The World Food Forum (WFF), an initiative established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is offering young leaders an opportunity to join its Youth Policy Board (YPB) for the 2027–2028 cohort. The initiative seeks to strengthen youth participation in global agrifood systems governance, policy development and sustainable food systems transformation.
The Youth Policy Board brings together 40 young changemakers aged 18–35 from diverse regions and backgrounds. Members contribute to youth-led policy consultations, develop recommendations and engage with stakeholders to ensure that young people’s perspectives are reflected in international decision-making.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to young professionals, students, farmers, youth advocates and emerging policy leaders interested in food security, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and inclusive economic development.
Application deadline: Not specified in the provided terms of reference. Applicants should consult the official World Food Forum website for the current application deadline and submission instructions.
About the World Food Forum Youth Policy Board
Established in 2021, the Youth Policy Board provides strategic youth leadership for the policy-related activities of the WFF Youth Initiative through the Youth Assembly.
The World Food Forum is a global platform established by FAO to accelerate agrifood systems transformation through youth engagement, science, innovation and investment. Its work supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
The Youth Policy Board connects young people with FAO technical experts, regional offices, youth organisations and international policy processes. Through consultations and policy dialogues, members help translate youth priorities into recommendations that can inform agrifood governance and sustainable development strategies.
Responsibilities of Youth Policy Board Members
Selected members will contribute to regional and thematic activities while supporting wider youth engagement across the WFF network.
Regional responsibilities include:
- Leading and facilitating youth consultations to gather regional perspectives on the future of agrifood systems.
- Preparing youth consultation processes ahead of the 2028 FAO Regional Conferences.
- Engaging with FAO Regional Offices and relevant regional technical commissions, where applicable.
- Collaborating with the WFF Young Scientists Group and National Youth Chapters.
- Developing regional recommendations and outcome documents based on youth perspectives.
- Representing youth priorities at relevant intergovernmental meetings and conferences.
- Reporting on progress and outcomes throughout the term.
Thematic responsibilities include:
- Coordinating consultations on priority agrifood systems and governance issues.
- Conducting surveys and facilitating multistakeholder discussions.
- Working with FAO technical divisions and Youth Assembly partner organisations.
- Preparing policy recommendations, position papers and outcome documents.
- Advocating for meaningful youth participation in international policy processes.
Members will also support broader WFF Youth Initiative activities that encourage young people to participate in sustainable agrifood systems transformation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old as of 30 April 2027.
- Be a national of an FAO Member State.
- Have graduated from high school and completed or be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree programme at the time of application.
- Demonstrate C1-level proficiency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of additional FAO official languages is an advantage.
- Have experience, knowledge or strong engagement in agrifood systems, policy advocacy and youth empowerment.
- Be available to attend at least one weekly meeting lasting approximately one hour, scheduled between 09:00 and 18:00 Central European Time.
- Commit approximately 25 hours per month to the role.
- Demonstrate intercultural communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an international, multicultural environment.
Applicants must not be employed by FAO, be immediate family members of FAO employees or be current or former members of the WFF Young Scientists Group or Youth Policy Board.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in youth organisations, youth-led consultations and policy engagement. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, including farmers, Indigenous Peoples and women, are particularly encouraged.
An understanding of international governance frameworks relating to agrifood systems, sustainable development and food security will strengthen an application.
Commitment and Duration
The Youth Policy Board operates on a one-year term, with members potentially eligible to reapply for a second year.
Members are expected to contribute approximately 25 hours per month, including 20 hours dedicated to their primary regional or thematic responsibility and five hours supporting the complementary area.
Activities may include meetings, research, consultations, policy drafting, stakeholder engagement and participation in relevant external events. Members are also encouraged to engage with WFF National Youth Chapters and initiatives such as the Transformative Research Challenge, Youth Food Lab, Startup Innovation Awards and Agrifood Leadership Education Programme.
The provided terms of reference do not specify a salary, stipend or other financial remuneration. Applicants should confirm any applicable support arrangements through official WFF communications.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of four rounds:
- Eligibility and experience review: The Youth Assembly Secretariat assesses applications against the stated criteria.
- Shortlisting: A committee involving youth organisation representatives and, where feasible, National Youth Chapter policy focal points reviews candidates. Shortlisted applicants are asked to provide a CV, a recommendation letter and a two-minute video explaining their proposed contribution.
- Outgoing cohort assessment: Current board members assess candidates’ agrifood systems knowledge, leadership and policy expertise.
- Interviews and final selection: Top candidates are interviewed, with final decisions based on interview performance and overall ranking.
How to Strengthen an Application
Candidates should demonstrate specific examples of youth leadership, policy advocacy, community engagement or work related to agriculture and food systems. A strong application should explain how the candidate would gather diverse youth perspectives, convert consultation findings into actionable policy recommendations and contribute to international discussions.
Applicants should also show that they can commit the required monthly hours and collaborate effectively across cultures and regions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the official terms of reference, verify the application deadline and follow the submission instructions published by the World Food Forum.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Applicants should prepare to submit a CV, recommendation letter and two-minute video if shortlisted. The official website should be consulted for the application form, current vacancy status and any additional requirements.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Serving on the Youth Policy Board provides an opportunity to contribute to international agrifood policy discussions, strengthen leadership and advocacy skills, build partnerships with global stakeholders and amplify youth perspectives on food security and sustainable development.
