Are you looking to launch your career with the United Nations? The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting talented students and recent graduates from around the world to apply for its Internship Programme 2027.
This prestigious internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to FAO’s global mission of ending hunger, improving food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Whether you are studying agriculture, environmental science, economics, international development, public policy, nutrition, engineering, information technology, communications, or other related fields, the FAO Internship Programme offers valuable international work experience within one of the world’s leading UN agencies.
About the FAO Internship Programme
The FAO Internship Programme is designed to attract motivated young professionals who are eager to contribute innovative ideas, academic knowledge, and research experience to FAO’s work.
Interns work alongside experienced international professionals while supporting projects that address global challenges such as:
- Food security
- Climate change
- Sustainable agriculture
- Rural development
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Forestry
- Biodiversity conservation
- Nutrition
- Agricultural innovation
- Emergency and resilience programmes
The programme also enables participants to better understand how the United Nations operates while developing valuable professional skills.
Internship Benefits
The FAO Internship Programme offers numerous benefits, including:
- Practical experience in a United Nations agency
- Opportunity to work with international experts
- Professional mentoring and supervision
- Exposure to global development projects
- Networking opportunities with UN professionals
- Enhanced career prospects in international development
- Experience supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- A multicultural and international working environment
Depending on the internship assignment and applicable FAO policies, selected interns may also receive a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses.
Internship Duration
Internships are available for:
3 to 11 months
The exact duration depends on the needs of the hiring office and the availability of the selected candidate.
Who Can Apply?
The FAO Internship Programme is open to applicants who meet the following eligibility requirements.
Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of one of the FAO Member Countries.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme, or
- Currently enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate degree programme, or
- A recent graduate from a recognized educational institution.
The field of study should be relevant to FAO’s areas of work.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be:
- Between 21 and 30 years old at the start of the internship.
The internship must begin before the applicant turns 31.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have working knowledge of at least one official FAO language:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Russian
Knowledge of a second FAO official language is considered an advantage.
Professional Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work in multicultural environments
- Good teamwork abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Knowledge of standard computer applications
- Interest in international development
Residency Requirements
Applicants must possess the necessary visa or legal residence status for the country where the internship will take place before the internship begins.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Applicants are not eligible if they have immediate family members (brother, sister, mother, or father) employed by FAO under any type of contract.
Areas of Study
Students from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:
- Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
- Animal Science
- Economics
- Development Studies
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Climate Change
- Forestry
- Fisheries
- Nutrition
- Veterinary Medicine
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Data Science
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Law
- Statistics
- Geography
- Public Health
Why Join FAO?
Interning with FAO provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that improve lives worldwide.
Interns may support initiatives focused on:
- Ending hunger
- Sustainable food systems
- Climate resilience
- Rural livelihoods
- Emergency response
- Agricultural innovation
- Biodiversity conservation
- Water management
- Digital agriculture
- Food safety
Working with FAO allows participants to gain insight into international policymaking while making a real impact on global development.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1
Visit the FAO Careers Portal.
Step 2
Apply to the General Call for Expression of Interest for the Internship Programme.
Step 3
Complete the online application form.
Step 4
Upload the required documents, including:
- Updated CV or résumé
- Motivation letter
- Proof of enrollment or graduation
- Academic transcripts (if requested)
- Supporting documents required for the specific internship
Step 5
Submit your application before the advertised closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to apply again when new Calls for Expressions of Interest are published.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Tips for a Successful Application
To improve your chances of selection:
- Tailor your CV to FAO’s mission and values.
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining why you want to work with FAO.
- Highlight academic achievements, research, leadership, and volunteer experience.
- Demonstrate your interest in sustainable development and food security.
- Apply early before the application deadline.
Why Build Your Career with FAO?
An internship with FAO is more than just work experience—it is an opportunity to contribute to global solutions for hunger, poverty, climate change, and sustainable agriculture. Interns gain practical skills, international exposure, and valuable professional networks that can open doors to future careers within the United Nations system and other international organizations.
If you are passionate about creating a better, more sustainable world, the FAO Internship Programme 2027 is an excellent opportunity to begin your international career.
Internship Programme
