FAO Opens Call for Internship Applications for Near East and North Africa Region

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a Call for Expressions of Interest for its Internship Programme for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) region, inviting eligible young professionals and students to gain hands-on experience within one of the UN’s leading specialized agencies.

The internship opportunity, identified under vacancy announcement 2600035, is part of FAO’s global effort to attract talented youth who can contribute fresh perspectives, academic knowledge, and innovative ideas to international development work focused on food security and sustainable agriculture.

Internship Overview and Organizational Context

The FAO Internship Programme is designed to provide participants with practical work experience aligned with the organization’s mission to achieve global food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable agrifood systems.

Within the Near East and North Africa (RNE) regional framework, interns will support FAO’s efforts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to hunger eradication, agricultural transformation, and resilient food systems.

FAO emphasizes that its internship programme is not only a learning opportunity but also a platform for young professionals to contribute meaningfully to real-world development challenges.

Key Internship Details

The internship call for the Near East and North Africa region includes the following key parameters:

Vacancy Number: 2600035
Programme Type: Internship Programme – Call for Expressions of Interest
Organizational Unit: RNE (Near East and North Africa 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

The internship is open to multiple assignment locations depending on the needs of the organization and the candidate’s profile.

Purpose of the FAO Internship Programme

FAO’s internship programme is designed to support the professional development of young graduates by offering exposure to international public service and technical work within the UN system.

The organization aims to attract individuals who are:

Motivated to contribute to global food security efforts
Interested in international development and agricultural transformation
Able to bring academic knowledge into practical assignments
Committed to working in diverse, multicultural environments

Interns will be assigned to various technical fields based on organizational needs and their academic background.

Core Responsibilities and Learning Experience

While specific duties vary by assignment, interns in the RNE programme will work under the supervision of an assigned FAO supervisor and contribute to tasks defined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) issued by the hiring office.

Typical responsibilities may include:

Supporting technical and operational activities within FAO programmes
Assisting in research, data analysis, and documentation tasks
Contributing to regional development initiatives related to agriculture and food systems
Participating in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities
Supporting communication and reporting functions where applicable

Through these activities, interns gain exposure to policy development, project implementation, and international cooperation frameworks.

Eligibility and Minimum Requirements

FAO has established specific eligibility criteria for applicants to ensure suitability for the internship programme. Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

Enrollment in or recent graduation from an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognized institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) maintained by UNESCO and the International Association of Universities.
Academic specialization in a field relevant to FAO’s mandate, such as agriculture, environmental science, economics, international relations, or related disciplines.
Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Age requirement: between 21 and 30 years old.
Nationality of an FAO Member country.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international environment.

Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an added advantage.

Core Competencies and Skills

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong personal and professional competencies aligned with FAO’s institutional values. These include:

Results-oriented mindset
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
Effective communication abilities
Capacity to build and maintain professional relationships
Commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing

Technical skills should align with the applicant’s field of academic study and the needs of FAO’s programmes.

Organizational Values and Compliance Standards

FAO emphasizes strict adherence to its institutional values, which include:

Commitment to FAO’s mission
Respect for diversity and inclusion
Integrity and transparency in professional conduct

The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo background and reference checks before appointment.

Additional Conditions and Application Process

FAO has outlined several important conditions for applicants:

No application fees are required at any stage of the recruitment process
Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
Candidates previously engaged in an FAO internship are not eligible to reapply
Selected interns may receive a monthly stipend unless sponsored by another institution
Applicants must have valid residency or immigration status in the country of assignment

Candidates are required to submit a complete online profile, including:

Academic qualifications
Employment history (if applicable)
Language proficiency
Motivation letter
Proof of university enrollment or graduation

A Gateway to International Development Careers

The FAO Internship Programme for the Near East and North Africa region offers a structured pathway for young professionals to enter the field of international development. By working within FAO’s regional operations, interns gain valuable exposure to global agricultural systems, policy frameworks, and sustainable development initiatives.

Through this programme, FAO continues to strengthen its mission of building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems while nurturing the next generation of global development professionals.

VISIT APPLICATION HERE

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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.