About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger. The FAO Volunteer Programme offers opportunities to provide volunteer support to the work of the Organization in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the FAO Strategic Framework. This framework aims to support the 2030 Agenda through the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. Volunteers are placed under the guidance of a designated supervisor within a specific activity sector relevant to FAO’s mission and tasks defined by the hosting office.
Salary and benefits
- Gain professional experience within a specialized United Nations agency.
- Contribute directly to global food security and sustainable agrifood systems transformations.
- Work within a multicultural international environment to develop global professional networks.
Who can apply?
- Must have completed at least secondary education.
- Must have fluency 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 a national of one of the FAO Member countries.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment and possess strong 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 personal profile form containing accurate and complete information regarding professional experience, education, and language proficiencies.
- Cover letter.
- Copy of diplomas/educational certificates.
When to apply
- Call published on September 21, 2026.
- Application deadline is December 31, 2026, at 22:59 UTC.
How to apply
- Access the Jobs at FAO online recruitment portal.
- Complete the online application form and personal profile ensuring accurate details on background and languages.
- Attach the required motivation letter and copies of diplomas.
- Submit the application through the portal before the deadline.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Selected candidates must comply with residence and stay requirements in the proposed duty station prior to joining.
- The maximum duration for these volunteer assignments is up to 6 months.
- FAO does not pay any remuneration to volunteers.
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 match for early-career individuals, recent graduates, or professionals looking to gain hands-on international experience within the United Nations system.
- Strong fit for candidates passionate about sustainable agriculture, food security, rural development, and global environmental issues.
- Well-suited for adaptable individuals who thrive in multicultural settings and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a volunteer opportunity that does not offer financial remuneration or salary.
- Assignments are temporary with a maximum duration of up to six months.
- Candidates must independently secure valid residency or the right to stay in the proposed duty station before taking up the assignment.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This volunteer placement provides a valuable stepping stone for individuals aiming to build a career in international development, humanitarian response, or global agriculture. It offers direct exposure to UN operations, helping participants enhance their resumes, expand professional networks, and apply academic knowledge to real-world global challenges.
Our take
Candidates who are in a position to undertake voluntary service and wish to gain frontline experience within the United Nations should seriously consider applying. It is less suitable for applicants who require financial compensation or who cannot independently manage living arrangements and legal residency in the duty station.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
