About the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger, improve food security and ensure that people have regular access to sufficient, high-quality food for healthy and active lives.
FAO works with more than 195 Members across over 130 countries worldwide. Its work focuses on transforming agri-food systems to make them more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.
The FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF) offers talented young women and men an opportunity to gain practical work experience, apply their academic knowledge and contribute innovative ideas to FAO's work. Interns will be assigned to different fields depending on their academic background, professional interests and the organization's requirements.
This opportunity is suitable for students and recent graduates who want to gain international experience and contribute to food security, agriculture, nutrition and sustainable development.
Internship Overview
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Programme: Internship Programme for Africa (RAF)
Vacancy Reference: 2601980
Job Type: Internship
Duty Station: Various locations
Duration: 3 to 11 months
Date Posted: 21 September 2026
Application Deadline: 1 January 2027 at 1:59 a.m., as stated in the announcement
Remuneration: Monthly stipend may be provided to interns who are not sponsored by their universities or other entities.
Internship Description
The FAO Internship Programme is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical learning opportunities in areas related to the organization's mandate. Participants will work under the supervision of an assigned supervisor and undertake tasks according to the terms of reference prepared by the hiring office.
The specific duties will depend on the intern's academic background, skills, the relevant technical field and the needs of the assigned FAO office.
Key Responsibilities
Selected interns will:
Perform duties specified in the terms of reference prepared by the hiring office.
Support activities relevant to FAO's work and mission, according to their academic specialization.
Apply their academic knowledge and skills to practical assignments.
Contribute fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and current academic knowledge.
Work under the guidance of an assigned supervisor.
Collaborate with colleagues in an international and multicultural working environment.
Support activities contributing to food security, sustainable agriculture and improved nutrition, depending on the assigned area of work.
Demonstrate professional conduct and uphold FAO's values throughout the internship.
The exact responsibilities will be communicated by the hiring office for the relevant assignment.
Internship Duration and Benefits
The internship lasts between 3 and 11 months, depending on the assignment.
FAO states that it provides a monthly stipend to interns who are not sponsored by their sending universities or other entities. The announcement does not specify the stipend amount.
The programme offers participants an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, work in a multicultural environment and learn more about international efforts related to agriculture, food security and sustainable development.
Tips for Preparing Your FAO Internship Application
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
Check that you meet the age, nationality, educational and language requirements before starting the application. Make sure your educational institution is recognized or accredited as required by FAO.
2. Update Your CV
Prepare a professional CV that clearly presents your educational background, academic achievements, relevant experience, technical skills, language abilities and any volunteering or research activities related to your field.
3. Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Explain why you want to join the FAO Internship Programme, how your academic background relates to FAO's mission and what you hope to contribute and learn during the internship.
Avoid using a generic letter that does not explain your own interests and qualifications.
4. Highlight Relevant Academic Skills
Show how your studies relate to FAO's work. Depending on your specialization, relevant experience may include research, agriculture, food systems, environmental studies, nutrition, economics, data analysis, communication or other related fields.
These are examples of possible relevant areas; the actual suitability of your specialization depends on the assignment.
5. Prepare Supporting Documents
Have your motivation letter, evidence of university attendance or academic qualifications and other requested information ready for upload.
6. Complete Your Online Profile Carefully
FAO recommends that applicants provide accurate and complete information about their employment records, academic qualifications and language skills. Review every section before submitting your application.
7. Apply Early
Submit your application well before the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered, according to the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FAO Internship Programme
1. What is the FAO Internship Programme for Africa?
It is an internship opportunity offered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to eligible students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in fields relevant to FAO's mission.
2. What is the vacancy reference number?
The vacancy reference number is 2601980.
3. Who can apply for the internship?
Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme at a recognized educational institution or be recent graduates. They must also meet the nationality, age, language and relevant-field requirements stated in the announcement.
4. What is the required age range?
The announcement states that candidates should be between 21 and 30 years old.
5. How long does the internship last?
The duration ranges from 3 to 11 months, depending on the assignment.
6. Where will interns be placed?
The primary location is listed as various locations. The specific duty station depends on the assignment and hiring office.
7. Is the FAO internship paid?
FAO states that a monthly stipend is provided to interns who are not sponsored by their universities or other entities. The announcement does not state the stipend amount.
8. Which languages are accepted?
Applicants must have working knowledge of at least one of FAO's official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish. Knowledge of an additional FAO language is an advantage.
9. What documents are required?
Applicants are requested to attach a motivation letter and evidence of attendance at a recognized university or a copy of academic qualifications to their online profile. They should also complete their candidate profile accurately.
10. How do I apply?
Apply online through the official FAO recruitment portal and search for vacancy reference 2601980.
11. What is the application deadline?
The announcement lists the closing date as 1 January 2027 at 1:59 a.m. Applicants should confirm the deadline and time displayed on the official vacancy page before submitting.
12. Does FAO charge an application fee?
No. FAO states that it does not charge any fees for applications, interviews or recruitment processing.
13. Can someone who has already completed an FAO internship apply again?
According to the announcement, candidates who have already undertaken an internship assignment at FAO are not eligible for another internship.
Conclusion
The FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF), vacancy reference 2601980, provides eligible students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Interested candidates should verify that they meet the eligibility requirements, prepare a strong CV and motivation letter, complete their online profiles accurately and submit all required documents through the official recruitment portal.
Applicants should check the official vacancy listing for any updates and submit their applications before the stated closing date.
Qualifications and Requirements
Minimum Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements.
1. Educational Requirements
Candidates must either:
Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a bona fide educational institution at the time of application; or
Be recent graduates.
FAO considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Applicants can check recognized institutions through the World Higher Education Database at https://www.whed.net/.
2. Relevant Field of Study
Applicants must specialize in a field relevant to FAO's mission and work. The specific academic background required may depend on the assignment and the terms of reference established by the hiring office.
3. Language Requirements
Candidates must have a working knowledge of at least one of FAO's official languages:
Arabic
Chinese
English
French
Russian
Spanish
Knowledge of a second FAO language will be considered an additional advantage.
4. Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be nationals of FAO Member countries. Candidates should verify their eligibility against the official FAO membership list.
5. Age Requirements
Candidates should be between 21 and 30 years old, according to the announcement.
6. Communication and Adaptability
Applicants should demonstrate good communication skills and the ability to adapt to an international, multicultural working environment.
FAO Core Competencies
Candidates will be assessed against the following core competencies:
Results Focus: Ability to work toward objectives and deliver assigned tasks.
Teamwork: Ability to cooperate effectively with colleagues.
Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
Building Effective Relationships: Ability to establish positive working relationships.
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement: Willingness to learn, share knowledge and improve performance.
Technical and Functional Skills
Applicants should have relevant academic studies in a field connected to the work of FAO.
Candidates should also demonstrate professionalism, integrity, respect for others and a commitment to continuous learning.
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Before applying, candidates should take note of the following conditions:
Candidates who have already completed an internship assignment at FAO are not eligible for another internship under this programme.
Applicants with family members defined in the announcement as a mother, father, sister or brother employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement are not eligible.
Selected candidates must have the appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment before joining the organization.
All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.
Applicants must uphold FAO's values of commitment, respect for all, integrity and transparency.
FAO does not charge application, interview, processing or recruitment fees.
How to Apply
How to Apply for the FAO Internship Programme for Africa
Applications must be submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal.
Application Procedure
Visit the official FAO recruitment website: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
Search for the vacancy titled Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme for Africa (RAF), reference number 2601980.
Create or access your candidate account and complete your online profile.
Provide accurate details about your education, employment history, language skills and other relevant qualifications.
Attach a motivation letter.
Attach evidence of attendance at a recognized university or a copy of your academic qualifications, as requested.
Review your information to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
Submit the application through the FAO recruitment portal before the stated deadline.
Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
Application portal: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
For assistance or questions about the recruitment process, use the FAO support service at https://fao.service-now.com/csp.
Important Information for Applicants
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of recruitment.
Only qualified applicants will be contacted directly for interviews by the hiring office.
If selected, candidates will undergo reference and background checks.
Personal information may be shared within FAO and with service providers supporting recruitment. Applicants will be asked for consent before submitting their applications.
Applicants who wish to remain under consideration for future assignments may need to apply again when new calls are published.
The recruitment process is confidential.
FAO maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
FAO also encourages qualified women, nationals of non- and under-represented Member countries, and candidates from eligible low-income, least-developed, landlocked developing and small island developing states to apply.
