FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF) 2026 – Paid Internship Opportunities for Students and Recent Graduates
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications from eligible students and recent graduates for its Internship Programme for Africa (RAF), under Vacancy Reference Number 2601980.
The programme provides an opportunity for young professionals to gain practical work experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to FAO's work in agriculture, food security, nutrition, sustainable development, and related fields.
Successful applicants will gain exposure to an international working environment while working with professionals in their respective areas of specialization.
INTERNSHIP DETAILS
- Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Programme: FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF)
- Vacancy Reference Number: 2601980
- Opportunity Type: Internship
- Compensation: Paid
- Duration: 3–11 months
- Locations: Various locations across Africa
- Eligible Applicants: Students and recent graduates
- Application Deadline: 31 December 2026
1. ABOUT THE FAO INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
The FAO Internship Programme is designed to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to supplement their academic knowledge through practical work assignments in areas related to the organization's activities.
Interns are assigned duties based on their academic background, professional interests, and the operational needs of the recruiting office.
The programme offers opportunities to work in different offices and locations across Africa, allowing participants to develop professional experience in an international organization.
Internship assignments normally last between three and eleven months.
2. FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND BENEFITS
The FAO Internship Programme offers financial support to eligible interns who are not sponsored by a university or another organization.
The financial arrangements include:
- Monthly Stipend: Eligible interns receive a monthly stipend in local currency of up to USD 700.
- Sponsored Interns: Interns sponsored by universities or other institutions receive their stipend directly from their sponsoring organizations.
- Medical Coverage: FAO pays the premium for medical coverage relating to incidents arising from internship duties.
- Accommodation: Interns or their sponsoring institutions are responsible for arranging and covering accommodation expenses.
Applicants should note that medical insurance for conditions or incidents unrelated to internship duties must be arranged and paid for by the intern.
3. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To qualify for the FAO Internship Programme for Africa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of an FAO Member country.
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Educational Background: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme at a recognized educational institution at the time of application, or be recent graduates.
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Relevant Academic Background: Applicants must have an academic background relevant to the work of FAO.
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Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years old when the internship begins. They must start the internship before turning 31.
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Language Skills: Applicants must have working knowledge of at least one of FAO's official languages:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- English
- French
- Russian
- Spanish
Knowledge of a second FAO official language will be considered an advantage.
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Communication Skills: Applicants should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and adapt to an international and multicultural working environment.
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Computer Skills: Applicants must have basic knowledge of computer programmes.
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Immigration Status: Applicants must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country where the internship will take place before starting the assignment.
Important eligibility restrictions:
- Applicants whose mother, father, brother, or sister is employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement are not eligible.
- Previous FAO interns are excluded from this vacancy.
- Applicants must hold qualifications from educational institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
4. REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Applicants should prepare the following documents and information before submitting their applications:
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV) and accurate educational information in the FAO recruitment profile.
- Motivation letter explaining their interest in the internship programme.
- Proof of current university enrolment, where applicable.
- Copies of academic qualifications for recent graduates.
- Relevant information about employment history and language skills.
The motivation letter should explain why the applicant wants to participate in the programme and identify their preferred unit or area of work.
5. HOW TO APPLY
Interested and eligible candidates should submit their applications through the official FAO recruitment portal.
Follow these steps:
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Visit the official FAO recruitment portal using the application link provided below.
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Create an FAO recruitment profile or update your existing profile.
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Provide accurate information about your educational background, employment history, language skills, and other relevant qualifications.
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Search for Vacancy Reference Number 2601980, titled "Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme for Africa (RAF)."
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Attach your motivation letter and proof of university enrolment or copies of your academic qualifications.
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Carefully review all the information provided before submitting your application.
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Submit your application through the official FAO recruitment portal.
Important: Applications submitted outside the official FAO recruitment portal will not be considered. Incomplete applications may also be rejected.
FAO does not charge any recruitment or application fees.
6. APPLICATION DEADLINE
The deadline for submitting applications is:
31 December 2026 at 23:59 CET (UTC+1), Rome time.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
7. SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates whose applications meet the requirements may be contacted by the responsible FAO hiring office for further assessment or interviews.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the selection process.
FAO does not maintain a roster of candidates for future internship calls. Applicants who are not selected but remain interested must apply again when another internship opportunity becomes available.
8. OFFICIAL APPLICATION LINKS
Interested candidates can access the official information and application portal through the following links:
Apply for the Internship:
https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobsearch.ftl
Search for Vacancy Reference Number: 2601980
Official FAO Internship Programme Information:
https://www.fao.org/employment/opportunities/internships/en/
Official FAO Internship FAQs – Financial Support and Conditions:
https://www.fao.org/employment/faq/en/
Application Deadline: 31 December 2026.
Note: Applicants are advised to read the official vacancy announcement carefully to confirm all requirements before submitting their applications.