FAO Internship 2026 | Paid Internship

The FAO Internship Programme 2026 is a paid internship offered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It aims to engage talented and highly motivated young individuals and recent graduates to contribute fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and recent research experiences to FAO’s areas of focus, particularly global food security and sustainable agriculture challenges. Internships typically last between 3 to 11 months, offering practical work experience aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and FAO's Strategic Objectives. While the headquarters are in Rome, Italy, internships may be available in various FAO locations.

This is a paid internship program that provides a monthly stipend to interns, offering generous financial support throughout the duration of the program and thereby reducing financial burden.

Applicants must be nationals of an FAO Member Country (Ethiopian students are eligible). Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years old at the start of their internship (meaning the internship should commence before the applicant reaches the age of 31). They must be currently enrolled in a recognized undergraduate or graduate degree program at the time of application, or have recently graduated from such a program. Proficiency in at least one of the FAO official languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is a requirement, with knowledge of a second official language being advantageous. Interns must also hold appropriate residency or immigration status in the host country before the internship assignment begins. Additionally, applicants need to demonstrate adaptability to an international and multicultural environment and possess good communication skills. Applicants who have immediate family members (parents, siblings) employed by FAO in any capacity are ineligible for the Internship Programme 2026. Interns who have already completed an internship with the organization are not eligible to apply again.

Required documents include a motivation letter and proof of attendance at a recognized university. If longlisted for the scholarship, applicants may be invited to submit additional documentation, including references, as part of the application process.

Interested candidates should visit the official FAO recruitment portal (jobs.fao.org). Applications are submitted online through “Call for Expression of Interest” advertisements posted on the career portal. All applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and requirements for the Food and Agriculture Organization Internship. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This program offers a significant learning opportunity to work with a prestigious UN agency, contributing to global challenges. Interns will have the chance to learn and grow while developing their skills and gaining valuable practical experience in an international setting, working towards UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO's Strategic Objectives.