FAO Headquarters Internship Programme 2025–2026 in Rome, Italy (Deadline: 1 January, 2026)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites applications for its Internship Programme 2025–2026 at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. This call for expression of interest is open to talented, motivated students and recent graduates who want to gain valuable professional experience in an international organization dedicated to achieving food security for all.

 

About the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations working to defeat hunger and promote food security, sustainable agriculture, and better nutrition worldwide. With 195 member countries, FAO operates in over 130 nations, leading efforts to build efficient, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems that ensure better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.

The FAO Internship Programme aims to attract dynamic young individuals who bring innovative ideas and the latest academic knowledge to support FAO’s work and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Internship Details

• Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

• Location: FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy

• Job Type: Internship

• Duration: 3 to 11 months

• Application Deadline: 1 January 2026 (3:59 AM)

• Job Posting Date: 20 September 2025

• Eligible Nationalities: Nationals of FAO Member States

 

Internship Objectives

The FAO Internship Programme provides a practical learning opportunity for students and recent graduates to complement their academic studies with professional experience related to FAO’s mission.

Interns contribute to the FAO’s strategic framework supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming food systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

 

Responsibilities

Interns will work under the supervision of an FAO staff member and perform tasks aligned with their educational background and the organization’s needs. Duties and assignments are defined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) provided by the hiring office.

Typical tasks may include:

• • Supporting FAO research, data collection, and policy analysis

  • Assisting in programme implementation and project coordination

• Contributing to communication, outreach, and reporting activities

• Helping organize meetings, seminars, or conferences related to FAO’s work

 

Duration and Work Environment

The internship can last from 3 to 11 months, depending on the needs of the division and the candidate’s availability. Interns will work in an international and multicultural environment at FAO headquarters in Rome, contributing directly to FAO’s initiatives worldwide.

 

Stipend and Benefits

• • Monthly Stipend: FAO provides a monthly stipend to interns who are not financially supported by their universities or other sponsoring institutions.

  • Learning Experience: Interns gain first-hand experience in international cooperation, food security, and sustainable agriculture.

• Networking Opportunities: Work alongside global experts and contribute to FAO’s mission within a diverse, inclusive environment.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the FAO Internship Programme 2025–2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• • Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme or be a recent graduate from a recognized institution.

  • The degree must be from an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) maintained by UNESCO/IAU.

• • Must specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s work, such as agriculture, food security, environment, economics, or social sciences.

• Must be 21 to 30 years old at the time of application.

• Must be nationals of an FAO Member State.

• Must have working knowledge of at least one FAO language (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

• Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.

• Must demonstrate strong communication skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

• Candidates who have previously completed an internship at FAO are not eligible.

FAO Core Competencies

Successful applicants should demonstrate the following FAO core competencies:

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

 

Additional Information

• • FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

  • Applications from female candidates, persons with disabilities, and nationals of non- and under-represented member countries are strongly encouraged.

• Candidates must hold a valid residence or immigration status in Italy before joining.

• Applicants with immediate family members employed by FAO are not eligible.

• All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.

• FAO is a non-smoking environment.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the FAO Internship Programme 2025–2026:

1. Visit the official recruitment website: Jobs at FAO

2. Complete your online profile with accurate details, including academic qualifications, employment history, and language skills.

3. Attach the following documents:

   • Letter of Motivation

   • Proof of enrolment or academic qualification

4. Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before 1 January 2026.

5. Only complete applications submitted via the FAO portal will be considered.

6. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by FAO for interviews.

 

Key Dates

• Job Announcement: 20 September 2025

• Application Deadline: 1 January 2026

• Location: Rome, Italy

• Duration: 3 to 11 months

• Host Organization: FAO Headquarters

 

Conclusion

The FAO Internship Programme 2025–2026 offers a remarkable opportunity for young professionals to gain real-world experience in the fields of food security, agriculture, and sustainable development. Hosted at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, this internship allows participants to develop essential skills, contribute to global food initiatives, and build a career foundation in the international development sector.

 

Apply before 1 January 2026 to be part of FAO’s global mission to achieve a world free from hunger.

Official Call: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2502231&tz=GMT%2B05%3A00&tzname=Asia%2FKarachi

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