Call for Global Talent: FAO Internship Program 2026 | Paid UN Internships for Students Worldwide with up to Monthly Stipend
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is seeking highly motivated young professionals for its 2026 Internship Programme.
This is a unique learning opportunity designed to attract talented individuals who are strongly motivated to share their new perspectives, innovative ideas, and latest research in fields related to the FAO’s mission.
FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all, ensuring people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
With over 194 member states, FAO operates in more than 130 countries worldwide, believing that everyone can play a part in ending hunger.
Programme Summary
| Detail | Description |
| Sponsoring Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – A UN Agency |
| Programme Type | Paid Internship |
| Target Group | Students and Recent Graduates Worldwide |
| Duration | 3 to 11 months (Full-time assignment) |
| Locations | FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, and various FAO Country/Regional Offices globally. |
| Stipend/Perks | Monthly Stipend (up to ), Medical Coverage |
| Application Status | Call for Expression of Interest – Ongoing Selection |
| Closing Date | 1st January 2026 (For this specific Call for Interest) |
Also Apply: Link to Apply | MTN – SAIL Teachers’ Fellowship Programme 2025 for Nigerian School Teachers
Key Benefits for Interns
Successful applicants will receive an invaluable opportunity to:
- Gain Practical UN Experience: Supplement academic knowledge with hands-on, practical work assignments related to global food security, sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
- Receive Financial Support: A monthly stipend of up to (amount varies based on duty station) will be provided to interns not sponsored by an external institution (e.g., a university).
- Obtain Medical Coverage: FAO provides medical coverage related to service-incurred illness or injury. (Interns are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-service incurred coverage).
- Contribute to Global Goals: Directly contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and FAO’s strategic objectives to achieve a Zero Hunger World.
- Work in a Multicultural Environment: Collaborate with staff from over 100 countries, enhancing cultural competency and communication skills.
Also Apply: Call for Applications: Fast Credit Finance Company Scholarship For Nigerians 2025
Eligibility Criteria (Minimum Requirements)
To be considered for the 2026 FAO Internship Programme, candidates must meet the following:
| Requirement | Details |
| Nationality | Must be a national of an FAO Member Nation. |
| Age | Must be between 21 and 30 years old at the start of the internship. |
| Education | Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, OR a recent graduate. The educational institution must be recognized in the IAU/UNESCO database. |
| Field of Study | Specialization in a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO (e.g., Agriculture, Economics, Environmental Science, Statistics, International Relations, Business, etc.). |
| Languages | Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish. Knowledge of a second FAO language is a significant asset. |
| Residency Status | Must have the appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed duty station prior to the start of the assignment. |
| Family Restriction | Cannot have an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, or sister) employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement. |
Application and Selection Process
The FAO Internship Programme operates on a “Call for Expression of Interest” model, meaning applicants are selected as needs arise within the Organization’s various offices.
- Create Your Profile: Visit the official FAO recruitment website at [Jobs at FAO] and create or update your comprehensive online profile. Ensure your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills are accurate and complete.
- Attach Required Documents: You are requested to attach the following to your online profile:
- A compelling Letter of Motivation.
- Evidence of attendance in a recognized university (Proof of Enrollment) or a copy of your academic qualifications (for recent graduates).
- Copies of language proficiency certificates (if applicable).
- Apply to the Call: Submit your application through the official FAO recruitment portal by applying to the “Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme” for the relevant location (HQ, Regional Office, or Country Office).
- Screening: Applications are screened based on the information in your online profile and relevance to FAO’s operational needs.
- Selection: Only shortlisted and qualified applicants will be contacted directly for interviews by the hiring office.
Important Note: Only applications received through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Incomplete applications will be disregarded.
Deadline for this specific Call: 1st January 2026
For technical help or queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org (Note: This email does not accept applications).
Apply here
Never miss an opportunity Join our WHATSAPP GROUP OR WHATSAPP 2
Join our TELEGRAM GROUP
