Applications are now open for the FAO Internship 2026, a paid internship opportunity offered by the Food and Agriculture Organization for students and recent graduates from around the world. This international internship allows participants to gain professional experience within a United Nations agency, while contributing to projects related to food security, agriculture, sustainability, and international development.
The internship can take place at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, or at other FAO offices worldwide. With a duration of 3 to 11 months, the programme provides practical learning opportunities, professional exposure, and a monthly stipend of approximately USD 700.
This is an excellent opportunity for students and graduates who want to gain international work experience and build a career in development, agriculture, and global policy.
Internship Overview
- Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization
- Programme Type: Internship
- Duration: 3 to 11 months
- Funding Type: Paid
- Location: Rome and worldwide FAO offices
- Eligible Applicants: International students and graduates
- Application Deadline: 26 August 2026
Financial Benefits
The FAO Internship Programme 2026 offers financial support to help interns during the programme period.
Selected interns will receive:
- a monthly stipend of up to USD 700
- medical coverage for service-incurred conditions
- international professional exposure in a UN environment
- practical work experience in global development initiatives
This paid opportunity allows participants to gain valuable work experience while receiving financial assistance.
Internship Areas
Interns may work in a range of departments related to the mission of the Food and Agriculture Organization, including:
- food security
- agriculture
- rural development
- sustainability
- policy analysis
- data analysis
- project implementation
- international development
These assignments help interns understand the operations of a global organization working to improve food systems and livelihoods.
Internship Objectives
The FAO Internship Programme is designed to:
- provide practical experience in a United Nations environment
- support FAO projects related to global agriculture and food systems
- develop interns’ technical and professional skills
- expose participants to international development work
- strengthen future career prospects in global organizations
Through this programme, interns can build knowledge while contributing to meaningful international projects.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the FAO Internship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- be a national of an FAO member country
- be enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree
- be between 21 and 30 years old
-
have working knowledge of at least one FAO official language:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- hold a degree from an institution listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
Applicants with academic backgrounds related to agriculture, economics, international relations, environmental sciences, or development studies are encouraged to apply.
What Interns Will Do
During the internship, participants may:
- assist with research and data analysis
- support project implementation
- contribute to reports and policy-related tasks
- collaborate with international teams
- support FAO programmes and field initiatives
The exact responsibilities depend on the department and internship placement.
Why Apply for the FAO Internship?
The FAO Internship Programme 2026 offers many advantages for students and graduates who wish to start an international career.
Benefits include:
- gaining work experience at a United Nations agency
- building an international professional profile
- developing practical and technical skills
- working on global food and development challenges
- networking with international professionals
This internship can serve as a strong stepping stone toward future roles in the United Nations, international NGOs, and development institutions.
Application Process
Interested applicants must submit an online application through the official Food and Agriculture Organization careers portal.
The application process includes:
- Visit the FAO vacancies portal
- Select the Internship option under opportunities
- Complete the online application form
-
Upload:
- a motivation letter
- proof of enrolment or graduation from a recognized university
- Submit the application before the deadline
Applicants should ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.
Final Thoughts
The FAO Internship 2026 in Rome, Italy is an outstanding opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience with the Food and Agriculture Organization. With paid benefits, international exposure, and work opportunities in critical areas such as agriculture and sustainability, the programme offers an excellent pathway toward a career in international development.
If you are passionate about food security, global development, and working with an international organization, this internship could be the perfect opportunity to begin your journey.
