Apply for the 2026 Food and Agriculture Organization | FAO Paid Internship Programme. Open to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. Duration 3–11 months. Gain international UN experience.
Food and Agriculture Organization
Overview
The FAO Internship Programme 2026 is a paid opportunity designed to attract talented young professionals who are eager to contribute innovative ideas and research experience to global food security, agriculture, and sustainable development initiatives.
The programme provides students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in fields aligned with FAO’s Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Interns gain practical exposure to international development work while supporting FAO’s technical, operational, and policy initiatives.
Programme Details
- Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Programme Type: Paid Internship
- Duration: 3 to 11 months
- Location: FAO Headquarters (Rome) and Country/Regional Offices worldwide
- Application Type: General Call for Expression of Interest
What the FAO Internship Offers
The internship allows selected candidates to:
- Gain practical work experience in agriculture, food systems, climate resilience, nutrition, fisheries, forestry, rural development, and related sectors
- Develop professional skills in an international, multicultural environment
- Contribute to global food security and sustainable development initiatives
- Strengthen research, communication, and policy engagement skills
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the FAO Internship Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality
- Must be a national of an FAO Member country.
Education
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognized institution at the time of application;
or - Be a recent graduate.
Languages
- Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Russian
- Knowledge of a second FAO official language is an advantage.
Age Requirement
- Must be between 21 and 30 years old at the start of the internship.
- The internship must begin before the candidate turns 31.
Skills
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment
- Strong communication skills
- Proficiency in basic computer applications
Residence/Visa
- Must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment before starting the internship.
Family Restriction
- Candidates with immediate family members (brother, sister, mother, father) employed by FAO are not eligible.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must:
- Apply online through the FAO Career Portal.
- Submit a motivation letter.
- Provide evidence of enrolment or graduation from a recognized university.
Applications are submitted through the “Call for Expression of Interest.”
Candidates who are not selected before the closing date may re-apply when new calls are published.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why Consider the FAO Internship?
The FAO Internship Programme provides exposure to global policy discussions, technical research, and field-level implementation across food security and agricultural systems.
It is particularly suitable for students and graduates in:
- Agriculture and agribusiness
- Environmental sciences
- Climate change and sustainability
- Economics and rural development
- Public policy
- International relations
- Food systems and nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the FAO Internship Programme paid?
Yes, FAO internships are paid. Compensation is provided according to FAO policies.
2. How long does the internship last?
The duration ranges between 3 and 11 months.
3. Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. Both currently enrolled students and recent graduates are eligible.
4. Do I need to know more than one language?
You must know at least one FAO official language. Knowledge of a second official language is considered an asset.
5. Where are internships located?
Internships may be based at FAO Headquarters in Rome or in regional and country offices worldwide.
6. Is prior work experience required?
No formal work experience is required, but relevant academic background and motivation are essential.
Conclusion
The FAO Paid Internship Programme 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for young professionals to gain practical experience within a leading United Nations agency focused on food security and sustainable agriculture.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are passionate about global development and food systems, this programme can serve as a strong foundation for an international career.
SEO Keywords
FAO Internship 2026, FAO paid internship programme, Food and Agriculture Organization internship, UN internship agriculture 2026, FAO Rome internship, paid UN internships 2026, FAO internship eligibility requirements, FAO internship duration 3 to 11 months, international development internship 2026, apply FAO internship online
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel
Related Opportunities on Reign Gigs
- UNDP 100% Remote Volunteer Assignments 2026 – Paid & Fully Funded
- Mercy Corps Global Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded Training + Monthly Stipend
- UNICEF Remote Internship 2026 – Paid International Opportunities
- Global Fellowships & Skills Training Programs 2025