Academic Internship Opportunity – Swiss Mission to the UN in Rome, Fall 2026 ·Swiss Mission to the UN in Rome, Fall 2026

The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Organisations in Rome is offering a full-time academic internship (100%) beginning November 1, 2026, for a duration of 12 months. This highly competitive program is designed for Swiss graduates who want to gain practical experience in diplomacy, food security, and sustainable development while representing Switzerland’s interests at the UN agencies headquartered in Rome.

About the Mission

The Mission represents Switzerland’s positions in food and agriculture at the three Rome-based UN agencies:

• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) – global food security and agricultural development.
• IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) – rural development and poverty reduction.
• WFP (World Food Programme) – hunger relief and emergency food assistance.

Together, these agencies form the backbone of international food governance. The Swiss Mission in Rome works closely with them to advance Switzerland’s priorities in food systems transformation, financing for development, and the governance of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS).

Switzerland also maintains four other UN Missions in Geneva, New York, Paris, and Vienna. Collectively, these missions contribute to Switzerland’s active engagement in solving global challenges related to peace, human rights, poverty reduction, food security, and environmental protection.

Internship Responsibilities

Interns will support the Mission’s activities by:

• Assisting with Switzerland’s positions in FAO, IFAD, and WFP governing bodies.
• Contributing to policy analysis and documentation for the CFS.
• Monitoring developments in food systems transformation and financing for development.
• Drafting briefs, reports, and speeches for Swiss representatives.
• Networking with diplomats and officials from other missions and UN agencies.
• Supporting events and meetings hosted by the Mission.

This internship offers a comprehensive learning experience in international diplomacy, policy analysis, and multilateral governance.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Education – University degree, preferably Master’s, in natural sciences, food/agricultural sciences, international relations, political science, or economics.
2. Citizenship – Must be a Swiss citizen.
3. Languages – Excellent command of English and one Swiss official language; good knowledge of another Swiss official language.
4. Skills – Interest in diplomacy, strong communication, analytical ability, flexibility, and initiative.
5. Graduation Timeline – Applications accepted within 12 months of graduation.

Internship Details

• Start Date: November 1, 2026
• Duration: 12 months (full-time, 100%)
• Location: Via Aventina 32, Rome, Italy
• Reference: Internship MiRo, 11/2026

Required Documents (all in one PDF file)

• Motivation letter in a Swiss national language.
• CV with photo.
• Copies of diplomas.
• Work and internship certificates (if available).

Important Dates

• Deadline: August 2, 2026, early applications are highly encouraged.
• Written Tests: August 26, 2026
• Interviews: September 3, 2026

Applications must be submitted by email to: roma.onu.candidature@eda.admin.ch to the attention of:

Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations organisations in Rome,
Via Aventina 32,
00153, Rome
Phone: +39 06 89 58 151
roma.onu@eda.admin.ch

FAQs

1. Is this internship paid? It is an academic internship at 100% workload. Details on compensation are typically provided during the selection process.

2. Who can apply? Only Swiss citizens who graduated within the past 12 months are eligible.

3. What languages are required? Excellent English and one Swiss official language; knowledge of another Swiss official language is an advantage.

4. What is the duration of the internship? 12 months, starting November 1, 2026.

5. What kind of work will I do? Policy analysis, drafting reports, supporting Switzerland’s positions in FAO, IFAD, WFP, and contributing to food systems transformation discussions.

6. Do I need prior diplomatic experience? Not required, but interest in diplomacy, analytical skills, and initiative are essential.

7. How competitive is the selection? Highly competitive. Written tests and interviews ensure only the most qualified candidates are selected.

8. Can I apply if I studied outside Switzerland? Yes, as long as you are a Swiss citizen and meet the academic requirements.

9. What is the application deadline? August 2, 2026.

10. Where will the internship take place? At the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN Organisations in Rome, Via Aventina 32.

11. Will I gain international exposure? Yes, interns will interact with diplomats, UN officials, and representatives from other missions, gaining valuable international experience.

12. What skills will I develop? Analytical writing, policy research, diplomatic communication, and networking in a multilateral environment.

Conclusion

The Academic Internship at the Swiss Mission to the UN in Rome offers Swiss graduates a unique opportunity to engage in international diplomacy and food governance. Interns will gain valuable experience in multilateral negotiations, policy analysis, and global cooperation, while contributing to Switzerland’s mission of promoting peace, food security, and sustainable development.

This internship is more than a professional stepping stone; it is a chance to contribute to Switzerland’s global mission of fostering dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable solutions. For motivated graduates, it represents a career-defining experience that combines academic knowledge with real-world diplomacy.

To learn more about other internship opportunities, visit the OFY page HERE.