FAO Internship Program: How to Apply (Up to USD 700 monthly Stipend)
The FAO Internship Program gives students or recent graduates the chance to gain hands-on experience in areas like food security, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and policy. It’s a way to build your resume, understand UN work, and contribute to global challenges while learning in a professional environment.
What You’ll Get (Benefits)
- Practical assignments in FAO’s fields of work (aligned with its Strategic Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals).
- Duration between 3 to 11 months, giving sufficient time to learn and produce work.
- A monthly stipend (up to about USD 700, depending on duty station) for interns who are not sponsored by other entities.
- Learning environment that exposes you to international, multicultural professional standards and networking.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
To participate, you must meet these criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be from a FAO Member country. |
| Academic Status | Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or be a recent graduate. |
| Age | Between 21 and 30 years old at the start of the internship (i.e. must begin before turning 31). |
| Languages | Working knowledge of at least one official FAO language (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian). Knowing a second FAO official language is an advantage. |
| Skills | Good communication, adaptability to multicultural settings, basic computer skills. |
| Residence or immigration status | Must have the necessary legal status in the intended duty station before the internship begins. |
| Conflicts of interest constraint | Not eligible if you have an immediate family member (parent, sibling) employed by FAO. |
Duration, Process & Deadlines
- Internship Duration: 3 to 11 months depending on the assignment.
- Deadline: January 1.2026
- How to Apply:
- Watch for the Call for Expression of Interest on FAO’s Careers / Young Talent portal.
- Complete the online application via FAO’s iRecruitment system. Attach:
- Your motivation letter
- Transcript or proof of enrollment, or a degree certificate if recent grad
- Language skill evidence if required
- Only selected interns will be contacted. If not selected, you’ll need to reapply when new Calls appear.
- Stipend / Support: Up to USD 700 monthly if not sponsored; other benefits may include medical coverage for service-related issues. Accommodation is your responsibility.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Incomplete documents: Missing transcripts, enrollment proof, or motivation letter often leads to disqualification.
- Weak motivation letter: Make sure to explain what you want to learn and how it relates to FAO’s work. Specify the department or area of interest.
- Not meeting age or nationality requirement: These are strict; double-check before applying.
- Language issues: If you mention knowledge of a second FAO official language, be ready to support it with proof or at least show some level of use.
- Waiting until last minute: The process from deadline to contact can take weeks—applying early gives you buffer.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Go to FAO’s official Internship Programme page: FAO – Young Talent Program→ Internship. (FAOHome)
- Register / login on FAO’s recruitment portal (iRecruitment).
- Complete the profile, ensuring you include: academic credentials, nationality, language capacity, relevant experience.
- Prepare a strong motivation letter where you explain your interest, your background, and what you aim to contribute/learn.
- Submit your application and track updates via the portal.
