- Hold nationality of one of the FAO Member nations
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment and possess good communication skills
- Note: Candidates whose first-degree relative (mother, father, sister, brother, son, or daughter) is employed by FAO under any contract type are not eligible
Required documents
- Completed online personal history form via the FAO recruitment portal
- Cover letter
- Copy of diplomas/educational certificates
When to apply
- Application opening date: September 21, 2026
- Application deadline: December 31, 2026, at 22:59 UTC
How to apply
- Access the Jobs at FAO recruitment portal
- Fill out the online application form ensuring complete and accurate details regarding your work experience, education, and languages
- Attach your cover letter and copies of your diplomas
- Submit your application through the recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- Selected candidates must be regularized regarding residency or the right to stay in the proposed duty station prior to joining the organization
- FAO applies a zero-tolerance policy towards behavior incompatible with its mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
- Background and reference checks will be conducted for selected candidates
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process
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…
- Ideal for students, professionals, or retirees looking to apply their skills toward international development and food security goals.
- A strong fit for individuals seeking hands-on experience within a major United Nations agency without requiring an advanced university degree.
- Well-suited for multilingual candidates who thrive in diverse, multicultural environments and wish to build a global professional network.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is completely unpaid, meaning applicants must independently finance their living expenses and relocation costs.
- Assignments last for a maximum of up to six months, offering a relatively short-term engagement.
- Candidates must ensure they possess the proper legal residency or right to stay in the designated duty station prior to appointment.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This volunteer program offers a strategic stepping stone for individuals aiming to enter the international humanitarian or development sector. While unpaid, the credential and practical exposure gained within a specialized UN body can substantially strengthen future career applications in global agriculture, sustainability, and public policy.
Our take
Candidates who are in a financial position to undertake unremunerated service and want practical experience within the United Nations should seriously consider applying. Those requiring financial compensation or long-term employment security should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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