Fully-Funded FAO Internship Programme for Africa: Stipend Included & Open until 1 January 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting young professionals across Africa to apply for its Internship Programme for Africa (RAF)—an exciting opportunity to contribute to global efforts to end hunger while gaining invaluable international work experience.
Open until 1 January 2026, this programme offers a flexible duration from 3 to 11 months and takes place in multiple locations across Africa and beyond.
If you’re passionate about food systems, environmental sustainability, or agricultural innovation and meet the eligibility criteria, this could be your entry point into one of the world’s most respected international organisations.
An Internship That Goes Beyond the Classroom
FAO’s Internship Programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world impact. Interns work side-by-side with FAO teams, contributing to initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those focused on ending hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving food systems.
Interns are assigned based on their academic backgrounds and the needs of FAO’s various departments and country offices. Their responsibilities are clearly outlined in a Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office. With mentorship and exposure to complex challenges, interns will have the opportunity to apply their skills, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to projects that make a difference on a global scale.
Who Should Apply?
The FAO Internship Programme is looking for talented, motivated, and globally minded young people who are passionate about sustainable development, food security, agriculture, environmental conservation, or related fields. To be considered, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or be a recent graduate from an accredited institution (as listed in the World Higher Education Database)
- Specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s mandate (e.g., agriculture, food systems, environmental science, economics, nutrition, or international relations)
- Be between 21 and 30 years old
- Be nationals of FAO Member Countries
- Have working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish). Knowledge of a second is an asset
- Demonstrate strong communication skills and adaptability to a multicultural environment
FAO especially encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals from non- and under-represented countries, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Diverse Fields, Meaningful Work
Interns will be assigned to departments and projects that align with their academic and professional goals. Technical focus areas may include:
- Sustainable agriculture and climate resilience
- Food and nutrition security
- Agricultural economics and rural development
- Land and water management
- Policy development and research
- Gender equality in agriculture
- Data and digital innovation in agri-food systems
This diversity offers interns a chance to explore multiple dimensions of FAO’s work and develop a comprehensive understanding of global food and agriculture issues.
Benefits and Conditions
FAO provides a monthly stipend to interns who are not sponsored by a university or another entity. While the internship is non-renewable and cannot be repeated, the experience it provides often serves as a springboard into careers in international development, policy, research, or with the United Nations system.
Interns must have appropriate residency or immigration status in their country of assignment and cannot have immediate family members (parents or siblings) employed by FAO under any type of contract. Selected candidates will undergo background and reference checks, and all must commit to FAO’s high standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism.
A Career Step That Matters
This internship isn’t just a line on your CV—it’s a contribution to a better future. By working with FAO, interns actively support the transformation of global agri-food systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, leaving no one behind.
Whether you’re interested in shaping policy, working on the ground with farmers, or conducting cutting-edge research, the FAO Internship Programme provides the tools and network to launch a meaningful international career.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the FAO recruitment portal at Jobs at FAO. Follow these steps:
- Create a complete and up-to-date online profile including your academic qualifications, work experience, and language skills.
- Attach a motivational letter, evidence of enrollment in or completion of a degree programme, and relevant documentation.
- Submit your application before the deadline: 1 January 2026.
Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Final Thoughts
With a clear mandate to eradicate hunger and a strong focus on youth development, FAO’s Internship Programme for Africa is a rare opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain hands-on experience in one of the most critical sectors for global well-being. For those looking to build careers that blend academic passion with real-world impact, this internship is a step in the right direction.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
