FAO Africa Internship 2025–2026: A Transformative Journey for Young Leaders

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened its Call for Expressions of Interest for the Internship Programme for Africa (RAF) under vacancy announcement 2502233, offering an exciting opportunity for young professionals passionate about food security, sustainable agriculture, and global development. Posted on 20 September 2025 and closing on 1 January 2026, this internship invites talented and motivated youth across FAO Member States to gain hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to defeating hunger.

FAO plays a central role in shaping global policies and strategies to ensure that people everywhere have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. With a presence in more than 130 countries and over 195 Member States, the organization focuses on building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. The Internship Programme is an essential part of FAO’s broader mission, positioning young people as key contributors to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda.

A Learning Experience That Shapes Global Citizens

The FAO Internship Programme is designed to attract young women and men with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong academic foundation. The aim is not only to provide interns with practical exposure but also to enrich FAO’s ongoing work with new thinking and youthful creativity.

Internships take place across various African duty stations, depending on organizational needs. Selected interns work under the supervision of an assigned FAO officer and contribute to specialized areas aligned with their academic background. These fields may include agriculture, forestry, fisheries, climate resilience, economic development, food systems, and more.

This opportunity offers students and recent graduates a chance to bridge academic learning with real-world application—an invaluable stepping stone for anyone pursuing a career in international development, food security, humanitarian response, or environmental sustainability.

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Who Can Apply? Minimum Requirements

FAO is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender balance. The internship welcomes applications from qualified female candidates, nationals of under-represented countries, and individuals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme or be a recent graduate.
• Hold qualifications from a higher education institution recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• Specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s work.
• Be aged 21 to 30.
• Have working knowledge of at least one FAO language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
• Be nationals of FAO Member States.
• Demonstrate adaptability in multicultural international environments and possess strong communication skills.

Interns must also embody FAO’s core values: Commitment, Respect for All, Integrity, and Transparency.

Core Competencies and Responsibilities

Interns are expected to uphold FAO’s core competencies, which include:

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

The specific functions to be performed are detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) provided by each hiring office. Responsibilities will vary depending on the assignment location and the intern’s field of study.

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Additional Important Information

A few key aspects of the programme include:

• FAO does not charge any fee during any part of the application process.
• Only candidates who have not previously completed an FAO internship may apply.
• Selected candidates must already have appropriate residence or immigration status in the host country before joining.
• Applicants with immediate family members working for FAO are not eligible.
• Interns may receive a monthly stipend, unless funded by their university or another sponsoring institution.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their documents through the official FAO recruitment portal (Jobs at FAO). A complete application includes:

• An accurate and up-to-date online profile
• A letter of motivation
• Proof of university enrollment or academic qualifications

FAO strongly encourages candidates to apply well before the deadline. For queries or technical assistance, applicants may contact support through the FAO online service portal.

The FAO Internship Programme for Africa offers far more than work experience—it is a pathway to impact, innovation, and building a hunger-free world. If you are a passionate young professional ready to contribute to global change, this is your moment to step forward.