The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has opened its FAO Africa Internship Programme for young people who want practical experience in food, agriculture, and development.
However, the internship lasts between three and eleven months. In addition, participants will work under an assigned supervisor and support projects linked to FAO’s work.
FAO Africa Internship Programme benefits
Selected interns can gain:
- Practical experience in an international organisation.
- Exposure to agriculture, food security, and sustainable development.
- Opportunities to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Professional experience related to their academic field.
- A monthly stipend if a university or another organisation does not sponsor them.
- Experience working in a multicultural environment.
- Skills in teamwork, communication, research, and knowledge sharing.
Furthermore, the programme can also help students connect academic learning with real work in sustainable agrifood systems.
FAO Africa Internship Programme Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Be aged between 21 and 30.
- Be a national of an FAO member country.
- Study in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or have recently graduated.
- Attend an accredited or recognised institution.
- Study a subject related to FAO’s mission.
- Know at least one FAO working language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish.
- Show good communication skills.
- Adapt well to an international and multicultural workplace.
However, Applicants who already completed an FAO internship cannot apply for another internship programme.
Additional conditions
Selected candidates must have the right residence or immigration status in the proposed duty location before joining.
Also, applicants cannot have a parent, sibling, or other defined immediate family member working for FAO under any contract.
Moreso, FAO encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, nationals of underrepresented countries, and candidates from LIFDCs, LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.
Application requirements
Prepare the following:
- A completed online FAO profile.
- A letter of motivation.
- Proof of current university enrollment or academic qualifications.
- Academic and employment information.
- Language skills and other relevant details.
Incomplete applications will not receive consideration. Therefore, review your profile carefully before submission.
Applicants can explore other internship opportunities on OpportunityLab
How to apply for the FAO Africa Internship Programme
Create or update your profile on the FAO recruitment portal, attach the required documents, and submit your application online.
Therefore, FAO does not charge an application, interview, or recruitment fee. Apply early because only applications submitted through the official portal will be considered.
FAO Africa Internship Programme Application deadline
Submit your application by December 31, 2026, at 2:59 p.m.
