About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all. The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme provides opportunities for individuals to contribute their volunteer actions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework. Volunteers support the 2030 Agenda through the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. Assignments are relevant to the mission and work of FAO, with tasks and responsibilities specified in the Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office in the Asia and the Pacific region.
Salary and benefits
- Opportunity to contribute directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO's Strategic Framework
- Gain professional experience in an international, multicultural environment
- Work under the guidance of an assigned supervisor on tasks relevant to FAO's mission
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
- Working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish); knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset
- Ability to adapt to an international multicultural environment and possess good communication skills
- Must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment prior to joining
- Candidates with immediate family members (mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, or son) employed by FAO under any type of contractual arrangement are not eligible
Required documents
- Completed online profile on the FAO recruitment portal
- Letter of motivation
- Copy of academic qualifications
When to apply
- Applications open: September 21, 2026
- Application deadline: December 31, 2026, at 10:59:00 PM UTC (or local device time)
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline date
How to apply
- Visit the Jobs at FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile, ensuring employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills are accurate and complete
- Attach a letter of motivation and a copy of academic qualifications to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal (only applications received through this portal will be considered)
- Provide consent for personal information sharing for pre-screening, assessment, and background checks during the submission process
Additional information
- The duration of the volunteer assignment is up to a maximum of 6 months
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members, and candidates from LIFDCs, LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS are highly encouraged to apply
- Only qualified applicants will be directly contacted for interviews by the hiring office
- FAO is a non-smoking environment
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…
- You are passionate about global food security, agricultural development, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- You possess a completed secondary education and have relevant working or research experience in fields aligned with FAO's mission.
- You are fluent in at least one FAO official language and thrive in multicultural, international team environments.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a strictly unpaid volunteer position; FAO does not provide any remuneration, stipend, or financial support.
- You must independently secure and possess the appropriate residence or immigration status in the host country prior to starting the assignment.
- The opportunity is temporary, with a maximum duration of six months, and does not guarantee future employment with FAO.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This volunteer programme is an excellent fit for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience within a major United Nations specialized agency. It aligns well with goals of building a career in international development, sustainable agriculture, or humanitarian aid. While unpaid, the role offers valuable networking opportunities, exposure to multilateral policy frameworks, and practical skills that can significantly bolster a resume for future global development roles.
Our take
Seriously consider applying if you have the financial means to support yourself during an unpaid six-month assignment and want to build your profile within the UN system. It is less suitable for those requiring immediate income, relocation assistance, or visa sponsorship from the host organization.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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