The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a new Call for Expressions of Interest for its Internship Programme in the Asia and the Pacific Region (RAP), offering young professionals and graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development, agriculture, and food systems transformation.
The programme, listed under vacancy number 2600031, is part of FAO’s global internship initiative aimed at strengthening youth engagement in sustainable agrifood system development across the Asia-Pacific region.
Applications remain open until 25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in the Asia-Pacific Region
The FAO Internship Programme for Asia and the Pacific is designed to attract motivated students and recent graduates who are passionate about addressing global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and rural development.
Interns will contribute to FAO’s regional work supporting member countries in building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The programme emphasizes practical exposure, technical learning, and engagement with real-world development projects across diverse country contexts in the Asia-Pacific region.
Key Programme Details
The internship opportunity is structured to provide flexible placements across various FAO offices and project locations within the region.
Key details include:
- Vacancy Number: 2600031
- Programme Type: Internship – Call for Expressions of Interest
- Organizational Unit: RAP (Asia and the Pacific Region)
- Primary Location: Various locations
- Duration: 3 to 11 months
- Application Deadline: 25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Job Type: Internship Programme
Assignments will be determined based on candidate profiles and the operational needs of FAO offices in the region.
FAO’s Mandate and Regional Role
The Food and Agriculture Organization leads international efforts to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture and food systems. With operations in more than 130 countries and membership of 195 states, FAO plays a central role in shaping global agricultural policy and development cooperation.
In the Asia-Pacific region, FAO works closely with governments, regional organizations, and development partners to:
- Improve food security and nutrition
- Strengthen climate-resilient agriculture
- Support rural livelihoods and agribusiness development
- Promote sustainable natural resource management
The internship programme contributes to these goals by integrating young professionals into FAO’s technical and operational work.
Internship Responsibilities and Technical Focus
Interns selected under the Asia and the Pacific programme will be assigned to technical areas based on their academic background and FAO’s operational priorities.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Supporting agricultural development and food security initiatives
- Assisting with data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Contributing to programme implementation and monitoring
- Supporting research and policy development activities
- Participating in knowledge management and documentation tasks
All interns will work under the supervision of designated FAO staff members and operate within Terms of Reference (TOR) established prior to the assignment.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
FAO has outlined clear eligibility requirements to ensure applicants are suitably qualified for international internship assignments.
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognized institution listed in the UNESCO/IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- Have academic specialization relevant to FAO’s mandate, such as agriculture, environmental science, economics, or related fields
- Be nationals of FAO member countries
- Be between 21 and 30 years old
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a multicultural and international environment
- Have working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish)
Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an advantage.
Core Competencies and Professional Skills
FAO places strong emphasis on core competencies that support effective collaboration and delivery across its global operations.
Key competencies include:
- Results-oriented work approach
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to build and maintain professional relationships
- Commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing
Candidates are expected to demonstrate both technical ability and adaptability in diverse international settings.
Ethical Standards and Recruitment Integrity
FAO maintains strict ethical standards across all recruitment and internship processes. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the application process.
All applicants are expected to adhere to FAO’s core values:
- Commitment to FAO’s mission
- Respect for diversity and inclusion
- Integrity and transparency
Selected candidates will undergo background and reference checks to ensure compliance with UN standards.
Application Process and Requirements
Applicants must complete the FAO online recruitment process through the official FAO portal. The application requires:
- A fully completed online profile
- A motivation letter
- Academic records or proof of enrollment
- Employment history and language proficiency details (if applicable)
Only applications submitted through the official system will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute submission issues.
Important Conditions
Applicants should note the following conditions:
- Previous FAO interns are not eligible to reapply
- Candidates must have appropriate residency or immigration status for the assigned duty location
- A monthly stipend may be provided unless the intern is externally sponsored
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is:
- 25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Building the Next Generation of Agrifood System Professionals
The FAO Internship Programme for Asia and the Pacific continues to serve as a critical entry point for young professionals seeking careers in international development, agriculture, and food security.
By offering structured exposure to real-world development challenges, the programme helps build the next generation of experts capable of advancing sustainable agrifood systems across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
