FAO Internship Programme at Headquarters (Rome): Call for Expressions of Interest 2025–2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has officially opened a Call for Expressions of Interest for its Internship Programme at FAO Headquarters (HQ) in Rome, Italy.
This prestigious opportunity is designed for motivated young professionals and students who are eager to gain hands-on international experience while contributing to the global fight against hunger and food insecurity.
The vacancy announcement (Reference 2502231) was posted on 20 September 2025, and applications will remain open until 1 January 2026 at 3:59 AM.
FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with 195 Member countries, operating in more than 130 countries worldwide. Its mission is to defeat hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture so that people everywhere can lead active and healthy lives.
Interns joining FAO become part of this global mission and contribute directly to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aligning with FAO’s Strategic Framework focused on better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
About the Internship Programme
The FAO Internship Programme is structured to attract talented young women and men who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and strong academic foundations. Internships are offered for a duration of 3 to 11 months and are based at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. Interns are assigned to different technical fields depending on their academic background, professional interests, and the operational needs of the Organization.
During the internship, participants work under the guidance of an assigned supervisor and carry out tasks outlined in a Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office. This practical exposure allows interns to supplement their academic learning with real-world experience in areas closely aligned with FAO’s mandate.
Eligibility and Minimum Requirements
To be considered for this internship programme, candidates must meet several minimum requirements. Applicants should be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme, or be recent graduates, from an institution recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Fields of study must be relevant to FAO’s work, such as agriculture, food security, economics, environmental sciences, nutrition, international relations, or related disciplines.
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years old and be nationals of FAO Member countries. A working knowledge of at least one FAO language—Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish—is required, while proficiency in a second FAO language is considered an asset. Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to a multicultural, international environment are also essential.
Core Competencies and Values
FAO places strong emphasis on professional integrity and ethical conduct. Interns are expected to demonstrate FAO’s core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, effective communication, relationship building, and continuous learning. All candidates must adhere to FAO’s core values of commitment, respect for all, integrity, and transparency. FAO maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority.
Additional Information and Benefits
FAO is firmly committed to workforce diversity. Qualified female applicants, nationals of non- or under-represented Member States, and candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are strongly encouraged to apply.
FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Selected interns may receive a monthly stipend, provided they are not sponsored by a university or another entity. Please note that candidates who have previously completed an FAO internship are not eligible for another, and applicants with close family members employed by FAO are also ineligible.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online through the FAO recruitment portal. Applicants are required to create a complete and accurate online profile, upload a letter of motivation, and provide proof of enrollment or academic qualifications. Only applications submitted through the official FAO system will be considered, and incomplete applications will be rejected.
