United Nations Internship Opportunity in Rome, Italy
Introduction
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has officially opened applications for the FAO Headquarters Internship Programme 2026. The programme offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, while supporting global initiatives focused on food security, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and international development.
Participants will work alongside FAO experts, contribute to real-world projects, and gain valuable exposure to policy development, research, and programme implementation within one of the world's leading United Nations agencies.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Programme Name
FAO Headquarters Internship Programme 2026
Organization
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Vacancy Number
2600026
Programme Type
Internship Programme
Location
Rome, Italy
Duration
3–11 Months
Application Mode
Online
Application Deadline
25 August 2026 (11:59 PM)
Category
Internships
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Host Organization
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Programme
Headquarters Internship Programme
Organizational Unit
FAO Headquarters (HQ)
Location
Rome, Italy
Study Level
Undergraduate, Graduate & Recent Graduates
Internship Duration
3–11 Months
Job Type
Internship
Application Deadline
25 August 2026
About Organization
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to ending hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agrifood systems worldwide.
With 195 Member States and operations in over 130 countries, FAO supports governments and communities through research, policy development, innovation, and technical assistance aimed at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About Programme
The FAO Headquarters Internship Programme 2026 is designed for motivated students and recent graduates who want to gain practical experience in an international organization while contributing to meaningful global development initiatives.
Interns work directly with FAO teams on projects related to food security, agriculture, environmental sustainability, nutrition, communications, economics, policy development, and international cooperation.
Internship Benefits
Benefit
Details
International UN Experience
Yes
Internship Duration
3–11 Months
Work Location
Rome, Italy
Professional Mentorship
FAO Experts
Policy & Research Exposure
Yes
Cross-Cultural Working Environment
Yes
Monthly Stipend
May be provided (subject to eligibility)
Application Fee
No Fee
Internship Responsibilities
Interns will support FAO Headquarters through a variety of technical and operational assignments.
Responsibility
Details
Research Support
Assist in technical research and policy analysis
Programme Development
Support project planning and implementation
Documentation
Prepare reports and knowledge resources
Communications
Contribute to outreach and awareness activities
Coordination
Support multidisciplinary teams across FAO divisions
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Education
Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate programme
Institution
Recognized institution listed in UNESCO/IAU WHED
Academic Fields
Agriculture, Economics, Environmental Science, International Relations, Communications or related disciplines
Age
21–30 Years
Nationality
Citizen of an FAO Member Country
Language Requirement
Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish)
Second FAO Language
Preferred but not mandatory
Core Competencies
Competency
Required
Results Orientation
Yes
Teamwork
Yes
Communication Skills
Yes
Relationship Building
Yes
Knowledge Sharing
Yes
Professional Integrity
Yes
Required Documents
Document
Required
Complete Online Profile
Yes
Academic Qualification Proof
Yes
Motivation Letter
Yes
Language Details
Yes
Employment History (If Applicable)
Yes
Important Application Conditions
Condition
Details
Application Fee
No Fee
Application Method
Official FAO Recruitment Portal Only
Previous FAO Interns
Not Eligible to Apply Again
Incomplete Applications
Not Considered
Background Verification
Required for Selected Candidates
Residency Requirement
Valid immigration/residency status required where applicable
Students and recent graduates from FAO Member Countries.
How long is the internship?
3–11 Months.
Is there an application fee?
No. FAO does not charge any recruitment fee.
When is the deadline?
25 August 2026 (11:59 PM).
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The FAO Headquarters Internship Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in international development, agriculture, food security, and United Nations careers. Working at FAO Headquarters in Rome provides valuable global exposure and practical experience in policy, research, and programme implementation.
Since internships at FAO are highly competitive, applicants should prepare a strong application and submit it well before the closing date.
