Fully Funded FAO Internship Programme for Africa 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Internship Programme for Africa, providing young professionals with an opportunity to contribute to the global fight against hunger while gaining hands-on experience within one of the world’s leading international organisations.

Open until 1 January 2026, the internship runs for a flexible duration of three to eleven months, offering placements across various FAO country offices and regional centres in Africa — and, in some cases, beyond the continent.

For students and graduates passionate about sustainable agriculture, food systems, climate resilience, or development policy, this programme offers a unique platform to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.

A Pathway from Learning to Impact

The FAO Internship Programme bridges the gap between classroom learning and field-level action. Interns are integrated into FAO teams and contribute directly to projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those aimed at ending hunger, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Each intern’s role is defined by their background and FAO’s organisational needs, formalised through a Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office. Under the supervision of experienced FAO professionals, interns receive mentorship, exposure to development policy, and insight into complex food system challenges affecting millions.

Who Can Apply

The programme seeks motivated, globally minded, and socially conscious young people committed to sustainable development. To be eligible, candidates must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or have recently graduated from an accredited institution.
• Specialise in a field relevant to FAO’s mandate, such as agriculture, environmental science, food systems, nutrition, economics, international relations, or climate studies.
• Be between 21 and 30 years old at the time of application.
• Be a national of an FAO Member Country.
• Have a working knowledge of at least one FAO official language — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish (knowledge of a second language is an advantage).
• Possess strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to adapt to a multicultural and inclusive work environment.

FAO strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented countries, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Low-Income Food-Deficient Countries (LIFDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

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Areas of Work

Interns will be placed in departments and projects aligned with their studies and career goals. Focus areas include:

• Sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation
• Food and nutrition security
• Agricultural economics and rural development
• Land, soil, and water management
• Policy research and data analysis
• Gender equality and social inclusion in agriculture
• Digital innovation in agri-food systems

These assignments allow interns to experience the breadth of FAO’s global operations and contribute to meaningful work that supports livelihoods across the continent.

Benefits and Conditions

The internship provides a monthly stipend to interns who are not sponsored by universities or external entities. This stipend helps cover living costs during the assignment.

While the internship cannot be renewed or repeated, it is widely recognised as a springboard for careers in international development, research, policy, and the UN system.

Interns must hold a valid residency or immigration status in their duty station and cannot have immediate family members (parents or siblings) employed by FAO. Successful candidates will undergo reference and background checks and are expected to uphold FAO’s core values of integrity, commitment, and professionalism.

Why This Programme Matters

The FAO Internship Programme for Africa goes beyond academic enrichment; it cultivates the next generation of leaders in global food and agricultural development. Interns are part of a growing network of changemakers driving systemic transformation in agri-food systems — making them more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

By working closely with experts, policymakers, and communities, interns help implement practical solutions that tackle hunger, improve nutrition, and protect the planet’s natural resources.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through FAO’s official recruitment portal before 1 January 2026. Applicants will need to:

• Create a complete online profile including academic qualifications, language skills, and professional background.
• Attach a motivational letter, proof of enrolment or graduation, and relevant supporting documents.
• Submit all materials before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

The FAO Internship Programme for Africa 2026 represents more than an entry point into the United Nations system; it’s a commitment to transforming the world’s food future. By joining, interns play a tangible role in advancing food security, sustainable agriculture, and equitable growth across Africa and beyond.

For young Africans seeking meaningful international experience, this is an opportunity to merge passion with purpose and contribute to building a hunger-free world.

APPLY FOR THE FAO INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME FOR AFRICA