The FAO Internship Opportunities For African Graduates 2026 Are Now Open

FAO Internship Programme for African Graduates

Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Location: Various duty stations across Africa
Job Type: Internship Programme
Duration: 3 to 11 months
Application Deadline: 1 January 2026
Job Posting Date: 20 September 2025

The FAO Profile

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is the leading global body dedicated to eradicating hunger, improving nutrition, and ensuring food security for all.
• With operations in more than 130 countries, FAO works alongside governments, partners, and communities to build resilient food systems and sustainable agricultural practices.
• FAO believes that everyone—especially young people—has a vital role to play in shaping a world free from hunger.
• The FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF) offers an exceptional opportunity for talented young professionals and students to gain practical experience while contributing to FAO’s mission and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Profile of the Internship

The FAO Internship Programme is designed to bring in passionate and motivated individuals who are eager to apply their academic knowledge, innovative ideas, and fresh perspectives to real-world challenges. The programme serves as both a learning experience and a launchpad for a career in international development, food systems, and sustainable agriculture.

Interns are placed in FAO offices across Africa, where they will work closely with teams supporting FAO’s Strategic Framework. Their contributions help drive progress toward more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems, advancing FAO’s commitment to Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life—leaving no one behind.

Reasons to Join The FAO Internship

Joining the FAO Internship Programme is not just about gaining work experience—it’s about making a difference. Interns will:

• Participate in meaningful projects addressing food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.

• Contribute to FAO’s mission to end hunger and promote equitable food systems.

• Collaborate with international experts and professionals in a multicultural work environment.

• Develop valuable technical and soft skills relevant to international development careers.

For young professionals seeking UN internships in Africa or looking to start a career in agriculture, food systems, or sustainability, this program provides an unparalleled opportunity to grow professionally and personally.

The Hierarch To Follow

Interns will report to an assigned FAO supervisor, working in areas aligned with their academic background and the organization’s needs. The focus of each internship will vary depending on the department, but may include:

• Agricultural policy and rural development

• Food systems innovation

• Climate-smart agriculture

• Sustainable fisheries and forestry

• Nutrition and food security analysis

• Data collection and monitoring for SDGs

Each intern’s Terms of Reference (TOR) will outline specific duties and deliverables.

Needed Qualifications

To be eligible for the FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF), candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, or be a recent graduate from a recognized institution.
• FAO accepts only degrees from institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), managed by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO.
• Be 21 to 30 years old at the time of application.
• Specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s work, such as agriculture, environmental science, economics, development studies, or food policy.
• Have working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish). Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.
• Be a national of an FAO member country.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an international, multicultural environment.

Required Qualifications

FAO looks for individuals who embody the organization’s values and competencies, including:

• Results Focus – Commitment to achieving tangible outcomes.
• Teamwork—ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
• Communication—Clear, respectful, and effective interaction.
• Building Effective Relationships—Establishing trust and cooperation with colleagues and partners.
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement – Willingness to learn and contribute innovative ideas.

Technical and functional skills should align with FAO’s areas of work, and interns should show motivation to apply their academic expertise to real-world development challenges.

FAO Work Standards

FAO upholds the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority. Interns are expected to adhere to FAO’s values:

• Commitment to FAO’s mission
• Respect for all people and cultures
• Integrity and accountability

Addendum Information

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
• Applicants from low-income, least developed, landlocked developing, and small island developing states are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Female applicants and candidates from underrepresented member states are particularly welcome.
• Candidates who have previously completed an internship with FAO are not eligible to reapply.
• Selected candidates must have a valid residence or immigration status in the country of assignment prior to starting the internship.
• Applicants with immediate family members employed by FAO (parents, siblings) are not eligible to apply.
• FAO provides a monthly stipend to interns who are not financially supported by their academic institutions or other entities.

The Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the FAO Careers Portal.

To apply:

1. Visit the FAO recruitment website at Jobs at FAO.
2. Complete your online profile, ensuring all sections (education, experience, and language skills) are accurate and complete.
3. Submit your application before 1 January 2026
4. Attach the following documents:

• Motivation letter outlining your interest in the FAO Internship Programme for Africa.
• Proof of enrollment or recent graduation from an accredited university

Please note that only complete applications submitted through the FAO portal will be considered. Incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed. In case of any difficulties, for assistance, applicants may contact FAO support via the FAO Service Portal.

FAO IS Committed to Equality Principles

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and cultural background. The organization promotes equal opportunity for all applicants, including persons with disabilities.
• FAO encourages all interns to bring their unique perspectives and contribute to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems across Africa.
• FAO is a non-smoking environment and maintains a work culture based on mutual respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.

To apply, follow the FAO Careers Portal

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