FAO Internship Programme: A Global Opportunity in Agriculture and Development

Introduction

Food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development are central challenges facing the world today. One international organisation working in these areas is the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, commonly known as FAO.

FAO operates globally, supporting countries in improving agricultural productivity, food systems, nutrition, and sustainable use of natural resources. As part of its commitment to skills development and knowledge sharing, FAO offers a structured Internship Programme for students and recent graduates.

This article provides a detailed, evergreen, and factual overview of the FAO Internship Programme, including what it involves, who it is designed for, what interns typically do, and where to apply. This content is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee placement, funding, or employment.

What Is the FAO Internship Programme?

The FAO Internship Programme is a temporary, structured work-based learning opportunity designed to give students and recent graduates exposure to international development work related to food, agriculture, and sustainability.

The programme aims to:

Support academic learning through practical experience
Build professional and technical skills
Introduce participants to international policy and field work
Encourage knowledge exchange in development-focused areas

Internships are fixed-term and focus on learning and contribution rather than permanent employment.

Why FAO Offers Internships

FAO offers internships to:

Develop future professionals in agriculture and development
Strengthen research and technical capacity
Promote international cooperation and learning
Support inclusive access to global work experience

Interns contribute to meaningful projects while gaining insight into how international organisations operate.

Areas of Work Covered by FAO Internships

FAO internships are offered across a wide range of technical and professional fields, depending on organisational needs.

Common areas include:

Agriculture and agronomy
Food security and nutrition
Environmental sustainability
Climate change and natural resource management
Economics and rural development
Data analysis and statistics
Policy research and programme support
Communications and knowledge management
Information technology and systems

Available opportunities vary throughout the year.

Who Can Apply for an FAO Internship?

Eligibility criteria may differ by role, but FAO internships are generally open to:

Students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate studies
Recent graduates within the accepted timeframe
Individuals studying or trained in relevant academic fields
Applicants who can commit to the full internship duration

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements stated in each internship listing.

Academic Backgrounds Commonly Considered

Applicants often come from fields such as:

Agriculture and food sciences
Environmental studies
Economics and development studies
Public policy and international relations
Statistics and data science
Nutrition and health sciences
Information technology
Social sciences

Relevance to the internship role is more important than the exact degree title.

Skills and Qualities FAO Values

Successful interns often demonstrate:

Interest in agriculture, food systems, or development
Strong analytical or research skills
Ability to work in multicultural environments
Clear communication skills
Willingness to learn and adapt
Basic technical or subject-related knowledge

Previous work experience is not always required.

📌 Internship Work Environment in a Global Development Organisation

(One generic, royalty-free, stock-style image representing a professional international development work environment.)

Duration and Structure of the Internship

FAO internships:

Are fixed-term
Typically last several weeks to a few months
Follow structured learning objectives
Include supervision and professional guidance

Interns are expected to complete assigned tasks and participate responsibly throughout the programme.

What FAO Interns Typically Do

Intern responsibilities depend on the department but may include:

Research and data analysis
Policy or programme support
Assisting technical or project teams
Preparing reports and documentation
Supporting communication or outreach activities

Tasks are designed to balance learning with meaningful contribution.

Do FAO Internships Pay?

Some FAO internships may include financial support or stipends, depending on programme structure and location. Any support provided is intended to help interns with basic living costs during the internship period.

Details regarding financial support are communicated during the official application process.

What the Internship Does Not Guarantee

Applicants should clearly understand that:

Internships do not guarantee employment
Completion does not ensure job offers
Selection is competitive
Outcomes depend on individual performance and organisational needs

The programme is designed for learning and exposure.

How Competitive Is the FAO Internship Programme?

FAO internships are competitive due to:

Global interest from students and graduates
Limited internship placements
High relevance of technical and academic backgrounds

Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.

Documents Commonly Required for Application

Applicants are usually required to submit:

An updated CV or résumé
Proof of enrolment or graduation
Supporting documents if requested

Each internship listing clearly states its requirements.

Official FAO Internship Application Link

All legitimate FAO internship opportunities are published through the official FAO careers platform.

👉 Apply here:
https://www.fao.org/employment/internship-programme/en

This is the only official and trusted link to search and apply for FAO internships worldwide.

How the Application Process Works

Applicants generally need to:

Create an online applicant profile
Search available internship opportunities
Complete application forms
Upload required documents
Monitor application status through the platform

Each opportunity includes specific instructions.

Preparing a Strong Application

While selection cannot be guaranteed, applicants can prepare by:

Aligning their CV with agriculture or development-related skills
Highlighting academic, research, or project experience
Demonstrating interest in sustainability and food systems
Following application instructions carefully

Preparation improves application quality.

Avoiding Internship Scams

To stay safe:

Apply only through the official FAO careers website
Avoid third-party sites offering guaranteed placement
Do not pay application or processing fees
Verify communication sources carefully

Legitimate opportunities are transparent and process-driven.

Why Agriculture and Development Internships Matter

Internships in agriculture and development help individuals:

Understand global food and sustainability challenges
Build technical and analytical skills
Gain international professional exposure
Strengthen future career prospects

They support long-term learning and global capacity building.

Final Thoughts

The FAO Internship Programme offers students and graduates a structured opportunity to gain professional experience within a global organisation focused on agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. The programme prioritises learning, contribution, and skill development rather than guaranteed employment outcomes.

Applicants who meet the requirements and apply through official channels enter a fair and transparent selection process. Preparation, patience, and realistic expectations remain essential.

This article is intended to inform and guide — not to guarantee selection or employment.