The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced a new Call for Expressions of Interest for its Internship Programme at FAO Headquarters (HQ) in Rome, Italy.

The initiative provides young professionals and students with an opportunity to gain practical experience within one of the UN’s leading agencies working to eradicate global hunger and strengthen sustainable food systems.

The internship programme, identified under vacancy announcement 2600026, is part of FAO’s broader effort to engage emerging talent in international development, agriculture, and policy-driven work aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Internship Programme Overview

The FAO Headquarters Internship Programme is designed to attract highly motivated young individuals who are eager to contribute fresh ideas, academic knowledge, and innovative perspectives to the organization’s global mission.

Based in Rome, Italy, interns will work directly within FAO headquarters units, contributing to the organization’s strategic and operational work across multiple technical and policy areas.

The programme supports FAO’s mandate to achieve food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable agrifood systems, while providing participants with valuable exposure to international public service.

Key Internship Details

Applicants interested in the FAO Headquarters internship should take note of the following essential information:

Vacancy Number: 2600026
Programme Type: Internship Programme – Call for Expressions of Interest
Organizational Unit: FAO Headquarters (HQ)
Primary Location: Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 to 11 months
Job Type: Internship
Application Deadline: 25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM
Posting Date: 25 January 2026

The internship duration may vary depending on the assignment and the needs of the hiring office.

About FAO and Its Global Mission

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads global efforts to end hunger, improve nutrition, and ensure access to sufficient, safe, and high-quality food for all. With 195 member states and operations in more than 130 countries, FAO plays a central role in shaping global agricultural policy and supporting sustainable development.

Through its internship programme, FAO aims to:

Provide practical learning opportunities in international development
Support capacity building for young professionals
Encourage innovation in agriculture and food systems
Contribute to the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Interns at headquarters contribute directly to FAO’s strategic framework focused on building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.

Internship Structure and Responsibilities

Interns placed at FAO Headquarters will work under the supervision of assigned FAO staff members and contribute to tasks defined in Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office.

Typical responsibilities may include:

Supporting technical research, policy analysis, and programme development
Assisting in documentation, reporting, and knowledge management activities
Contributing to communication and outreach initiatives
Participating in project implementation and coordination tasks
Supporting cross-functional teams across FAO divisions

Assignments are tailored to match the intern’s academic background and the operational needs of the organization.

Eligibility and Minimum Requirements

FAO has established strict eligibility criteria to ensure applicants meet the programme’s academic and professional standards. Candidates must:

Be enrolled in or have recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate programme at a recognized institution listed in the UNESCO/IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED)
Have academic specialization relevant to FAO’s mission, such as agriculture, economics, environmental science, international relations, communications, or related fields
Demonstrate working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish)
Be between 21 and 30 years of age
Be nationals of FAO member countries
Be able to work in an international, multicultural environment with strong communication skills

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 mindset
Ability to work effectively in teams
Strong communication skills
Capacity to build and maintain professional relationships
Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical skills should align with the candidate’s field of study and the needs of the assigned FAO unit.

Organizational Values and Ethical Standards

FAO maintains strict ethical and professional standards across all its operations. All interns and staff 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 regarding misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, abuse of authority, and exploitation. All selected candidates undergo background and reference checks.

Important Application Conditions

Applicants should carefully review the following conditions before applying:

No application or processing fees are charged at any stage of recruitment
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 externally sponsored
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, language skills, employment history (if applicable), and a motivation letter.

How to Apply

To apply for the FAO Headquarters Internship Programme, candidates must:

Create and complete a profile on the FAO recruitment portal
Upload required documents, including proof of academic enrollment or qualifications
Submit a motivation letter and supporting information
Ensure all details are accurate before submission

Only applications submitted through the official FAO system will be considered.

Deadline for Applications

The final deadline for submission is:

25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM

Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Building the Next Generation of Global Food System Professionals

Through its Headquarters Internship Programme in Rome, FAO continues to invest in developing young professionals who will shape the future of global food systems, agriculture, and sustainable development.

The programme provides a direct pathway into international public service, offering participants the opportunity to contribute to high-level policy work and global initiatives aimed at ending hunger and building resilient agrifood systems worldwide.

APPLY 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.