FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa (RAF)

About the opportunity

The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa (RAF) provides opportunities for individuals to contribute their volunteer actions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework. The program aims to support the 2030 Agenda by transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Volunteers are assigned to fields relevant to FAO’s mission, performing tasks specified in the Terms of Reference prepared by their hiring office. Assignments last up to a maximum of six months and can take place at various locations across the Africa region.

Salary and benefits

• Gain hands-on experience working within a specialized agency of the United Nations.
• Contribute directly to global efforts to defeat hunger, achieve food security, and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Develop professional skills and expand your network within an international, multicultural environment.
• Please note: This is an unpaid opportunity. FAO does not provide any remuneration or financial support to volunteers.

Who can apply?

• Must be a national of an FAO Member country.
• Must be aged 18 or older.
• Must have completed at least secondary school education.
• Must possess 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 able to adapt to an international, multicultural environment and possess good communication skills.
• Should have relevant working or research experience in one of FAO's fields of work.
• Must not have close family members (mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, or son) employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement.
• Must have or obtain appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment prior to starting.

Required documents

• A completed online profile on the FAO recruitment portal (including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills).
• A letter of motivation.
• A copy of academic qualifications.

When to apply

• Applications opened on September 21, 2026.
• The application deadline is December 31, 2026, at 10:59 PM (subject to local device time settings).
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline date.

How to apply

• Visit the official FAO recruitment portal ('Jobs at FAO').
• Create and complete your online profile, ensuring all employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills are accurate.
• Attach your letter of motivation and a copy of your academic qualifications to your online profile.
• Search for the vacancy (Job Number: 2601986) and submit your application through the portal.
• Provide consent for personal information sharing for pre-screening and background checks when prompted during submission.

Additional information

• FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing).
• Qualified female applicants, nationals of non- and under-represented Member countries, and candidates from Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are highly encouraged to apply.
• Only shortlisted candidates who meet the requirements will be directly contacted for interviews by the hiring office.
• Candidates who are not selected before the closing date but wish to remain under consideration for future assignments must re-apply to new calls.
• FAO maintains a non-smoking work environment.