FAO Internship Programme for Africa 2027 | Internship Opportunities in Africa

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations working internationally to defeat hunger, improve food security and support sustainable agri-food systems.

FAO has more than 195 Members and works in over 130 countries. Through its FAO Internship Programme, the organization provides young professionals and students with an opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to work related to agriculture, food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability and other areas within FAO’s mandate.

The FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF) is designed to attract talented young women and men who want to apply their academic knowledge in a professional international environment.

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FAO Internship Programme for Africa 2027

The FAO Internship Programme for Africa is a call for expressions of interest for internship assignments within the Regional Office for Africa (RAF) and other relevant FAO locations.

The internship provides participants with practical work experience related to their academic background and FAO’s areas of work.

Interns will be assigned to different fields depending on their academic profile and the needs of the organization. The specific duties and responsibilities will be outlined in the Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office.

FAO Internship Programme Details

• Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Programme: Internship Programme for Africa
• Job Type: Internship
• Organizational Unit: RAF
• Location: Various Locations
• Duration: 3 to 11 months
• Job Posting Date: 21 September 2026
• Application Deadline: 1 January 2027
• Reference: 2601980
• Stipend: Monthly stipend may be provided to eligible interns who are not sponsored by a university or another entity

Who Is Suitable for the FAO Internship?

The FAO Internship Programme is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates whose academic studies are relevant to FAO’s mission and work.

Applicants should be interested in international development, agriculture, food systems, food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability or another field relevant to the organization’s work.

The FAO internship can be particularly relevant for students and recent graduates looking to gain international work experience and develop professional skills within a United Nations organization.

FAO Internship Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements established for the FAO Internship Programme for Africa.

Candidates must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at the time of application or be a recent graduate.
• Have qualifications from a recognized/accredited higher education institution.
• Specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s mission and work.
• Be a national of an FAO Member.
• Be between 21 and 30 years old.
• Have working knowledge of at least one FAO language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an international and multicultural environment.
• Have good communication skills.

FAO notes that knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.

Fields of Study for the FAO Internship

The FAO Internship Programme does not specify one single academic discipline. Interns may be assigned to different areas according to their academic background and the needs of the organization.

Relevant academic studies should relate to the mission and work of FAO.

Applicants should therefore clearly explain how their education, skills and interests relate to the work of FAO when preparing their application.

FAO Internship Benefits

The FAO Internship Programme for Africa provides participants with an opportunity to gain practical experience in an international organization.

Potential benefits include:

• Practical professional experience with FAO.
• Exposure to international development work.
• Opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a workplace environment.
• Experience working in a multicultural organization.
• Development of professional communication skills.
• Exposure to FAO’s work on sustainable agri-food systems.
• Opportunity to contribute to work connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Internship assignments lasting between 3 and 11 months.
• Monthly stipend for eligible interns who are not sponsored by a university or another entity.

The vacancy announcement does not specify a fixed stipend amount, so applicants should not assume a particular monthly payment.

FAO Core Competencies

Candidates for the FAO Internship Programme are expected to demonstrate competencies including:

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

FAO also expects interns to adhere to its values, including commitment to FAO, respect for all, integrity and transparency.

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How Competitive Is the FAO Internship?

The FAO Internship Programme for Africa can attract applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds.

Applicants can strengthen their applications by ensuring that their education, skills and motivation are clearly connected to FAO’s mandate.

A strong application should demonstrate relevant academic preparation, communication ability, international or multicultural awareness and a clear interest in the work of FAO.

How to Prepare Your CV for the FAO Internship

When applying for an FAO internship, make sure your online profile is complete and accurate.

Your profile should clearly include:

• Academic qualifications.
• Current university enrolment or recent graduation.
• Relevant coursework.
• Employment or internship experience.
• Language skills.
• Technical and professional skills.
• Relevant volunteer or research experience.

Where possible, highlight projects, research or academic work related to agriculture, food security, nutrition, climate, environment, development, data, economics, policy or other areas relevant to FAO.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants for the FAO Internship Programme should avoid submitting incomplete applications.

Common issues to watch for include:

• Leaving sections of the online profile incomplete.
• Failing to attach the required motivation letter.
• Not providing evidence of university attendance or academic qualifications.
• Providing unclear academic information.
• Missing the application deadline.
• Applying through an unofficial recruitment channel.
• Failing to demonstrate the relevance of your academic field to FAO.

FAO states that only applications submitted through its recruitment portal will be considered.

Important Eligibility Information

Candidates who have already undertaken an internship assignment at FAO are not eligible for another FAO internship.

Selected candidates must also have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment before joining the organization.

Candidates with certain immediate family members employed by FAO are also not eligible under the Internship Programme.

FAO encourages qualified female applicants, nationals of non- and under-represented Members, persons with disabilities and candidates from LIFDCs, LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS to apply.

Career Benefits of an FAO Internship

An FAO internship can provide practical experience that may be useful when pursuing future careers in international development, agriculture, food security, environmental sustainability, research, policy and humanitarian or development organizations.

The experience can help students and recent graduates understand how an international organization operates while developing workplace, communication and technical skills.

How to Apply for the FAO Internship Programme for Africa

Applicants should apply through the official FAO Jobs recruitment portal.

Candidates are required to create and complete their online profile and provide accurate information about their employment records, academic qualifications and language skills.

Applicants should also attach:

• A letter of motivation.
• Evidence of attendance at a recognized university or a copy of academic qualifications.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

FAO recommends submitting applications well before the closing date.

FAO Internship Application Deadline

The closing date for the FAO Internship Programme for Africa is:

1 January 2027 at 12:59 AM.

Applicants should check the official FAO recruitment system for the latest application instructions and assignment information before submitting their application.

Final Thoughts

The FAO Internship Programme for Africa 2027 offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

With internship assignments ranging from 3 to 11 months and opportunities available in various locations, the programme may be relevant to candidates whose academic backgrounds align with FAO’s mission and work.

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare a complete online profile, attach the required documents and submit their application through the official FAO recruitment portal before the deadline.

Application Deadline: 1 January 2027