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.

VISIT HERE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.