FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 in Rome, Italy

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is accepting applications for its Regular Volunteer Programme 2026 at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The programme gives eligible individuals an opportunity to contribute to FAO’s work and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while gaining exposure to an international and multicultural working environment.

This Call for Expressions of Interest was posted on 21 September 2026 and will remain open until 31 December 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Volunteer assignments can last for up to six months.

Importantly, FAO explicitly states that it does not provide remuneration to volunteers. Candidates should therefore consider the financial and immigration requirements of living in Rome before applying.

Background & Programme Description

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all.

FAO works to ensure that people have regular access to sufficient, high-quality food needed to lead active and healthy lives.

The organization has more than 195 Members and works in over 130 countries worldwide.

Through the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme, individuals can contribute their time and skills to work aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, FAO’s Strategic Framework and the broader 2030 Agenda.

The programme supports FAO’s goal of transforming agrifood systems so that they become more:

Efficient
Inclusive
Resilient
Sustainable

This transformation supports FAO’s objectives of better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, while leaving no one behind.

FAO Regular Volunteer Programme 2026

The current Call for Expressions of Interest is specifically for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The vacancy details are:

Vacancy Announcement: 2601985
Programme: FAO Regular Volunteer Programme
Organizational Unit: Headquarters (HQ)
Location: Rome, Italy
Job Type: Non-staff opportunity
Type of Requisition: Volunteer Programme
Duration: Up to six months
Closing Date: 31 December 2026

This is a volunteer opportunity rather than an FAO staff appointment.

Technical Focus

Selected volunteers will be assigned to a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO.

The precise technical area can therefore vary according to the needs of the hiring office and the candidate’s background.

FAO states that relevant working or research experience in one of the organization’s fields is considered a technical or functional skill.

Tasks and Responsibilities

There is no single universal set of duties for every volunteer selected through this call.

Instead, each volunteer will perform the functions specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office.

Selected volunteers will report to an assigned supervisor.

The specific duties will therefore depend on the FAO office, assignment and technical area to which the volunteer is assigned.

Minimum Education Requirement

Applicants must have completed at least:

Secondary school education

A university degree is therefore not listed as a universal minimum requirement for this call.

Candidates should nevertheless ensure that their education, skills and experience are relevant to the areas in which they hope to contribute.

Age Requirement

Candidates must be:

18 years of age or older.

The vacancy does not state an upper age limit.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be nationals of FAO Members.

Candidates should check FAO’s official membership information if they are uncertain whether their nationality satisfies this requirement.

Language Requirements

Applicants must have a working knowledge of at least one FAO language.

The six FAO languages identified in the vacancy are:

Arabic
Chinese
English
French
Russian
Spanish

Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.

Communication and Multicultural Skills

Applicants should be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment.

They should also demonstrate good communication skills.

These qualities are particularly relevant because FAO operates internationally and brings together professionals and volunteers from diverse national, cultural and professional backgrounds.

FAO Core Competencies

Candidates will be assessed against FAO’s core competencies, which include:

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

Applicants should ensure that their application demonstrates relevant experience and examples connected with these competencies where appropriate.

Technical and Functional Skills

FAO identifies relevant working or research experience in one of the fields of the Organization as an important technical or functional skill.

The vacancy does not specify a universal number of years of professional experience.

Candidates from different backgrounds can therefore be considered depending on the needs of individual hiring offices.

Is the FAO Volunteer Programme Paid?

No.

FAO clearly states:

FAO does not provide any remuneration to volunteers.

Applicants should therefore not describe this programme as a paid internship, salaried job or funded fellowship.

The vacancy also does not state that FAO will provide:

A salary
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
International airfare
Living allowance
Relocation allowance

Applicants should plan their finances accordingly before accepting an assignment.

Residence and Immigration Requirements

International applicants should pay particular attention to the immigration requirement.

FAO states that selected candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment before joining the Organization.

For this particular call, the primary location is Rome, Italy.

The vacancy does not state that FAO will automatically arrange or sponsor the necessary immigration status.

Candidates should therefore carefully consider this requirement when applying.

Family Members Working for FAO

There is an important restriction concerning family relationships.

Candidates are not eligible for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme if they have a family member employed by FAO under any type of contractual arrangement.

For this purpose, FAO defines family members as:

Mother
Father
Sister
Brother
Daughter
Son

Applicants should take this requirement into consideration before submitting an application.

Diversity and Inclusion

FAO states that it is committed to workforce diversity in terms of:

Gender
Nationality
Background
Culture

The organization particularly encourages applications from qualified women, persons with disabilities and qualified nationals of non- and under-represented FAO Members.

FAO also encourages applications from candidates from:

Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries
Least Developed Countries
Land-locked Developing Countries
Small Island Developing States

All selected candidates undergo reference and background checks.

FAO Values

Candidates are expected to uphold FAO’s values of:

Commitment to FAO

Respect for All

Integrity and Transparency

FAO also maintains a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its mandate and standards, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

Selection Process

FAO states that all applications will be reviewed.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted directly by the hiring office for interviews.

Candidates will be contacted again if selected.

Applicants who are not selected before the closing date and wish to continue being considered for future assignments will need to reapply to new Calls for Expressions of Interest.

Application Documents

Candidates need to create and complete an online profile through the FAO recruitment system.

FAO strongly recommends ensuring that the profile is accurate and complete.

Information should include:

Employment records
Academic qualifications
Language skills

Candidates are also requested to attach:

Letter of motivation
Copy of academic qualifications

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Fee

There is no FAO recruitment fee.

FAO states that it does not charge candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, including:

Application
Interview
Processing

Applicants should be cautious about individuals or organizations asking for money while claiming to represent FAO recruitment.

Application Deadline

Applications close on:

31 December 2026 at 11:59 PM

FAO encourages applicants to submit their applications well before the deadline.

Waiting until the final day can create unnecessary risk if candidates encounter technical problems or discover that information is missing from their online profiles.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal.

Search and Apply for FAO Opportunities

Candidates should search for vacancy announcement:

2601985 – Call for Expression of Interest – FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for FAO Headquarters (HQ)

Applicants must complete their online profile, attach the requested documentation and formally submit the application.

Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.

Quick Facts

Category	Details
Organization	Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Programme	FAO Regular Volunteer Programme
Vacancy Number	2601985
Location	Rome, Italy
Organizational Unit	FAO Headquarters
Opportunity Type	Non-staff / Volunteer Programme
Posting Date	21 September 2026
Closing Date	31 December 2026
Closing Time	11:59 PM
Duration	Up to 6 months
Minimum Age	18
Minimum Education	Completed secondary school
Nationality	Nationals of FAO Members
Language	Working knowledge of at least one FAO language
Second FAO Language	An asset
Remuneration	None
Immigration Status	Appropriate status required before joining
Motivation Letter	Required
Academic Qualifications	Copy requested
Application Fee	None
Application Method	FAO recruitment portal

Final Thoughts

The FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 in Rome, Italy provides an opportunity for individuals interested in contributing to international efforts addressing hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition and sustainable agrifood systems.

Unlike many UN opportunities that require advanced university qualifications, this Call for Expressions of Interest lists completed secondary education as its minimum educational requirement. Applicants must also be at least 18, hold nationality of an FAO Member and have working knowledge of at least one FAO language.

Selected volunteers may serve for up to six months at FAO Headquarters in Rome and will work under an assigned supervisor on responsibilities established through the hiring office’s Terms of Reference.

Candidates should understand that this is an unpaid volunteer programme. FAO explicitly states that volunteers receive no remuneration, and selected candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status in Italy before joining.

Applications for vacancy 2601985 close on 31 December 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Apply Through the Official FAO Careers Portal

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