🌍 FAO Internship Programme for Near East and North Africa (RNE) 2026 – United Nations Opportunity 🇺🇳🌾

Join the UN’s global mission to end hunger and build sustainable food systems across the Near East and North Africa region!

🏛️ About the Programme

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites applications for its Internship Programme in the Near East and North Africa (RNE).

FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve global food security, working with 195 member countriesacross more than 130 offices worldwide. This internship offers motivated young professionals a chance to gain hands-on experience with FAO’s work in agriculture, environment, food systems, and sustainable development.

Through this experience, interns contribute directly to FAO’s Strategic Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting the transformation towards efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems — for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.

📍 Location & Duration

• Location: Various FAO offices across the Near East and North Africa region (RNE)
• Duration: 3 to 11 months (depending on placement)
• Start Date: Flexible (rolling placements)

💰 Financial & Practical Details

FAO offers a monthly stipend to interns if they are not sponsored by their sending university or institution.
Additional benefits include:

• Access to FAO learning platforms and UN career development resources
• Work experience in an international, multicultural environment
• Supervision and mentoring by senior FAO professionals

🎯 Key Responsibilities

Interns will work under the supervision of an FAO officer and contribute to:

• Research, data analysis, and knowledge management in FAO’s areas of expertise
• Project coordination and policy support
• Technical reporting, drafting briefs, and communication materials
• Assisting in ongoing FAO initiatives and regional partnerships

Each intern’s Terms of Reference (TOR) will be tailored to their academic background and the needs of the hosting office.

🧩 Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in or recently graduated from a recognized undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
• Specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s mission, such as agriculture, economics, public administration, environmental science, or related areas.
• Be nationals of an FAO Member country.
• Be aged between 21 and 30 at the start of the internship.
• Have a working knowledge of at least one FAO language (Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese). Knowledge of a second language is an asset.
• Show adaptability, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication skills.

🧭 FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

🌿 Diversity & Inclusion

FAO encourages applications from:

• Women and underrepresented groups
• Nationals of Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs)
• Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

FAO is a non-smoking environment and adheres strictly to the UN Charter principles of equality, respect, and transparency.

📝 How to Apply

Apply online via the official FAO Careers Portal:
👉 https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2502237

Required Documents:

• Online application form (create a FAO profile)
• Letter of motivation
• Proof of university enrollment or degree certificate

Important Notes:

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Candidates must have legal residence status in the host country before starting.
• Applicants with immediate family members working at FAO are not eligible.

🗓️ Deadline

January 1, 2026 (11:59 PM)

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Early submission is strongly encouraged.