About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger. The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that support the Organization’s work in relation to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The programme strategically mobilizes volunteer services from citizens of FAO members to help eradicate hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. Volunteers are assigned to an area relevant to the mission and work of the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC). Selected volunteers perform functions specified in their terms of reference prepared by the hiring office, reporting to an assigned supervisor.
Salary and benefits
- Gain professional experience within a specialized agency of the United Nations
- Contribute directly to global goals on food security and sustainable agriculture
- Work within a multicultural international environment
Who can apply?
- Must have completed secondary education
- Must be a citizen of an FAO Member nation
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish), with knowledge of a second FAO language considered an asset
- Ability to adapt to an international multicultural environment and possess good communication skills
- Relevant work or research experience in one of the FAO's fields of competence
- Candidates with family members employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement are not eligible to participate
Required documents
- Online profile containing employment background, academic degrees, and language knowledge
- Cover letter
- Copies of academic degrees
When to apply
- Call open date: September 21, 2026
- Application deadline: December 31, 2026, at 22:59 UTC
How to apply
- Access the FAO recruitment web portal and complete or update your online profile
- Attach your motivation letter and copies of academic degrees to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- The assignment duration is up to a maximum of 6 months
- FAO does not provide remuneration or financial compensation to volunteers
- Selected candidates must have appropriate resident or immigrant status in the proposed duty station prior to entering the organization
- 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…
- Strong fit for individuals seeking international exposure and hands-on experience within a major United Nations agency focused on food security and agriculture.
- Ideal for professionals or researchers looking to apply their expertise to developmental and humanitarian challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Well-suited for candidates who meet basic secondary education requirements and possess strong cross-cultural communication skills in at least one FAO language.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is unpaid, meaning applicants must independently secure their own financial support and living arrangements for the duration of the programme.
- Candidates are required to have appropriate legal residency or immigrant status in the duty station prior to starting, which may involve additional personal logistics and costs.
- The maximum duration is limited to 6 months, representing a short-term engagement rather than a permanent career position.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This volunteer opportunity is well-aligned with goals centred on gaining international institutional experience, building a professional network within the UN system, and contributing meaningfully to regional agricultural development and food security initiatives.
Our take
Applicants who are in a position to self-fund a short-term international stay and wish to gain practical experience within the UN system should seriously consider applying. It is less suitable for individuals seeking salaried employment or long-term financial compensation.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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