Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme at FAO Headquarters 2025 (Paid, Remote)

Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme at FAO Headquarters 2025

Background & Job Description

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) plays a pivotal role in combating global hunger and promoting food security across the world. FAO operates in over 130 countries and works towards ensuring that people have access to sufficient high-quality food for leading healthy, active lives. With a strong focus on sustainable agrifood systems, FAO aims to support global efforts toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on eliminating hunger and improving nutrition.

As part of its commitment to developing young professionals, FAO has launched an Internship Programme to attract motivated and talented individuals. This internship offers a unique opportunity for young professionals and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in various domains related to FAO’s mission. Through this program, interns can contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas while supplementing their academic knowledge with practical assignments.

The internship positions are available at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and offer a duration ranging from 3 to 11 months. This initiative is designed to provide an enriching learning experience, allowing interns to collaborate with experts in international development and gain insights into FAO’s work. Interns will have the chance to engage in meaningful projects and contribute to FAO’s objectives of ensuring better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and an improved quality of life for all.

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Tasks

Interns selected for the FAO Internship Programme will be assigned specific roles and responsibilities based on their academic background, interests, and the organization’s needs. The following are the key tasks and responsibilities expected of interns:

• Conducting research and analysis on topics related to FAO’s mandate, such as food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and rural development.
• Assisting in the preparation of reports, policy documents, and technical papers relevant to FAO’s areas of focus.
• Providing support in the development and implementation of projects and programs within different departments.
• Assisting in data collection, evaluation, and presentation of statistical findings.
• Contributing to the organization of meetings, conferences, and workshops by preparing documentation and logistics.
• Assisting in communications and outreach activities, including content creation for newsletters, social media, and FAO’s official website.
• Supporting administrative tasks such as maintaining databases, filing, and managing correspondence.
• Collaborating with FAO professionals in knowledge-sharing initiatives and contributing to innovative solutions for global food and agricultural challenges.

Interns will have the opportunity to work in a multicultural environment, interact with professionals from different backgrounds, and gain exposure to international development policies and operations.

Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme at FAO Headquarters 2025

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in a recognized educational institution at the time of application or be recent graduates.
• Candidates should have an academic background relevant to FAO’s areas of work, including but not limited to agriculture, environmental sciences, food security, economics, social sciences, international relations, or public administration.
• FAO recognizes only educational institutions that are accredited and listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Experience

• While prior work experience is not mandatory, candidates with relevant academic or professional exposure to FAO’s mission areas will be given preference.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze data, and prepare reports.
• Previous experience in an international, governmental, or non-governmental organization is an advantage.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and adapt to an international setting.
• Familiarity with digital tools, research software, and basic administrative tasks is beneficial.

Language Proficiency

• Applicants must have working knowledge of at least one of FAO’s official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish.
• Proficiency in additional FAO languages is an asset.

Additional Information

• Diversity and Inclusion: FAO promotes workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and cultural backgrounds. The organization strongly encourages applications from women, candidates from under-represented member states, and persons with disabilities.
• Compensation: FAO provides a monthly stipend to interns unless they are sponsored by their university or another external entity.
• Application Process: Interested candidates should visit the FAO recruitment website, complete their online profile, and submit a letter of motivation along with proof of their educational qualifications.
• Screening and Selection: Applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interviews. Candidates who are not selected in the current application cycle may reapply for future internship opportunities.
• Restrictions: Applicants who have previously participated in an FAO internship program are not eligible to apply again. Additionally, candidates with immediate family members (parents, siblings) employed by FAO are ineligible for this program.
• Work Environment: FAO offers a non-smoking environment and maintains high ethical standards, including zero tolerance for misconduct, discrimination, and harassment.

The FAO Internship Programme is an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain valuable experience in international development, build their professional networks, and contribute to the global mission of eliminating hunger and improving food security. This program provides interns with a unique platform to develop their skills, expand their knowledge, and engage in meaningful work that has a real impact on people’s lives around the world.

To apply and learn more about this opportunity, visit the FAO recruitment portal and complete the online application before the deadline.

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