Want to gain experience with the United Nations while working on projects related to agriculture, food security, climate, nutrition and sustainable development?
The FAO Internship Programme for Africa 2026–2027 is open to eligible students and recent graduates who want to gain practical experience with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Selected interns can receive a monthly stipend of up to US$700, depending on the duty station.
The current call is open until December 31, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Internship
- Host Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Location: Various FAO offices and project locations in Africa
- Duration: 3 to 11 months
- Nationality: Nationals of FAO Member Nations
- Age: 21 to 30 at the start of the internship
- Minimum Degree Required: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or a recent graduate
- Work Experience: Not required
- Stipend: Up to US$700 per month, paid in local currency
- Application Deadline: December 31, 2026
- Application Fee: None stated
Application Fee: None statedAccommodation: Not covered
What Is the FAO Internship Programme?
The FAO Internship Programme gives students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience within a UN organization.
The work depends on the team and assignment. It can involve areas such as agriculture, food systems, food security, climate, nutrition, research, data, rural development, communications and programme support.
How Much Is the Stipend?
Interns can receive up to US$700 per month.
The payment is made in local currency, and the exact amount depends on the duty station.
What About Medical Insurance?
FAO provides medical coverage for conditions related to official service.
For medical expenses that are not related to the internship, interns are responsible for arranging their own coverage.
Who Can Apply?
You should be between 21 and 30 years old when the internship starts.
If you are currently 30, you can apply as long as you do not turn 31 before the internship begins.
Education
You should either be:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme
- A recent graduate
The qualification must meet FAO’s applicable requirements.
Nationality
Applicants should be nationals of an FAO Member Nation.
Language
You need working knowledge of at least one FAO official language:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Russian
Other Requirements
You should be comfortable working in an international and multicultural environment.
You must also have the appropriate residence or immigration status for the country where the internship takes place.
Where Can You Be Placed?
The exact location depends on the available assignment and the FAO office selecting the intern.
FAO generally prefers placements in the applicant’s country of residence or nationality, subject to the programme requirements.
So, applying to the Africa programme does not mean you can simply choose any African country. Your final duty station depends on the available assignment and your profile.
How Long Is the Internship?
The internship can last between 3 and 11 months.
What Can You Work On?
The work varies from one assignment to another.
Possible areas include:
- Agriculture
- Food security
- Food systems
- Climate and environment
- Nutrition
- Rural development
- Research
- Data and analysis
- Programme support
- Communications
- Sustainable development
Your specific responsibilities will be mentioned in the assignment.
How to Apply
Step 1: Find the Africa Internship Call
Look for the current FAO Internship Programme for Africa on the official FAO careers portal.
Step 2: Create Your Application
Complete your profile and provide the information requested in the online application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Motivation Letter
Explain why you want to intern with FAO and what type of work interests you.
Keep the letter specific to your background and the area you want to work in.
Step 4: Add Your Education Details
Provide proof of your current studies or recent graduation as required.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Submit your application through the official FAO recruitment system before the deadline.
Is This a Fully Funded Internship?
It is a paid internship.
You receive:
- Up to US$700 per month
- Medical coverage for service-related conditions
You are responsible for:
- Accommodation
- Non-service-related medical expenses
- Other personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indian students apply?
Indian students can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements of the programme and the specific assignment.
Is the FAO internship paid?
Yes. The stipend can be up to US$700 per month, depending on the duty station.
Does FAO provide accommodation?
No. Interns need to arrange their own accommodation.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is stated for the official application process.
Is this a fully funded internship?
No. FAO provides a stipend, but accommodation and certain other expenses are the responsibility of the intern.
How long is the internship?
The internship can last between 3 and 11 months.
Do I need previous work experience?
Previous professional work experience is not listed as a general requirement for the internship programme.
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