The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is accepting Expressions of Interest for its Regular Volunteer Programme at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This non-staff opportunity enables individuals from FAO Member countries to contribute to the United Nations’ mission of ending hunger, improving food security, and supporting sustainable agri-food systems.
The volunteer programme is open to candidates aged 18 years and above and offers assignments of up to six months at FAO Headquarters. Applications remain open until 1 January 2027.
About the FAO Volunteer Programme
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme provides opportunities for individuals to support FAO’s work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the organization’s Strategic Framework. Volunteers contribute to initiatives that promote better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for communities worldwide.
Working alongside international teams, volunteers gain valuable experience within one of the world’s leading United Nations agencies while contributing to projects related to agriculture, food systems, nutrition, climate resilience, natural resources, fisheries, forestry, and rural development.
Assignments are based at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, with volunteers reporting to an assigned supervisor and undertaking responsibilities outlined in their specific Terms of Reference.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Selected volunteers will support FAO departments in areas aligned with the organization’s technical mandate and strategic priorities.
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting research and technical projects
- Assisting with programme implementation
- Contributing to data collection and analysis
- Preparing reports and documentation
- Supporting knowledge-sharing initiatives
- Assisting multidisciplinary teams working on food security and sustainable development
Specific duties vary depending on the hosting office and assignment.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have completed secondary school education
- Be a national of an FAO Member country
- Demonstrate working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Be able to work effectively in an international and multicultural environment
- Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an advantage.
Who Is Encouraged to Apply?
FAO strongly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Nationals of non- and underrepresented FAO Member countries
- Persons with disabilities
- Candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
- Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs)
- Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
The organization is committed to diversity, inclusion, integrity, and equal opportunity throughout its recruitment process.
Important Conditions
Applicants should note several important conditions before applying:
- The volunteer assignment lasts up to six months
- The programme is unpaid, and FAO does not provide remuneration
- Selected candidates must obtain the appropriate residence or immigration status for Italy before joining
- FAO does not charge any application or recruitment fees
- Family members of FAO employees are not eligible for this volunteer programme
All shortlisted candidates will undergo reference and background verification before appointment.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must complete an online profile through the official FAO recruitment portal and upload:
- Letter of motivation
- Copies of academic qualifications
A complete profile should also include employment history, educational background, and language proficiency, as applications are screened using the information provided in the online system.
How to Strengthen Your Application
A strong application clearly demonstrates relevant academic, research, or professional experience connected to FAO’s areas of work. Applicants should tailor their motivation letter to explain how their interests align with sustainable agriculture, food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability, or rural development.
Highlighting multilingual abilities, international experience, and evidence of teamwork in multicultural settings can further strengthen competitiveness.
Application Deadline
| Programme | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) |
| Location | Rome, Italy |
| Duration | Up to 6 months |
| Type | UN Volunteer (Non-staff) |
| Remuneration | Unpaid |
| Application Deadline | 1 January 2027 |
Official Application
Interested candidates should submit their applications exclusively through the FAO Jobs recruitment portal. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain international experience within the United Nations while contributing to global efforts to eradicate hunger and transform food systems for a more sustainable future.
