The World Food Forum (WFF), the youth platform founded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is recruiting for its Youth Policy Board (YPB) 2027–2028. The board brings together 40 young leaders from around the world to lead youth consultations and push young people’s priorities into global decisions on food, farming and agrifood systems. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 (Rome time).
Good to know: this is a voluntary, remote leadership role, not a paid job. FAO’s terms of reference do not mention a salary or stipend. It asks for about 25 hours a month and offers international policy experience, networking and visibility.
Key Details
- Organiser: World Food Forum, FAO (Rome)
- Places: 40 members
- Term: one year (members may reapply for a second year)
- Format: mainly online, with a weekly one-hour meeting
- Age: 18–35 on 30 April 2027
- Time: about 25 hours a month
- Results: announced by April 2027
- Deadline: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET
What Board Members Do
- lead regional youth consultations on the future of agrifood systems
- coordinate youth engagement ahead of the 2028 FAO Regional Conferences
- work with FAO Regional Offices, the WFF Young Scientists Group and WFF National Youth Chapters
- draft regional youth recommendations for intergovernmental meetings
- represent the board at international policy events
- contribute to the WFF Youth Assembly and document results
Of the 25 monthly hours, about 20 go to your main regional or thematic area and 5 to a secondary one.
Benefits
- a seat on a UN-linked youth policy body — a strong addition to any CV
- direct engagement with FAO offices and international decision-makers
- experience running consultations and writing policy recommendations
- a global network of young agrifood leaders, scientists and advocates
Earlier cohorts were offered limited travel support to the WFF flagship event in Rome. The 2027–2028 terms do not confirm this, so don’t count on it.
Eligibility
- aged 18–35 on 30 April 2027
- finished high school and enrolled in or completed a bachelor’s degree
- a national of an FAO Member State (this includes every African country)
- C1-level English, spoken and written; other UN languages (French, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian) are a plus
- experience or strong interest in agrifood systems, policy advocacy or youth empowerment
- available for a weekly one-hour meeting between 09:00 and 18:00 Rome time (the same as WAT in winter, one hour earlier in WAT in summer)
- able to work across cultures in an international team
Not eligible: FAO staff and their immediate family, current or former WFF Young Scientists Group members, and anyone seeking a third YPB term.
Extra points for: experience in youth organisations or consultations, knowledge of global food governance, and people from under-represented groups such as farmers, Indigenous Peoples and women.
Selection Process
- Initial review by the WFF Youth Assembly Secretariat
- Shortlisting — shortlisted candidates send a CV, a recommendation letter and a two-minute video on what they would contribute
- Assessment by the outgoing Youth Policy Board
- Interview for top candidates
How to Apply
- Read the YPB 2027–2028 Terms of Reference carefully.
- Complete the official YPB application form (Microsoft Forms).
- Answer in your own words — FAO says applications substantially written by AI will not be considered. Use AI only for grammar.
- Submit before 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET (23:59 WAT / 01:59 EAT on 1 December).
- Prepare your CV, a recommendation letter and a short video in case you are shortlisted.
Questions: [email protected]. See also the official selection process document.
Tips
- Show concrete youth or food-system work: a farmers’ group, a campus club, a consultation you organised.
- Name a regional issue you care about — for example post-harvest loss, climate-smart farming or youth access to land — and how the board could address it.
- Plan your 25 hours a month realistically alongside work or study.
- Practise your two-minute video early: clear, specific and in your own voice.
Related Opportunities
- Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/27
- UNDP Young Africa Innovates 2026–2027 (Nigeria)
- BRIDGE-in Agriculture Pitch Competition 2026 (Ghana)
Deadline: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET.
