About this opportunity
Applications are now open for the 2026 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Young Professionals Programme (YPP), a competitive recruitment initiative designed for talented young professionals seeking to build an international career with FAO. The programme targets qualified young professionals, particularly nationals from non-represented and underrepresented FAO member countries, with priority consideration given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and developing countries.
Selected Young Professional Officers will work alongside international and national staff and contribute to the identification, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of FAO programmes and activities. About the Programme Young Professional Officers may work on assignments with country-specific, regional, sector-based or thematic focuses under the supervision of senior FAO staff.
Successful candidates will receive a two-year fixed-term contract , subject to a one-year probationary period. Young Professional Officers are generally appointed at the P-1 step 1 level and move to P-1 step 2 during the second year of their assignment.
Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following requirements: Be 32 years old or younger as of 31 December 2026. Hold an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree, PhD or equivalent, in a field relevant to FAO’s work.
Have at least one year of relevant professional experience. Have a working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of at least one other FAO official language: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian.
Applicants must not be the son, daughter, brother or sister of an FAO staff member. Available Young Professional Positions The 2026 programme includes opportunities in several areas, including: Food Loss and Waste – Bangkok, Thailand Aquatic Value Chain – Rome, Italy Economist – Rome, Italy Communication and Outreach – Rome, Italy Programme Support – Vienna, Austria Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – Geneva, Switzerland School Food and Nutrition – Rome, Italy Finance – Rome, Italy Climate Change and Natural Resources Management – Kathmandu, Nepal Why Apply?
The FAO Young Professionals Programme offers qualified young professionals the opportunity to: Begin a career as an international civil servant. Gain experience working within a United Nations agency.
Contribute to global food, agriculture, climate and development initiatives. Work with international and national experts.
Develop professional experience in a multicultural environment. Contribute to projects with country, regional and global impact.
Application steps
Interested and eligible candidates should review the available positions and submit their applications through the official FAO recruitment platform. Applicants should carefully review the specific requirements of their preferred position before applying.
Application timeline
Check the
Application timeline
indicated on the individual FAO vacancy announcement. Official Programme Information: https://www.
fao. org/employment/young-talent-programme/young-professionals-programme/
Sources and verification
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