UN FAO Internship Programme for Africa 2026

Applications are open for the UN FAO Internship Programme for Africa 2026, an opportunity for young students and recent graduates to gain practical professional experience with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The programme is designed for talented young women and men who want to contribute new perspectives, innovative ideas and recent academic knowledge to FAO’s work.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, commonly known as FAO, leads international efforts to defeat hunger, improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture and food systems. FAO works with countries and partners around the world to support better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.

Through the internship programme, selected participants supplement their academic knowledge with practical work assignments related to FAO’s mandate. Interns are assigned to different areas of work according to their academic background, professional profile and the needs of the organization.

About the Internship

The FAO Internship Programme is a learning opportunity for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programmes and for recent graduates. Participants work under an assigned supervisor and complete entry level tasks prepared by the relevant hiring office.

The specific responsibilities depend on the Terms of Reference prepared for each internship assignment. Work may relate to different areas of FAO’s mission, depending on the applicant’s academic specialization and the requirements of the hiring office.

The programme can help participants gain an understanding of FAO’s mandate, programmes and working environment while applying academic knowledge to practical assignments.

Internship Benefits

• Monthly stipend of up to US$700 for eligible interns who are not sponsored by a university or another entity

• Practical professional experience within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

• Opportunity to apply academic knowledge to practical assignments

• Experience working on issues connected to sustainable agriculture and food systems

• Exposure to FAO programmes and the organization’s Strategic Framework

• Opportunity to contribute to work connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

• Professional experience in an international and multicultural environment

• Supervision and guidance from an assigned FAO supervisor

• Internship duration of 3 to 11 months

• Opportunity to develop communication, teamwork and professional skills

FAO notes that accommodation is not provided. Interns or their sponsoring institutions are responsible for accommodation at the duty station. FAO provides medical coverage for service incurred matters, while interns are responsible for arranging medical insurance for matters not related to service.

Programme Areas

Interns may be assigned to different fields depending on their academic background, professional profile and the needs of the organization. Relevant areas are connected to FAO’s mission and include fields that contribute to food security, agriculture, nutrition, environmental sustainability and resilient agri food systems.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate that their studies or academic specialization are relevant to the work of FAO.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at the time of application or be recent graduates

• Applicants must have obtained or be pursuing qualifications from an accredited or recognized higher education institution listed in the World Higher Education Database

• Applicants must specialize in a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO

• Applicants must have working knowledge of at least one FAO official language

• FAO official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish

• Knowledge of a second FAO official language is considered an asset

• Applicants must be nationals of FAO Member countries

• Applicants should be between 21 and 30 years of age

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

• Applicants should have good communication skills

• Applicants should have knowledge of basic computer programmes

• Applicants must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment before beginning the internship

• Applicants who have already completed an internship assignment at FAO are not eligible for another FAO internship

• Applicants with a mother, father, sister or brother employed by FAO under any type of contractual arrangement are not eligible

Required Application Materials

• Completed online FAO recruitment profile

• Letter of motivation

• Evidence of attendance at a recognized university or a copy of academic qualifications

• Employment records where applicable

• Academic qualifications

• Language skills

How to Apply

1. Visit the official FAO recruitment portal and locate the Call for Expression of Interest for the Internship Programme for Africa.
2. Create or update your online FAO profile.
3. Enter your employment history, academic qualifications and language skills accurately.
4. Prepare a clear letter of motivation explaining your interest in the internship and the area of work in which you would like to undertake the assignment.
5. Upload evidence of attendance at a recognized university or a copy of your academic qualifications.
6. Review your application carefully and ensure that all required information and documents are included.