The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a new Call for Expressions of Interest for its Internship Programme in Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC), offering young professionals and students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development, food security, and sustainable agriculture.

The internship programme, identified under vacancy announcement 2600034, forms part of FAO’s global initiative to strengthen youth participation in agricultural transformation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Internship Programme Overview

The FAO Internship Programme for the Latin America and Caribbean region is designed to attract motivated young professionals who are eager to contribute innovative ideas, academic knowledge, and fresh perspectives to the organization’s mission of ending hunger and improving global food systems.

Interns will support FAO’s regional and country-level work across Latin America and the Caribbean, contributing to the organization’s strategic framework focused on creating more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.

The programme also serves as a learning opportunity, enabling participants to apply academic training in real-world international development contexts.

Key Internship Details

Applicants interested in the RLC internship call should take note of the following details:

Vacancy Number: 2600034
Programme Type: Internship Programme – Call for Expressions of Interest
Organizational Unit: RLC (Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office)
Primary Location: Various locations across the region
Duration: 3 to 11 months
Job Type: Internship
Application Deadline: 25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM
Posting Date: 25 January 2026

Assignments may take place in different countries within the region depending on organizational needs and candidate profiles.

FAO’s Mission and Internship Purpose

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads global efforts to defeat hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all. With operations in more than 130 countries and a membership of over 195 nations, FAO works at the forefront of global food security and agricultural development.

Through its internship programme, FAO seeks to:

Provide practical training opportunities for young professionals
Strengthen capacity in international agricultural development
Promote knowledge-sharing and innovation in food systems
Support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Interns are expected to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects while gaining exposure to international policy frameworks and technical operations.

Internship Structure and Responsibilities

Interns assigned to the Latin America and Caribbean regional office will work under the supervision of designated FAO staff members and contribute to tasks aligned with their academic background and organizational needs.

Typical responsibilities may include:

Supporting research and analysis in agriculture, food security, and rural development
Assisting in project implementation and reporting activities
Contributing to data collection, documentation, and knowledge management
Participating in regional development initiatives and technical programmes
Supporting communication and coordination activities where required

Each internship assignment is guided by Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office, ensuring that tasks are aligned with both learning objectives and organizational priorities.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

FAO has outlined strict eligibility requirements to ensure that candidates are suitably qualified for the internship programme. Applicants must meet the following minimum conditions:

Enrollment in, or recent graduation from, an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognized institution listed in the UNESCO/IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Academic specialization relevant to FAO’s mandate, such as agriculture, economics, environmental science, international relations, or related fields.
Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish.
Age between 21 and 30 years.
Nationality of an FAO Member country.
Ability to adapt to a multicultural, international working environment with strong communication skills.

Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an advantage.

Core Competencies and Skills

FAO emphasizes that successful candidates should demonstrate strong core competencies, including:

Results-oriented mindset
Teamwork and collaboration
Effective communication skills
Ability to build productive working relationships
Commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing

In addition, candidates must align with FAO’s technical requirements relevant to their academic discipline.

Organizational Values and Ethical Standards

FAO upholds strict ethical and professional standards across all its operations. All staff and interns are expected to adhere to the organization’s core values of:

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

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

Important Application Conditions

Applicants should carefully review FAO’s additional requirements before submitting their applications:

No application or processing fees are charged at any stage of the recruitment process
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the FAO recruitment portal
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Candidates previously employed as FAO interns are not eligible to reapply
A monthly stipend may be provided unless the intern is sponsored by another institution
Applicants must hold valid residency or immigration status in the country of assignment

Candidates are required to upload 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 Latin America and the Caribbean, candidates must:

Create and complete an online profile on the FAO recruitment system
Attach a motivation letter and proof of academic enrollment or qualifications
Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission
Submit the application through the official FAO portal before the deadline

Only applications submitted through the official 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.

Strengthening Youth Engagement in Global Food Systems

Through its internship programme in Latin America and the Caribbean, FAO continues to invest in developing future professionals capable of addressing global challenges in agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. The initiative provides a structured pathway for young talent to engage directly with international development work and contribute to building more resilient food systems worldwide.

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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.