Internship•Global

FAO Internship Programme

Funding

Partial / Stipend

Program dates

TBA

The FAO Internship Programme is a learning opportunity run by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to give talented young women and men practical work experience related to FAO’s mandate and its support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Interns join FAO offices and projects — preferably in their own country or country of residence — to contribute to the organisation’s work on food security, agriculture, rural development and the environment. Assignments run between 3 and 11 months. Placements are filled through periodic “Calls for Expression of Interest” published on the FAO recruitment portal, and candidates may apply throughout the year.

Benefits & funding

  • Monthly stipend paid in local currency, not exceeding US$700 per month (sponsored interns are paid directly by their sponsoring institution instead).
  • Practical experience inside a UN specialised agency, working alongside FAO technical teams.
  • Medical coverage provided by FAO for service-incurred incidents during the assignment.
  • Note: FAO does not cover travel, accommodation, or non-service medical insurance — these remain the intern’s responsibility.

Eligibility

  • Nationals of FAO Member Nations (FAO membership covers nearly all countries, including China; applicants should confirm their country is a member).
  • Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme, or recent graduates at the time of application; proof of university attendance is required.
  • Aged between 21 and 30 — you remain eligible as long as your 31st birthday does not fall before the internship begins.
  • Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish); additional languages are an asset.
  • Appropriate immigration status in the country of assignment before the start date.
  • Not eligible if an immediate family member (parent, sibling) is employed by FAO under any type of contract.

Application process

  1. 1
    Watch the FAO recruitment portal for “Calls for Expression of Interest” for the internship programme (headquarters and regional offices post separate calls).
  2. 2
    Complete the online application form, attaching a letter of motivation and evidence of attendance at a recognised university.
  3. 3
    Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly for interview; FAO does not keep a roster, so each new call requires a fresh application.

Program timeline

  1. Year-round

    Calls for Expression of Interest published on the FAO recruitment portal (applications accepted throughout the year)

  2. Per call

    Application window closes on the date stated in each specific call

  3. After shortlisting

    Interviews with selected candidates

  4. Assignment length

    3 to 11 months from the agreed start date