Internship Programme for Europe and Central Asia

Internship Programme for Europe and Central Asia

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 dedicated to leading international efforts to combat hunger and ensure 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 grown to include over 194 member states and operates in more than 130 countries globally. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has regular access to sufficient high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives. FAO's mission is to end hunger and improve nutrition and food security, and it actively engages in various initiatives to achieve these goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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 eager to contribute their innovative ideas and perspectives to the organization. Interns will have the opportunity to supplement their academic knowledge with practical work assignments that align with FAO's mission. The program not only provides valuable work experience but also allows interns to engage with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO's Strategic Framework, which aims to transform agri-food systems for better production, nutrition, environment, and overall quality of life. 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 outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) provided by the hiring office prior to the start of their assignment. Responsibilities may include conducting research, assisting in project implementation, contributing to reports and presentations, and participating in team meetings. Interns are expected to demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to learn in a multicultural environment, while also contributing to the organization's goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled in or have recently graduated from an accredited higher education institution, specializing in a field relevant to FAO's mission. They should possess a working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish), with knowledge of a second language considered an asset. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of FAO Member Nations and should be aged between 21 and 30 years. Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to an international environment are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a recognized educational institution at the time of application or must be recent graduates. FAO only considers qualifications from institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), which is maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic study in fields related to FAO's work. The internship is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in their field of study.

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.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. The organization encourages applications from qualified female candidates, nationals of non-represented member states, and individuals from low-income food-deficit countries, least developed countries, land-locked developing countries, and small island developing states. 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 before joining FAO. Those with family members employed by FAO are not eligible for the internship program. Applications must be submitted through the FAO recruitment portal, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
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