FAO is inviting applications for its FAO Fellows Programme 2026. Open to Master’s/PhD students, researchers, and professionals with at least two years’ experience. Explore eligibility, benefits, roles, and how to apply
About the FAO Fellows Programme 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened its 2026 Fellows Programme, calling for experts, researchers, PhD candidates, academics, and professionals to contribute to global food security, sustainable agriculture, and development.
This programme places Fellows across FAO Headquarters (Rome), regional, sub-regional, country, and liaison offices. Fellows bring advanced technical expertise while gaining exposure to real UN field operations and research environments.
Assignments support FAO’s work toward:
- Sustainable, resilient agri-food systems
- Improved production and nutrition
- Environmental protection
- Global progress toward the 2030 Agenda
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Who the Programme Is For
This fellowship is designed for:
- PhD students
- Master’s degree holders
- Post-doctoral researchers
- University professors
- Technical specialists with proven expertise
Unlike the FAO Internship Programme, this track is for experienced individuals, not entry-level candidates.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Fellows support FAO technical teams through:
- Research and technical analysis
- Policy development support
- Knowledge-sharing and training
- Project design and implementation
- Data collection, field assessments, and evaluations
- Advisory services aligned with their specialization
Specific duties depend on the Fellow’s profile and the assigned unit’s needs.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
- Hold a Master’s or PhD, or be enrolled in a PhD programme
- Education must be from a university recognized in the UNESCO/IAU WHED database
- Minimum two years of relevant work or research experience
- Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language
(Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) - Citizenship of an FAO member country
- Ability to work in multicultural environments
- Strong communication skills
Duration
Fellowship contracts may last up to 11 months, depending on project requirements.
Important Notes
- FAO does not pay Fellows. You must be sponsored by a university, research body, government programme, or academic institution.
- Candidates with immediate family employed at FAO are not eligible.
- Fellows must have the proper residency or immigration status in their duty station country.
- All selected candidates undergo background checks.
Diversity Commitment
FAO strongly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Under-represented member states
- LDCs, LLDCs, SIDS
- Individuals with disabilities
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | FAO Fellows Programme 2026 |
| Location | Worldwide (HQ, Regional, Country Offices) |
| Type | Non-staff Fellowship |
| Duration | Up to 11 months |
| Eligibility | Master’s/PhD students, graduates, researchers, professionals |
| Experience Required | Minimum 2 years |
| Sponsorship | Required (FAO does not pay) |
| Deadline | 1 January 2026 |
| Languages | Any FAO official language |
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit a strong application.
Step 1 – Visit the FAO Recruitment Portal
Go to: Jobs at FAO
(Submit applications only through the official FAO recruitment portal.)
Step 2 – Create and Complete Your Profile
Ensure your FAO profile contains:
- Full employment history
- Academic qualifications
- Language skills
- Personal details
Attach the following documents:
- Research proposal
- Proof of university enrollment or academic qualifications
- Details of sponsoring institution(s)
Step 3 – Submit the Application
Apply directly to the Fellows Programme 2026 Call for Expression of Interest.
Incomplete profiles are automatically rejected.
Step 4 – Selection Process
- Only shortlisted candidates are contacted
- Applications undergo technical review and background checks
- Placement depends on office needs and Fellow’s specialization
Step 5 – If Not Selected
Applicants may re-apply for future calls as the roster refreshes each cycle.
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn, and Follow our Twitter Page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FAO Fellows Programme paid?
No. Fellows must be fully sponsored by an external institution or donor.
Do I need two years of experience?
Yes—this is a core requirement for technical credibility.
Is this the same as the FAO internship?
No, this programme is for advanced professionals or researchers, not entry-level interns.
Can professors apply?
Yes, university faculty are eligible.
Can I apply if my degree isn’t from a WHED-listed university?
No. FAO only recognizes degrees listed in the WHED database.
What fields does FAO accept?
Any discipline relevant to FAO’s work, including:
- Agriculture
- Food security
- Economics
- Forestry
- Climate and environment
- Fisheries
- Data science
- Gender and development
- Policy and governance
Keywords
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