FAO Internship Programme 2026/2027 for Students and Recent Graduates

FAO Internship Programme 2026/2027 for Students and Recent Graduates

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical work experience in international development. The programme is designed for talented and motivated young women and men who want to apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment.

Interns have the opportunity to contribute their ideas, research experience and perspectives to FAO’s work while learning about its mandate, programmes and global development priorities.

The internship lasts 3 to 11 months. Applicants should consult the official vacancy announcement for the specific assignment, location, financial arrangements and application deadline.

Opportunity Snapshot

• Programme: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Internship Programme
• Application Cycle: 2026/2027
• Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• Location: Depends on the internship assignment
• Duration: 3 to 11 months
• Eligibility: Students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes and recent graduates who meet the official requirements
• Category: International Internship
• Work Arrangement: Depends on the specific assignment
• Funding: Any applicable stipend or financial arrangements must be confirmed in the relevant vacancy announcement
• Application Method: Online application through the official FAO career portal
• Application Deadline: Check the official FAO career portal for currently open calls and their closing dates

What Is the FAO Internship Programme?

The FAO Internship Programme provides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience in an international organization working on food security, agriculture, nutrition and sustainable development.

The programme allows participants to apply their academic knowledge to professional assignments while gaining insight into FAO’s work and development priorities.

Depending on the assignment, interns may contribute to research, analysis and other activities related to the organization’s mandate.

Is the FAO Internship Programme Right for You?

You should consider applying if you:

• Are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme at a recognized university, or are a recent graduate who meets the official eligibility requirements.
• Are interested in international development.
• Want to apply your academic knowledge in a professional environment.
• Are interested in agriculture, food security, nutrition or environmental sustainability.
• Want to develop research, analytical, communication and organizational skills.
• Can meet the programme’s nationality, residence and other applicable requirements.

You may not qualify if you:

• Do not meet the educational requirements specified in the official vacancy announcement.
• Cannot meet the applicable residence or immigration requirements in the country where the internship will take place before the assignment begins.
• Have a brother, sister, mother or father employed by FAO under any type of contract.

Applicants should review the official eligibility requirements before applying.

What Will You Actually Do?

The specific responsibilities depend on the internship assignment and the unit in which the selected candidate will work.

The programme is intended to help interns apply their academic knowledge and contribute their research experience, ideas and perspectives to FAO’s activities.

Depending on the assignment, the work may relate to:

• Food security and nutrition.
• Agriculture and sustainable development.
• Research and analysis.
• Environmental sustainability.
• Development programmes and related organizational activities.

Applicants should consult the relevant vacancy announcement for the actual duties and responsibilities of each position.

What Do You Get From the FAO Internship Programme?

Practical Work Experience

Gain experience in a professional international organization and apply academic knowledge to relevant work activities.

Professional Development

Develop communication, research, analytical, organizational and workplace skills through assigned responsibilities.

International Exposure

Gain insight into international development programmes and the work of an organization operating in a multicultural environment.

Contribution to Sustainable Development

Depending on the assignment, contribute to activities connected with food security, agriculture, nutrition, environmental sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Career Development

Build relevant experience that may support future opportunities in international development, research, agriculture and related professional fields.

Also Apply: FRAD Foundation Internship Recruitment Across Nigeria 2026

What You Need Before Applying

Applicants should prepare the information and documents required by the official vacancy announcement.

Required Application Materials

• Motivation Letter: Explain your interest in the internship and the qualifications or experience that make you a suitable candidate.
• Evidence of University Attendance: Provide evidence of attendance at a recognized university where applicable.
• Other Required Information: Prepare any additional information or documents requested in the relevant vacancy announcement.

Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is accurate and that the required documents are complete.

How to Apply for the FAO Internship Programme

Follow these steps to apply:

• Visit the official FAO career portal using the link below.
• Search for the Internship Programme and identify the relevant open Call for Expression of Interest.
• Read the eligibility requirements, assignment details and application instructions.
• Prepare your motivation letter and evidence of university attendance, where applicable.
• Complete the online application and submit the required documents.
• Review the application before submission and confirm that it has been successfully submitted.

Apply here

Applicants should use the official portal to confirm available calls and their application deadlines.

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

• Write a clear motivation letter explaining why you want to join the FAO Internship Programme.
• Highlight relevant academic knowledge, research experience and skills.
• Explain how your interests relate to the specific internship assignment.
• Follow the application instructions carefully.
• Ensure that all information and supporting documents are accurate.
• Submit your application before the deadline stated in the official vacancy announcement.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

• The internship duration is between 3 and 11 months.
• The assignment location and responsibilities depend on the specific vacancy.
• Any applicable stipend or other financial arrangements should be confirmed in the relevant official announcement.
• Applicants must meet the applicable residence or immigration requirements before the internship begins.
• Applicants whose brothers, sisters, mothers or fathers work for FAO under any type of contract are not eligible.
• Only selected candidates will be contacted.
• Applicants who are not selected before a call closes but wish to remain under consideration must apply again when a new Call for Expression of Interest is published.
• Application deadlines vary according to the relevant call. Check the official FAO career portal for current opportunities.

Application Deadline and Timeline

The application deadline depends on the specific Call for Expression of Interest published by FAO.

Applicants should visit the official career portal to identify currently open calls and confirm their closing dates.

The internship lasts 3 to 11 months, depending on the assignment.

Also Apply: IMF Internship Programme 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the FAO Internship Programme?

Students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes and recent graduates who meet the official eligibility requirements may apply.

How long does the FAO Internship Programme last?

The internship lasts between 3 and 11 months.

Is the FAO Internship Programme paid?

The financial arrangements, including any applicable stipend, should be confirmed in the relevant official vacancy announcement. Applicants should not assume that a specific payment amount applies to every assignment.

Where will the internship take place?

The location depends on the specific internship assignment. Applicants should check the relevant vacancy announcement.

What documents are required to apply?

Applicants are required to provide a motivation letter explaining their interest and qualifications, as well as evidence of attendance at a recognized university where applicable. Additional requirements may be specified in the vacancy announcement.

Can I apply if I have a family member working for FAO?

Applicants whose brothers, sisters, mothers or fathers are employed by FAO under any type of contract are not eligible for the Internship Programme.

How do I apply for the FAO Internship Programme?

Applications are submitted online through the official FAO career portal under the relevant Call for Expression of Interest.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline depends on the specific call. Applicants should check the official FAO career portal for currently open opportunities and closing dates.

Will FAO contact every applicant?

No. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

Our Take: Who Should Apply?

The FAO Internship Programme is worth considering for students and recent graduates who want to gain practical experience in international development and apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting.

Candidates interested in agriculture, food security, nutrition, research and sustainable development should review the available assignments and apply if they meet the stated requirements.

Conclusion

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Internship Programme offers eligible students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain professional experience, develop relevant skills and contribute to activities related to FAO’s work.

Interested applicants should review the official eligibility criteria, prepare the required documents and submit their applications through the FAO career portal before the applicable deadline.