Internship Programme

Internship Programme

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

February 17, 2025August 26, 2025RomeItaly
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) About
To meet the demands posed by major global trends in agricultural development and challenges faced by member nations, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has identified key priorities on which it is best placed to intervene. A comprehensive review of the Organization’s comparative advantages was undertaken which enabled strategic objectives to be set, representing the main areas of work on which FAO will concentrate its efforts in striving to achieve its vision and global goals. An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.
Job Description

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Position Title: internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme
Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads global efforts to defeat 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 195 member countries and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to achieving food security and improving nutrition, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting rural development. FAO believes that everyone can contribute to ending hunger and works towards transforming agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.

Job Overview:
The Internship Programme at FAO is designed to attract talented young individuals who are eager 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 complement their academic studies in fields relevant to FAO's work. The programme aims to provide a learning experience that not only enhances the interns' understanding of food security and agricultural issues but also allows them to actively participate in initiatives that support sustainable development. Interns will be assigned to various fields based on their profiles and the organization's needs, reporting to an assigned supervisor throughout their internship.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will perform a variety of tasks as outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) provided by the hiring office. These tasks may include conducting research, assisting in project implementation, participating in meetings, and contributing to reports and presentations. Interns are expected to collaborate with FAO staff and other interns, engage in knowledge sharing, and contribute to the organization's goals. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on the intern's area of focus and the needs of the organization, but all interns are expected to demonstrate a commitment to FAO's values 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 countries and fall within the age range of 21 to 30 years. Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to a multicultural environment are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognized educational institution at the time of application or 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. This ensures that all educational backgrounds are credible and recognized internationally.

Experience:
While prior experience is not explicitly required, candidates should have relevant academic studies in fields related to FAO's work. The internship is designed for individuals who are looking to gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Previous internships or work experience in related areas may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Languages:
A working knowledge of at least one FAO language is mandatory, with Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish being the official languages of the organization. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The FAO Internship Programme does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Qualified female applicants and candidates from under-represented member countries, as well as those from Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are encouraged to apply. Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend unless they are sponsored by their universities or other entities. Candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status in Italy prior to joining FAO. Additionally, candidates with family members employed by FAO are not eligible for the internship. Applications must be submitted through the FAO recruitment portal, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
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