The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced a new Call for Expressions of Interest for its Internship Programme in Europe and Central Asia (REU), offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain professional experience within one of the UN’s leading agencies focused on food security, agriculture, and sustainable development.The internship programme, listed under vacancy announcement 2600032, forms part of FAO’s global initiative to engage young professionals in advancing more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Programme Overview and Institutional Context
FAO’s Internship Programme for the Europe and Central Asia region is designed to attract talented young individuals who are motivated to contribute fresh ideas, research insights, and academic expertise to international development work.Interns will support FAO’s regional office activities, contributing to its broader mandate of achieving food security for all and improving global nutrition outcomes, while supporting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The programme provides a structured learning environment where academic knowledge is applied to real-world policy and technical work in international agriculture and development.
Key Internship Details
Applicants interested in the Europe and Central Asia internship call should review the following key details:
- Vacancy Number: 2600032
- Programme Type: Internship Programme – Call for Expressions of Interest
- Organizational Unit: REU (Europe and Central Asia Regional Office)
- Primary Location: Various locations
- Duration: 3 to 11 months
- Job Type: Internship
- Application Deadline: 25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Posting Date: 25 January 2026
Assignments may be based in multiple countries within the region depending on organizational needs and candidate profiles.
About FAO and the Internship Mission
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads global efforts to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and ensure access to sufficient, safe, and high-quality food for all. With operations in more than 130 countries and membership of 194–195 nations, FAO plays a central role in shaping international agricultural policy and development.Through its internship programme, FAO aims to:
- Provide practical exposure to international development work
- Build capacity among young professionals in agriculture and related fields
- Promote innovation in sustainable food systems
- Support implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Interns contribute directly to FAO’s mission of transforming agrifood systems to better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and better life for all.
Internship Structure and Responsibilities
Interns placed within the Europe and Central Asia regional office will work under the supervision of assigned FAO staff members. Each assignment is defined in Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office before the internship begins.Typical responsibilities may include:
- Assisting in research and technical analysis related to agriculture and food systems
- Supporting implementation of regional development programmes
- Contributing to data collection, documentation, and reporting
- Participating in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives
- Assisting with communication and coordination tasks across projects
The exact duties will vary depending on the intern’s academic background and the needs of the organization.
Eligibility and Minimum Requirements
FAO has established clear eligibility criteria to ensure applicants meet the academic and professional standards required for the programme. Candidates must:
- Be enrolled in or have recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognized institution listed in the UNESCO/IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED)
- Specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s mandate, such as agriculture, economics, environmental science, international relations, or related disciplines
- Have working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Be between 21 and 30 years old
- Be nationals of FAO member countries
- Be able to adapt to a multicultural and international working environment
Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an advantage.
Core Competencies and Skills
FAO expects interns to demonstrate strong professional competencies aligned with its institutional values. These include:
- Results-oriented approach to work
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
- Effective communication abilities
- Capacity to build and maintain professional relationships
- Commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing
Technical competencies should align with the applicant’s field of study and the requirements of the assigned office.
Ethical Standards and Organizational Values
FAO maintains strict ethical and professional standards across all its operations. Interns are expected to uphold the organization’s core values:
- Commitment to FAO’s mission
- Respect for diversity and inclusion
- Integrity and transparency
The organization enforces a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, abuse of authority, and exploitation. All selected candidates are subject to background and reference checks.
Important Application Conditions
Applicants should carefully review the following conditions before applying:
- No fees are charged at any stage of the recruitment process
- Applications must be submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal only
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Candidates previously selected for an FAO internship are not eligible to reapply
- A monthly stipend may be provided unless the intern is externally sponsored
- Candidates must have valid residency or immigration status in the country of assignment
Applicants are required to submit a complete online profile, including academic records, language skills, employment history (if applicable), and a motivation letter.
How to Apply
To apply for the FAO Internship Programme for Europe and Central Asia, candidates must:
- Create and complete a profile on the FAO recruitment portal
- Upload required supporting documents, including proof of academic enrollment or qualifications
- Submit a motivation letter and relevant information
- Ensure all details are accurate before submission
Only applications submitted through the official FAO system will be considered.
Deadline for Applications
The closing date for applications is:
- 25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM
Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Developing Future Leaders in Global Food Systems
Through its Europe and Central Asia internship programme, FAO continues to invest in building the next generation of professionals capable of addressing global challenges in food security, agriculture, and sustainable development.The programme provides a structured entry point into international public service, equipping young professionals with the skills and experience needed to contribute to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems worldwide.
