About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security. This internship opportunity is based in the Office of Youth and Women (OYW) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. OYW promotes youth and women’s empowerment within FAO and across agrifood systems through leadership, career enrichment, advocacy, and partnerships, advancing the work of the FAO Youth Committee, Women’s Committee, and the World Food Forum (WFF) Global Youth Action network. Interns gain practical work experience supplementing their academic knowledge while contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework.
Salary and benefits
- Practical work assignment in a field related to FAO's mandate and the World Food Forum
- International multicultural work environment at FAO headquarters in Rome
- Professional mentorship and guidance from an assigned supervisor
- Opportunity to contribute to global agrifood system transformations and UN Sustainable Development Goals
Who can apply?
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a bona fide educational institution, or be a recent graduate
- Educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- Must specialize in a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO and the Office of Youth and Women
- Must be nationals of FAO Member nations
- Must be aged between 21 and 30 years old
- Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish)
Required documents
- Completed online profile on the FAO recruitment portal detailing employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
When to apply
- Job posted on 19 October 2026
- Application deadline is 3 November 2026 at 10:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the Jobs at FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile
- Ensure your profile includes accurate details of your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- All applications are treated with strictest confidentiality and reviewed by the hiring office
- Only qualified applicants will be contacted directly for interviews
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- For inquiries or help, contact Careers@fao.org
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…
- Current students or recent graduates in international relations, public policy, communications, gender studies, or agricultural sciences looking to gain United Nations experience
- Young professionals between 21 and 30 years old with a strong interest in youth empowerment, agrifood systems, and sustainable development
- Candidates possessing multi-language proficiencies and adaptability to multicultural environments
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is located in Rome, Italy, requiring potential relocation and associated living arrangements
- Duration ranges from 3 up to 11 months, requiring careful planning of academic or career timelines
- Applicants must strictly fall within the age bracket of 21 to 30 years old
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This internship serves as an exceptional stepping stone for early-career professionals and students aiming to build a resume within the United Nations system, particularly focusing on global food security, youth policy, and multilateral organizational frameworks.
Our take
Candidates who meet the age, nationality, and student status criteria and have a passion for agrifood systems and youth engagement should apply before the November deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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