The FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 offers individuals an opportunity to contribute to the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. The volunteer programme is designed for people who want to gain practical experience while supporting FAO’s mission of addressing hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition and sustainable agri-food systems.
Unlike a conventional paid FAO job, this is a volunteer opportunity with a placement of up to six months. Applicants must meet the programme’s education, nationality, language and age requirements before submitting their applications.
FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 at a Glance
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) |
| Programme | Regular Volunteer Programme |
| Location | Rome, Italy |
| Opportunity Type | Volunteer |
| Duration | Up to 6 months |
| Education | Secondary school completed |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Languages | At least one FAO language |
| Remuneration | No remuneration |
| Application Deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| Vacancy Number | 2601985 |
About the FAO Volunteer Programme 2026
The FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 is part of FAO’s efforts to mobilize people who want to contribute their time and skills to the Organization’s global mission. FAO works with more than 195 Members and operates across more than 130 countries.
The programme supports work connected with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework. Volunteers may contribute to activities supporting more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
For individuals interested in international development, agriculture, food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability or related areas, the FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 can provide exposure to the work of a United Nations specialized agency.
Location and Volunteer Assignment
The primary location for this opportunity is FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Successful volunteers will report to an assigned supervisor and will be placed in an area relevant to FAO’s work. The specific functions and responsibilities will depend on the Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office.
Because assignments can vary, applicants should carefully review the requirements and ensure their academic background, professional experience or research interests are relevant to the area in which they hope to contribute.
The maximum duration of the volunteer assignment is six months.
FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 Requirements
Applicants for the FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 must meet several minimum requirements.
Candidates must have completed secondary school education and be at least 18 years old. They must also be nationals of FAO Member countries.
Language ability is another important requirement. Applicants need working knowledge of at least one FAO official language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish. Knowledge of a second FAO language can be an additional advantage.
Candidates should also demonstrate good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an international and multicultural environment.
Relevant working or research experience in a field connected to FAO’s work may also be considered.
Skills FAO Looks For
The FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 evaluates candidates against FAO’s core competencies. These include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate their ability to cooperate with others, communicate professionally and contribute constructively to assigned activities.
FAO also expects volunteers to uphold its organizational values, including commitment to FAO, respect for all, integrity and transparency.
Is the FAO Volunteer Programme Paid?
One important point for applicants is that the FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 is unpaid.
FAO specifically states that it does not provide remuneration to volunteers. Therefore, candidates should carefully consider their financial circumstances before applying.
Applicants selected for an assignment must also have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment before joining the Organization.
The opportunity should therefore be viewed primarily as a volunteer experience rather than a salaried employment position.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes eligible nationals of FAO Member countries. FAO particularly encourages qualified women, nationals from non- and under-represented Members, persons with disabilities and candidates from specific developing-country groupings to apply.
However, applicants should carefully check the official eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Candidates who have immediate family members employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement are not eligible for the Regular Volunteer Programme under the conditions stated in the vacancy announcement.
How to Apply for the FAO Volunteer Programme 2026
Applicants interested in the FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 must apply through the official FAO recruitment portal.
First, candidates should create or update their online profile and ensure that their employment history, academic qualifications and language skills are accurately presented.
Applicants are required to attach a motivation letter and copies of their academic qualifications to their profile. After completing the profile, candidates must submit their application through the FAO recruitment system.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. FAO also recommends submitting applications well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 is 31 December 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible because applications are screened using the information provided in the online profile.
Only qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews by the relevant hiring office.
Final Thoughts
The FAO Volunteer Programme 2026 provides an opportunity for eligible individuals to contribute to FAO’s work from its headquarters in Rome. The programme can be relevant to candidates interested in food security, agriculture, nutrition, sustainable development and international development.
The assignment can last for up to six months and requires applicants to have completed secondary education, be at least 18 years old, hold nationality of an FAO Member and have working knowledge of at least one FAO language.
Because the programme is unpaid, applicants should evaluate the practical costs associated with participating before applying. Eligible candidates should also prepare a complete profile, motivation letter and academic documentation and submit their application through the official FAO recruitment portal before the 31 December 2026 deadline.
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