Apply for the FAO Headquarters Internship Programme 2026 in Rome, Italy. Gain international experience supporting global food security initiatives. Deadline: 25 August 2026.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened applications for its prestigious Headquarters Internship Programme, offering young professionals a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in global food security and sustainable development initiatives. The programme is based in Rome and runs for a duration of three to eleven months, depending on organizational needs and the intern’s availability.
Applications for this call for expressions of interest opened on 24 January 2026 and will remain open until 25 August 2026 at 5:59 PM, allowing candidates from around the world ample time to submit their profiles. The internship is structured to attract motivated students and recent graduates who are eager to contribute innovative ideas and academic insights to FAO’s mission of eliminating hunger and achieving global food security. 🌍
About the FAO Internship Programme
As a specialized agency of the United Nations, FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition. With 195 member countries and operations in more than 130 nations, the organization plays a central role in transforming agri-food systems and supporting sustainable agricultural development worldwide.
The internship programme provides participants with an opportunity to supplement academic knowledge with practical experience aligned with FAO’s work. Interns contribute to initiatives that support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on building efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. These efforts aim to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and ultimately, a better life for all.
Internship Structure and Responsibilities
Interns are assigned to different technical areas depending on their academic background and the needs of the organization. Each participant reports to a designated supervisor and works according to a Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office. Responsibilities vary widely but may include research support, policy analysis, project coordination, data analysis, and administrative contributions within FAO’s operational domains.
The programme emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. Interns are expected to contribute actively while gaining valuable exposure to international development frameworks and multicultural teamwork. 🤝
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet specific criteria to be considered for the FAO Headquarters Internship Programme. Applicants should:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme at a recognized institution, or be recent graduates
- Specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s mission and work
- Be between 21 and 30 years of age
- Possess working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Be nationals of FAO member countries
- Demonstrate adaptability to an international, multicultural environment
- Have strong communication skills
Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an advantage. Additionally, academic qualifications must be obtained from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database maintained by UNESCO and the International Association of Universities.
Core Competencies Expected
Applicants are assessed based on key competencies valued by FAO. These include results focus, teamwork, effective communication, relationship building, and commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Successful candidates are also expected to uphold FAO’s values of integrity, transparency, respect, and commitment to organizational goals.
Diversity and Inclusion
FAO strongly promotes workforce diversity and encourages applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and nationals of under-represented countries. Candidates from low-income food-deficit countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states are particularly encouraged to apply. 🌱
Benefits and Support
FAO provides a monthly stipend to interns who are not sponsored by universities or other entities. While the programme may not cover all expenses, it offers valuable professional exposure and networking opportunities within an international organization. Selected candidates must arrange appropriate residence or immigration status before joining the organization.
Important Conditions
The recruitment process includes rigorous reference and background checks. FAO maintains strict confidentiality for all applications and operates a zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, discrimination, and harassment. Candidates who have previously completed an FAO internship are not eligible to apply again. Additionally, applicants with immediate family members employed by FAO are not eligible for the programme.
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal. Applicants are required to create an online profile detailing academic qualifications, employment history, and language skills. Supporting documents such as a motivation letter and proof of enrollment or graduation must also be uploaded.
Only applications submitted through the official portal will be considered. Incomplete submissions will be automatically disqualified. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
A Gateway to Global Development Careers
The FAO Headquarters Internship Programme offers participants the chance to gain international experience while contributing to meaningful global initiatives. By working alongside experts in agriculture, nutrition, and sustainable development, interns build skills that support long-term careers in international organizations and policy development.
With the application deadline set for 25 August 2026, eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare early and submit their expressions of interest to secure this valuable opportunity to work at the heart of global food security efforts.
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