Looking to start an international career at the United Nations? The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is hiring early-career talent through its Young Professional Officer (YPO) Programme.
This initiative offers full-time, entry-level international staff roles (P-1 grade) at FAO Headquarters in Rome or regional offices worldwide.
Program Overview
- Host Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN
- Role Grade: Junior Level – P-1 (International Professional)
- Compensation: Fully Paid UN Salary + Benefits, Relocation Allowance, Health Insurance & Paid Leave
- Application Fee: $0 (100% Free)
- Locations: Rome (Italy), Vienna (Austria), Accra (Ghana), Santiago (Chile), Bangkok (Thailand), and various global offices
Who It Is For & Eligibility Criteria
Target Audience & Age
- Must be 32 years of age or younger by December 31 of the application year.
- Open to early-career professionals, researchers, and project coordinators.
Degree & Qualification Requirements
- Education: Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree, Ph.D., or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Climate Change, Environmental Science, Economics, Finance, Public Policy, or Communications.
- Work Experience: Minimum 1 year of professional work experience related to FAO’s mission.
- Languages: Proficiency in English (Level C) + working knowledge of at least one other FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Global & Indian Eligibility
- International Applicants: YES. Open to candidates from all FAO Member States.
- Indian Applicants: YES. Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
- Diversity Focus: Qualified female candidates, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from under-represented member nations are strongly encouraged to apply.
Hidden Charges & Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Application Fees: None. FAO does not charge any application or recruitment fees.
- Pre-employment Expenses: Selected candidates may need to self-fund initial personal administrative costs (such as document legalization or routine medical certificates) before travel reimbursement and relocation disrobal.
Deadlines & How to Apply
Current Young Professional Officer job postings close between September 7 and September 8, 2026 (11:59 PM) depending on the specific track (Finance, Climate Change, Programme Support, or Outreach).
- Visit the official FAO e-recruitment portal.
- Create your UN Personal History Form (PHF) profile.
- Submit your application directly to the desired Young Professional Officer opening.
Official Portal: Jobs at FAO Careers
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