The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Internship Program offers a unique learning opportunity designed to attract talented young professionals motivated to share their innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and research experiences in areas aligned with FAO’s mandate.
This internship allows participants to complement their academic studies with hands-on work experience, contributing to FAO’s global mission of achieving food security and defeating hunger.
Program Overview
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. With a vision to ensure food security for all, FAO works in over 130 countries and has 194 member states.
The organization strives to make sure that everyone has regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives. Through its internship program, FAO provides a platform for young professionals to contribute to these goals.
Benefits of the Internship
- Stipend: Interns receive a monthly stipend equivalent to up to USD 700 in local currency if not sponsored by external organizations or universities.
- Duration: The internship spans 3 to 11 months, allowing interns to fully immerse themselves in FAO’s work and culture.
- Work Assignments: Participants gain practical experience in areas relevant to FAO’s mission, enhancing their academic and professional growth
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2025 FAO Internship Program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree program at a recognized institution (listed in the IAU/UNESCO database) or be a recent graduate.
- Academic specialization should align with FAO’s goals and activities.
- Language Proficiency:
- Have working knowledge of at least one FAO official language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish.
- Proficiency in an additional FAO language is an asset. Acceptable language proficiency certificates include those from UN-accredited external providers or FAO official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT).
- Nationality:
- Be a citizen of an FAO Member Nation.
- Age:
- Applicants must be aged between 21 and 30 years at the start of the internship.
- Skills and Attributes:
- Adaptability to an international, multicultural environment.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in diverse teams.
Application and Selection Process
- Application Submission:
- All applications must be submitted through the FAO recruitment portal.
- Candidates are required to create an online profile, ensuring it is accurate and complete, including:
- Employment records
- Academic qualifications
- Language skills
- Required Documents:
- A letter of motivation detailing your interest in the program.
- Proof of enrollment in a recognized university or a copy of your academic qualifications.
- Screening:
- Applications are reviewed based on the information provided in the online profile.
- Only degrees or credentials from institutions recognized by IAU/UNESCO are considered valid.
- Reapplication:
- Candidates not selected before the deadline may reapply to future internship calls.
How to Apply
To apply for the FAO Internship Program, follow these steps:
- Visit the official FAO recruitment website: Jobs at FAO.
- Complete your online profile and upload all required documents.
- Ensure your application is thorough and submitted well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
For additional queries or assistance during the application process, contact FAO at Careers@fao.org