About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger. The Regular Volunteer Programme offers individuals the opportunity to contribute to initiatives supporting FAO’s Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The programme strategically mobilizes citizen volunteer services to help eradicate hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. Volunteers are assigned to an area relevant to FAO’s mission and perform duties specified in their terms of reference under an assigned supervisor. Placements last for a maximum duration of 6 months.
Salary and benefits
- Gain professional experience within a specialized agency of the United Nations.
- Contribute directly to international food security, sustainable agriculture, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Work within a multicultural international environment and develop professional networks.
Who can apply?
- Must have completed secondary education.
- Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish); knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.
- Must be a citizen of an FAO Member Nation.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Ability to adapt to an international multicultural environment and possess good communication skills.
- Relevant work or research experience in one of the Organization's fields.
- Candidates must have an appropriate resident or immigrant status in the proposed duty station prior to entering the Organization.
- Candidates with family members employed by FAO under any contractual regime are not eligible to participate.
Required documents
- Online profile containing complete employment history, academic titles, and language skills.
- Cover letter (motivation letter).
- Copy of academic degrees.
When to apply
- Call published on September 21, 2026.
- Application deadline is December 31, 2026, at 22:59:00 UTC.
How to apply
- Go to the FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile.
- Attach your cover letter and copies of your academic degrees to your online profile.
- Apply and submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).
- Women, nationals of unrepresented or underrepresented member countries, and candidates from low-income food-deficit countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states are strongly encouraged to apply.
- The position is unpaid; FAO does not provide remuneration to volunteers.
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background and reference 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…
- Early-career professionals or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience within the United Nations system.
- Individuals with a strong commitment to global food security, sustainable development, or agricultural sciences.
- Candidates possessing secondary education or higher who are fluent in at least one FAO language and want multicultural exposure.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is strictly unpaid, meaning you must independently finance your living and relocation expenses.
- Selected volunteers must secure appropriate residence or immigrant status in the duty station beforehand.
- The duration is relatively short, capped at a maximum of 6 months.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This volunteer placement suits individuals seeking to build foundational international development experience, establish UN networks, and apply academic or professional skills to global challenges without committing to a long-term staff contract immediately.
Our take
Candidates who have independent financial means and a strong passion for international agriculture and humanitarian work should seriously consider applying before the end of the year. It is less suitable for applicants who require a salary or financial support to cover living costs during the placement.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
