Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: December 31, 2025
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Headquarters (HQ) Internship Programme 2026 offers a unique opportunity for young professionals to gain international work experience in Rome, Italy. The internship is designed for highly motivated students and recent graduates interested in contributing to FAO’s mission of achieving global food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. This programme allows interns to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world environment, while gaining exposure to FAO’s policies, strategies, and field operations.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses in Rome.
- Opportunity to work at FAO Headquarters, collaborating with global experts.
- Hands-on experience in international development, food security, and agricultural sustainability.
- Networking opportunities with professionals, UN agencies, and global policymakers.
- Exposure to multicultural and multidisciplinary work environments.
- Career growth by enhancing research, communication, and policy development skills.
SEE ALSO: Académie de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur (ARES) 2026 Travel Scholarships
Eligibility Criteria
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Enrolled in an under-graduate, graduate degree programme in a “bona fide” educational institution at the time of application or recent graduate. Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/.
• Candidates must specialize in a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO.
• Working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish). Knowledge of a second FAO language will be considered an asset.
• Be nationals of FAO Members.
• Candidates should be aged between 21 and 30.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment and have good communication skills.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
Relevant academic studies in one of the fields of the Organization.
Application Process and Documents Required
Applications are submitted through the FAO Careers Portal. Interested candidates must:
- Create an account on the FAO recruitment system.
- Complete the online application form for internships.
- Upload a CV/resume.
- Provide a cover letter/motivation statement explaining academic interests and career goals.
- Submit proof of enrollment in a university or proof of recent graduation.
- Provide language proficiency evidence (if applicable).
