Internship Programme for Africa

Internship Programme for Africa

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

October 1, 2026January 1, 2027Multiple Duty Stations
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. Established in 1945, FAO has over 195 member countries and operates in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and it works collaboratively with various stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve food systems globally.

Job Overview:
The internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme at FAO is designed to attract talented young individuals who are motivated to contribute their innovative ideas and academic knowledge to the organization's mission. Interns will have the opportunity to engage in practical work assignments that align with FAO's goals, particularly in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. The programme aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience, allowing interns to apply their academic background in real-world scenarios while contributing to the transformation of agri-food systems for better production, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Interns will report to assigned supervisors and will be involved in various fields of work based on their profiles and the organization's needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will perform tasks as specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office. Responsibilities may include conducting research, assisting in project implementation, supporting data collection and analysis, contributing to reports and presentations, and participating in team meetings. Interns are expected to collaborate with other team members, share knowledge, and contribute to the overall objectives of the organization. They will also be encouraged to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to enhance FAO's initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at an accredited institution. FAO only considers qualifications from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Candidates should specialize in fields relevant to FAO's mission, such as agriculture, nutrition, environmental science, or related disciplines. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish), with knowledge of a second language being an asset. Candidates should also be nationals of FAO member countries and be between the ages of 21 and 30.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in or completion of a degree programme in a relevant field. Candidates must have attended a recognized educational institution, and their qualifications should be verifiable through the World Higher Education Database. The focus should be on areas that align with FAO's work, such as agricultural sciences, food security, environmental studies, or international development.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a strong motivation to learn and contribute to FAO's objectives. Relevant academic projects, volunteer work, or internships in related fields will be considered beneficial. The internship is aimed at young professionals who are looking to gain practical experience in an international organization and develop their skills in a multicultural environment.

Languages:
A working knowledge of at least one of the FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application. Effective communication skills in the chosen language(s) are essential for collaboration and engagement within the organization.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and qualified female applicants, as well as candidates from under-represented member countries and low-income food-deficit countries, are encouraged to apply. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend unless they are sponsored by their universities or other entities. Candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment prior to joining FAO. Those with family members employed by FAO are not eligible for the internship programme. Applications should be submitted through the FAO recruitment portal, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate.
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