The FAO Internship Program gives students or recent graduates the chance to gain hands-on experience in areas like food security, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and policy. It’s a way to build your resume, understand UN work, and contribute to global challenges while learning in a professional environment.
What You’ll Get (Benefits)
Practical assignments in FAO’s fields of work (aligned with its Strategic Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals).
Duration between 3 to 11 months, giving sufficient time to learn and produce work.
A monthly stipend (up to about USD 700, depending on duty station) for interns who are not sponsored by other entities.
Learning environment that exposes you to international, multicultural professional standards and networking.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
To participate, you must meet these criteria:
Requirement
Details
Nationality
Must be from a FAO Member country.
Academic Status
Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or be a recent graduate.
Age
Between 21 and 30 years old at the start of the internship (i.e. must begin before turning 31).
Languages
Working knowledge of at least one official FAO language (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian). Knowing a second FAO official language is an advantage.
Skills
Good communication, adaptability to multicultural settings, basic computer skills.
Residence or immigration status
Must have the necessary legal status in the intended duty station before the internship begins.
Conflicts of interest constraint
Not eligible if you have an immediate family member (parent, sibling) employed by FAO.
Duration, Process & Deadlines
Internship Duration: 3 to 11 months depending on the assignment.
Deadline: January 1.2026
How to Apply:
Watch for the Call for Expression of Interest on FAO’s Careers / Young Talent portal.
Complete the online application via FAO’s iRecruitment system. Attach:
Your motivation letter
Transcript or proof of enrollment, or a degree certificate if recent grad
Language skill evidence if required
Only selected interns will be contacted. If not selected, you’ll need to reapply when new Calls appear.
Stipend / Support: Up to USD 700 monthly if not sponsored; other benefits may include medical coverage for service-related issues. Accommodation is your responsibility.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Incomplete documents: Missing transcripts, enrollment proof, or motivation letter often leads to disqualification.
Weak motivation letter: Make sure to explain what you want to learn and how it relates to FAO’s work. Specify the department or area of interest.
Not meeting age or nationality requirement: These are strict; double-check before applying.
Language issues: If you mention knowledge of a second FAO official language, be ready to support it with proof or at least show some level of use.
Waiting until last minute: The process from deadline to contact can take weeks—applying early gives you buffer.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Go to FAO’s official Internship Programme page: FAO – Young Talent Program→ Internship. (FAOHome)
Register / login on FAO’s recruitment portal (iRecruitment).
Complete the profile, ensuring you include: academic credentials, nationality, language capacity, relevant experience.
Prepare a strong motivation letter where you explain your interest, your background, and what you aim to contribute/learn.
Submit your application and track updates via the portal.
