The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting talented students and recent graduates from around the world to apply for its Internship Programme. Designed as a valuable learning opportunity, the programme enables young professionals to gain practical experience while contributing to FAO’s mission of improving food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The FAO Internship Programme is ideal for individuals who are passionate about agriculture, environmental sustainability, food systems, international development, economics, nutrition, natural resource management, and related fields. It provides participants with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a multicultural environment while developing practical skills that complement their academic studies.

About the FAO Internship Programme

The FAO Internship Programme aims to attract talented young women and men who are motivated to contribute innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and the latest academic knowledge to the work of the Organization.

The programme allows selected interns to supplement their university education through practical work experience related to FAO’s technical and operational activities. At the same time, FAO benefits from the expertise and enthusiasm of qualified students and recent graduates whose academic backgrounds align with the Organization’s Strategic Framework and global development priorities.

Interns gain firsthand exposure to international development work while supporting initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture, food security, rural development, climate resilience, fisheries, forestry, nutrition, and other areas central to FAO’s mandate.

Why Apply for the FAO Internship Programme?

The FAO Internship Programme offers participants a unique opportunity to:

Gain practical experience within a United Nations specialized agency.
Apply academic knowledge to real-world international development projects.
Develop professional skills in a multicultural and international workplace.
Learn more about FAO’s global programmes and operations.
Build networks with professionals working in agriculture, food systems, and sustainable development.
Enhance future career opportunities in international organizations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.

The internship is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of global food and agriculture challenges while supporting their professional development.

Internship Duration

Internship assignments range from:

Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 11 months

The exact duration depends on the assignment and the needs of the hosting office.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the FAO Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements.

Nationality

Applicants must be nationals of one of the FAO Member countries.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must be either:

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme at a recognized educational institution;
Currently enrolled in a postgraduate or graduate degree programme; or
A recent graduate from a recognized university or educational institution.

The internship is intended to complement academic learning with practical professional experience.

Age Requirement

Candidates should be:

Between 21 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the internship assignment.
The internship must begin before the applicant reaches their 31st birthday.

Language Requirements

Applicants must have a working knowledge of at least one FAO official language:

English
French
Spanish
Arabic
Chinese
Russian

Knowledge of a second FAO official language is considered an advantage during the selection process.

Professional Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.
Good communication skills.
Knowledge of standard computer applications and basic digital tools.
Willingness to collaborate with diverse teams and contribute positively to organizational objectives.

Residence or Immigration Status

Candidates must possess the appropriate residence or immigration status required for the country where the internship assignment will take place before the internship begins.

Family Relationship Restriction

Applicants are not eligible if they have an immediate family member (brother, sister, mother, or father) employed by FAO under any type of contract.

Areas of Work

Depending on organizational needs, internship opportunities may be available across numerous fields related to FAO’s work, including:

Agriculture
Food Security
Sustainable Development
Natural Resources Management
Environmental Protection
Forestry
Fisheries
Climate Change
Economics
Nutrition
Rural Development
Statistics
Information Technology
Communications
Human Resources
Finance
Programme Management
Policy Analysis
Research
International Development

Assignments vary according to departmental priorities and project requirements.

Professional Learning Experience

During the internship, participants have the opportunity to:

Support ongoing FAO programmes and projects.
Work alongside international experts.
Strengthen technical and professional competencies.
Understand how global development initiatives are designed and implemented.
Contribute to projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The experience provides valuable exposure to international public service while helping interns prepare for future careers in development and global policy.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

Visit the FAO Careers Portal.
Locate the General Call for Expression of Interest for the Internship Programme.
Complete the online application.
Upload a motivation letter.
Provide evidence of enrolment at a recognized university or proof of recent graduation.
Submit the application before the relevant closing date.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the recruitment process.

Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to submit new applications when future Calls for Expressions of Interest are published.

Important Information

Before applying, candidates should remember that:

Applications are submitted exclusively through the FAO online careers portal.
A motivation letter is required.
Supporting documentation confirming university attendance or graduation must be included.
Only selected applicants will receive further communication.
New internship calls require fresh applications if previous applications were unsuccessful.

Applicants are also encouraged to consult the official Internship Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for additional guidance before submitting an application.

Why Choose an FAO Internship?

The FAO Internship Programme offers far more than professional experience. It provides participants with the opportunity to contribute to solutions addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including food insecurity, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and rural development.

Working within an international organization allows interns to develop practical skills, broaden their global perspective, and build valuable professional networks while supporting initiatives that improve livelihoods around the world.

For students and recent graduates interested in agriculture, environmental sustainability, international development, economics, nutrition, or public policy, the FAO Internship Programme represents an excellent pathway toward a rewarding international career.

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FAO Internship Programme 2026: Paid International Internship Opportunities for Students and Recent Graduates