About the opportunity
The Young Scientists Group (YSG) is an initiative of the World Food Forum (WFF), which is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The main scope of the group is to provide scientific evidence and technical knowledge to the various initiatives of the WFF and to develop a biannual report on specific policy issues of particular concern to youth regarding agrifood systems transformation. Successful candidates will join the new cohort running from 2027 to 2029, dedicating up to 20 hours per month to collaborative research, reporting, and policy support activities.
Funding and benefits
- Opportunity to contribute scientific evidence and technical knowledge to global agrifood systems initiatives
- Collaboration on the development of a biannual report on youth-focused policy issues
- Global networking and professional development within international agricultural and scientific networks
Who can apply?
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age as of 31 December 2028
- Must have graduated or be enrolled in a graduate degree programme (master's or PhD) by the time of application
- Must have demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English
- Must be able to dedicate up to 20 hours per month
- Cannot be FAO employees or immediate family members of FAO employees
Required documents
- Updated CV highlighting major work, research, or innovation initiatives, list of scientific publications and products, conference presentations, soft skills, and volunteer or international experiences
When to apply
- Application deadline is 29 January 2027 at 23:59 CET (Rome time)
- Final selection results will be announced by April 2027
How to apply
- Read the YSG Terms of Reference (TOR) thoroughly before applying
- Complete the official Microsoft Forms online application form
- Upload the required updated CV
- Submit the application prior to the deadline
Additional information
- The use of generative AI technology should be limited to language and grammar support; applications with responses substantially generated by AI will not be considered
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- For inquiries, contact partnerships@world-food-forum.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…
- Graduate students or recent graduates in agriculture, food science, or environmental policy looking to apply research to global policy
- Early-career researchers who can dedicate up to 20 hours per month alongside ongoing studies or professional work
- Individuals with a strong track record of scientific publications, presentations, or innovative projects in agrifood systems
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a part-time advisory commitment requiring up to 20 hours per month rather than a full-time salaried job
- Applicants must carefully balance the monthly time commitment with their existing graduate studies or employment
- Strict adherence to original writing is enforced, with limitations on generative AI usage
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This two-year advisory group placement is ideal for young researchers and graduate students seeking international exposure, policy-shaping experience, and collaborative networking within the UN system without pausing their main degree or career path.
Our take
Graduate students and young professionals passionate about agrifood systems transformation and scientific policy communication should seriously consider applying before the January 2027 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
