FAO Headquarters (HQ) Internship Programme 2026 for Young Professionals

Application Deadline: 31 December 2025

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications for the 2026 FAO Headquarters Internship Programme, based in Rome, Italy.

FAO leads global efforts to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and achieve food security for all. With 195 Member States and operations in over 130 countries, FAO works to ensure that every person has regular access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. The Internship Programme provides young people with an opportunity to join this mission and gain valuable experience at the organization’s global headquarters.

Programme Overview

The Internship Programme is designed to attract motivated young professionals who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and academic knowledge in FAO’s areas of work. It offers a learning-by-doing experience, giving interns exposure to FAO’s operations while contributing to meaningful projects and policies.

Duty Station: FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy
Supervision: Interns report to an assigned FAO supervisor.
Work Areas: Fields of work vary depending on the intern’s academic profile and FAO’s needs (e.g., agriculture, food security, nutrition, economics, natural resources, climate change, and related areas).
Assignments: Detailed responsibilities are outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate programme at a recognized institution (see World Higher Education Database).
Specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s mission and work.
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 nationals of FAO Member States.
Be between 21 and 30 years old at the time of application.
Show adaptability to work in an international and multicultural environment, with strong communication skills.

FAO Core Competencies

Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

Relevant academic background in a field related to FAO’s mandate.
Ability to apply academic knowledge to practical, policy-oriented work.
Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Why Apply?

The FAO Headquarters Internship offers young professionals the chance to:

Work in Rome, the global hub of international food and agriculture policy.
Contribute to FAO’s mission of ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Gain hands-on experience with an international organization.
Build global professional networks in food systems, development, and policy.
Develop personal and technical skills for a career in international development.