The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened applications for its Internship Programme for Africa, offering young students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience within the United Nations system.
The FAO Internship Programme is designed to attract talented young women and men who want to apply their academic knowledge in a professional international environment. Successful interns will work on assignments related to FAO’s areas of work and contribute to efforts supporting food security and sustainable agri-food systems.
Applications for Vacancy Announcement 2601980 opened on 21 September 2026 and will remain open until 1 January 2027 at 12:59 AM.
About the FAO Internship Programme
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations works internationally to help defeat hunger, improve food security and promote sustainable agricultural and food systems.
FAO has more than 195 Members and works across more than 130 countries. Its work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.
Through the Internship Programme, participants can supplement their academic studies with practical workplace experience. Interns are assigned to different areas according to their academic profiles and the needs of the organisation.
The programme can therefore provide exposure to the work of an international organisation while allowing young professionals to develop practical skills.
Internship Duration and Location
The FAO Internship Programme for Africa is listed as an internship opportunity with various locations.
The duration of assignments can range from:
3 months to 11 months
Interns will report to an assigned supervisor and perform functions specified in the Terms of Reference prepared by the relevant hiring office.
The technical focus will depend on the intern’s academic background and the needs of the organisation.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to eligible candidates who meet FAO’s minimum requirements.
Applicants must either be:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognised educational institution; or
- Recent graduates.
FAO states that higher education qualifications must come from an institution accredited or recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Candidates must also specialise in a field relevant to FAO’s mission and work.
Age and Nationality Requirements
Applicants should be between 21 and 30 years old.
Candidates must also be nationals of FAO Member countries.
The organisation encourages applications from qualified female applicants, nationals of non- and under-represented Members and candidates from groups and countries including Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Language Requirements
Candidates must have a working knowledge of at least one FAO language.
The six FAO languages are:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- English
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.
Applicants should also be able to adapt to an international and multicultural environment and demonstrate good communication skills.
What Will Interns Do?
Interns will be assigned to different areas of work based on their academic profile and the organisation’s requirements.
Their specific duties will be determined by the Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office.
The experience may allow participants to apply academic knowledge to practical assignments while developing professional competencies relevant to international development and the agri-food sector.
FAO identifies several core competencies for the programme, including results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
FAO Internship Stipend
One important feature of the programme is that FAO provides a monthly stipend to interns who are not sponsored by their sending university or another entity.
The exact amount and applicable conditions should be confirmed with FAO and may depend on the circumstances of the assignment.
Candidates should therefore not assume that every intern will receive identical financial support.
Important Eligibility Conditions
Prospective applicants should carefully review FAO’s additional conditions before applying.
Candidates who have already completed an internship assignment at FAO are not eligible for another FAO internship.
Selected candidates must also have the appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment before joining the organisation.
Applicants who have a family member—defined by FAO as a mother, father, sister or brother—employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement are not eligible for the Internship Programme.
FAO also confirms that it does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official FAO recruitment portal.
Applicants should create and complete their online profile, ensuring that their employment history, academic qualifications and language skills are accurately presented.
Candidates are required to attach a letter of motivation and evidence of attendance at a recognised university or copies of academic qualifications.
Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the FAO Internship Programme for Africa is:
1 January 2027 at 12:59 AM
FAO encourages candidates to submit their applications well before the deadline.
Because applications are screened based on information contained in the online profile, applicants should ensure that all relevant qualifications and experience are properly documented before submitting their application.
Final Thoughts
The FAO Internship Programme for Africa 2026–2027 provides eligible students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience within a United Nations specialised agency.
With assignments lasting 3 to 11 months, a monthly stipend available to eligible interns who are not sponsored elsewhere, and opportunities across various locations, the programme can be relevant to young professionals interested in agriculture, food security, sustainable development and related areas.
Eligible candidates should review the requirements carefully and submit a complete application through the official FAO recruitment portal before 1 January 2027.
