Call for Expression of Interest –FAO 2025 Internship Programme for Africa (RAF)
Closing Date: 25th August 2025, 11:59 PM
Organizational Unit: RAF
Job Type: Internship
Type of Requisition: Internship Programme
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Various Locations
Duration: From 3 months to 11 months
Post Number: N/A
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture. It is highly encouraged that qualified female applicants, nationals of non-and under-represented FAO Member countries, and persons with disabilities apply for this internship opportunity.
FAO’s Commitment:
FAO adheres to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct. As a UN specialized agency, FAO has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a leading international agency dedicated to eradicating hunger and promoting food security worldwide. With over 195 member countries, FAO works across more than 130 nations to ensure that people everywhere have regular access to nutritious, high-quality food for healthy lives. FAO supports the transformation of agri-food systems to make them more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
The Internship Programme aims to attract talented young women and men motivated to contribute their innovative ideas, academic knowledge, and fresh perspectives to FAO’s diverse work. This is a learning opportunity where participants can gain practical experience aligned with FAO’s mission and support the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly around climate action, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
Interns will have the chance to apply their academic learning in a practical, real-world setting while contributing to FAO’s efforts to develop and implement sustainable food systems, tackle climate change, improve nutrition, and promote environmental stewardship. The Programme focuses on supporting young professionals to make a lasting impact on global food systems while enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Reporting Lines
Interns will report to a supervisor assigned within the hiring office and will be responsible for a range of tasks and functions that contribute to the successful completion of FAO’s projects and objectives.
Technical Focus
Interns will be assigned to work in different fields based on their academic background, skills, and FAO’s needs. These fields could include, but are not limited to, agriculture, climate change, food security, nutrition, sustainable development, and rural development.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Interns will be tasked with various responsibilities depending on their assignment within FAO, as specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR) provided by the hiring office. General responsibilities may include:
- Research and Data Collection: Supporting research on food security, agricultural development, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Project Support: Assisting in the coordination of ongoing projects related to FAO’s mission.
- Technical Assistance: Providing technical assistance in the preparation of reports, documents, and presentations related to FAO’s work.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Helping organize events and meetings, engaging with stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, and other partners.
- Capacity Building: Contributing to FAO’s capacity-building efforts in different countries and regions.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Supporting monitoring and evaluation efforts to assess the impact of FAO’s programs and projects.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: Interns must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme in a recognized academic institution at the time of application. Alternatively, they should have recently graduated (within the past year). FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Field of Study: The candidate must specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s mission and activities, such as agriculture, environment, nutrition, or sustainable development.
- Languages: A working knowledge of at least one of the FAO’s official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) is required. Knowledge of additional languages will be considered an asset.
- Nationality: Candidates must be nationals of FAO Member countries.
- Age: Applicants should be aged between 21 and 30 years at the time of application.
- Adaptability and Communication: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to adapt to a multicultural environment and exhibit strong communication skills.
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus: Ability to work towards achieving specific goals and targets.
- Teamwork: Strong team-player capabilities, working collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
- Communication: Ability to clearly express ideas and information, both verbally and in writing.
- Building Effective Relationships: Demonstrating the ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships.
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement: Actively sharing knowledge and striving for personal and professional growth.
Technical/Functional Skills
- Relevant academic background related to FAO’s work.
- A proactive approach to learning and contribution.
- Strong organizational and research skills.
- A passion for international development, particularly in agriculture, food security, and sustainability.
Additional Information
- Internship Stipend: FAO provides a monthly stipend for interns who are not sponsored by universities or other entities.
- No Fees: FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing.
- Female Applicants Encouraged: FAO strongly encourages applications from qualified female candidates, nationals of under-represented Member countries, and candidates from Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Internship Limits: Candidates who have already completed an internship at FAO are not eligible for further internships.
How to Apply
To apply, visit the FAO recruitment portal and complete your online profile. Be sure to include your academic qualifications, employment records, and language skills. The application should include:
- A Letter of Motivation.
- Proof of enrollment or academic qualifications from an accredited institution.
Applications must be submitted online through the FAO recruitment portal by the closing date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Candidates will be contacted only if they are selected for an interview.
For assistance or queries, please visit FAO Service Now.
Important Notes:
- All applications will be screened based on the information in your online profile.
- Personal information may be shared with companies acting on FAO’s behalf for recruitment-related services such as pre-screening, assessments, and background checks.
- Deadline: Applications should be submitted well before the closing date of 25th August 2025.
