FAO Internship Programme 2025–2026 at FAO Headquarters in Rome | Monthly Stipend of $700 | Apply Now is now officially open for applications, offering students and recent graduates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This fully funded internship programme, based in Rome, Italy, offers a monthly stipend of USD 700, exposure to global development work, and a chance to contribute to the international fight against hunger, food insecurity, climate challenges, and sustainable agricultural transformation. Open to applicants aged 21–30 from FAO Member States, the FAO Internship Programme provides a pathway for young professionals to enter the international development sector. This publication is solely for advertisement and informational purposes—I am not affiliated with FAO, and applicants must apply directly through FAO’s official portal.

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Background & Job Description

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) plays a central role in global efforts to eliminate hunger, ensure food security, promote sustainable agriculture, support rural development, address climate change impacts on food systems, and build resilience against emerging crises. With more than 194 Member States, FAO works at the intersection of policy, innovation, research, emergency response, and capacity-building.

Every year, FAO welcomes hundreds of young professionals from around the world to participate in its Internship Programme, a structured learning experience that allows students and recent graduates to gain practical exposure within an international organization. The FAO Internship Programme 2025–2026 is designed to:

• Introduce young professionals to FAO’s mandate and global priorities
• Provide real-world experience in fields related to agriculture, climate resilience, fisheries, forestry, food systems, economics, data science, nutrition, and international development
• Support FAO technical units with research, communication, administrative tasks, and program implementation
• Strengthen the pipeline of early-career talent entering the United Nations and international development sector

The internship lasts 3 to 11 months, depending on departmental needs and the intern’s availability. It is based at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, one of the most important global hubs for agricultural policy, food systems innovation, climate-smart research, and multilateral coordination.

Interns gain insights into FAO’s large-scale programs, including the:

• UN Decade of Family Farming
• FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative
• Global Early Warning Systems for pests and climate threats
• Food Systems Transformation initiatives
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation programs
• Soil, water, and biodiversity conservation efforts
• Emergency operations in crisis-affected countries

For students and recent graduates seeking careers at the UN or in global development, the FAO Internship Programme is a highly competitive and prestigious entry point.

This article was written to advertise the opportunity. I am not affiliated with FAO; all applicants must apply through FAO’s official e-recruitment platform.

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FAO Internship Programme 2025–2026 at FAO Headquarters in Rome | Monthly Stipend of $700 | Apply Now

Tasks

While specific responsibilities depend on the department an intern joins, FAO interns often contribute to a wide range of meaningful work. Below is a detailed, expanded list of typical tasks that interns may be assigned during the 3–11 month placement.

1. Research, Data Analysis & Documentation

Interns provide essential support through research and analysis within thematic areas such as:

• Food security and nutrition
• Agricultural economics
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Gender and rural development
• Forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture
• Resilience programming
• Digital agriculture and emerging technologies

Tasks include:

• Conducting literature reviews
• Compiling country case studies
• Supporting the development of technical background papers
• Collecting, validating, and organizing data
• Assisting in drafting analytical notes, briefs, or reports
• Contributing to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks

This research strengthens FAO publications, policy recommendations, and field programme design.

2. Support to Programmes and Initiatives

Interns may help implement projects focused on:

• Smallholder farmer support
• Agricultural innovation systems
• Food loss and waste reduction
• Climate adaptation tools
• Sustainable livestock management
• Crop diversification programs
• Rural youth and women empowerment initiatives

Examples of tasks include:

• Preparing project documentation
• Supporting coordination between regional and country offices
• Reviewing technical materials
• Gathering feedback from field teams
• Assisting with programme reporting

3. Communications, Outreach & Knowledge Sharing

Many FAO units rely on interns to support communication and public engagement.

Possible communication tasks include:

• Drafting content for FAO websites, newsletters, and social media
• Supporting knowledge-sharing events and conferences
• Assisting in visual content development (infographics, briefs, and photos)
• Preparing internal and external presentations

Interns help FAO reach global audiences, government partners, NGOs, and technical stakeholders.

4. Administrative & Technical Support

Interns may assist departments by:

• Scheduling meetings with partners
• Preparing meeting minutes
• Organizing technical documents
• Supporting logistical coordination for workshops or training
• Managing digital archives and databases

5. Participation in UN Learning Activities

FAO Headquarters offers interns opportunities to:

• Attend workshops, technical briefings, and high-level discussions
• Participate in inter-agency UN learning events
• Engage with other Rome-based UN agencies (IFAD, WFP)
• Join internal networking sessions

These activities provide exposure to policy, innovation, international collaboration, and global leadership.

6. Contribution to Special Projects

Depending on skills, interns may also contribute to specialized technical areas:

• GIS and geospatial mapping
• Agricultural technologies and digital assessments
• Policy analysis and country profiling
• Economic modelling
• Climate vulnerability assessments
• SDG monitoring

Interns with specialized backgrounds—such as IT, statistics, engineering, economics, or applied sciences—may be assigned to technical units requiring advanced skills.

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Qualifications

Education & Certification

To qualify for the FAO Internship Programme 2025–2026, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme, OR
• Have graduated within the past 2 years
• Have academic training relevant to FAO’s work, such as:
  • Agriculture
  • Food science
  • Nutrition
  • Environmental science
  • Natural resource management
  • Economics
  • Climate studies
  • Business administration
  • Communications
  • Information technology
  • International development
  • Social sciences
• Be proficient in one FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish)
• Additional language skills are considered an asset

Experience

FAO internships are designed for students and early-career individuals, so extensive experience is not required. However:

Strong applicants usually possess:

• Basic knowledge or coursework in FAO-related fields
• Research experience
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to work in multicultural environments
• IT and digital literacy
• Interest in global food security and UN systems

Interns are expected to demonstrate:

• Adaptability
• Enthusiasm
• Willingness to learn
• Strong organizational skills
• Commitment to FAO’s values and ethics

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Additional Information

Monthly Stipend

FAO provides interns with a monthly stipend of USD 700. This is intended to help with living expenses during the internship in Rome.

Duration

• Minimum: 3 months
• Maximum: 11 months

Age Eligibility

Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years old at the time of application.

Nationality Requirement

Applicants must be citizens of an FAO Member State. FAO currently has 194 Members.

Location

• FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy
• Some internships may have hybrid or remote components, depending on unit requirements

Visa and Travel

• Interns are responsible for arranging their own visas
• FAO provides administrative support but does not cover travel or visa costs
• Proof of medical insurance is mandatory

Application Timeline

FAO accepts internship applications year-round, but placements depend on department needs. Early application is recommended.

Application Steps

1. Visit the FAO Careers Portal
2. Search for “FAO Internship Programme”
3. Create a FAO iRecruitment profile
4. Upload:
   • CV
   • Cover letter
   • Proof of enrollment/graduation
   • Language certificates (optional)
5. Submit the application

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Important Notes

• FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment
• FAO encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented regions
• Interns must adhere to FAO’s ethical, safeguarding, and conduct standards

Why Apply for the FAO Internship Programme?

The FAO Internship offers:

• Entry into the UN system
• International work experience in Rome
• Exposure to global development and humanitarian operations
• Skill-building in research, analysis, communication, and project support
• Networking with professionals from over 190 Member States
• Opportunities for future UN consultancy or staff roles

This internship is particularly valuable for those aiming for long-term careers in:

• Agriculture and food systems
• Climate policy
• International development
• Humanitarian response
• Economics and statistics
• Environmental sustainability

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