About this opportunity
An internship at a United Nations agency in Rome is a serious door, and FAO leaves it open to nationals of Member countries in all regions, which includes Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and most of the continent.
The World Food Forum Internship Programme places young professionals and students inside the FAO work on agri food systems, at headquarters in Rome, for three to eleven months. You must be aged 21 to 30, and either enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree at a recognised institution when you apply, or a recent graduate.
One thing to plan honestly around. This is an unpaid position. FAO says so plainly and asks candidates to consider the cost of living in Rome before applying. If you can fund your own stay, the experience is the point.
Applications run through the FAO recruitment portal only, and screening is done on the information in your online profile, so build that profile properly. The vacancy closes on 3 November 2026 at 11:59 pm and FAO encourages applicants to submit well before the
Application timeline
What you receive
- 3 to 11 month internship at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy
- Hands on work supporting the World Food Forum and the FAO mandate
- Exposure to international agri food systems policy and programmes
- Experience inside a United Nations agency environment
- Professional network across FAO and the World Food Forum community
Who can apply
- National of an FAO Member country, FAO welcomes candidates from Member Nations in all regions
- Aged 21 to 30
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognised institution at the time of application, or a recent graduate
- Working knowledge of at least one official FAO language, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish
- Relevant academic specialisation aligned to the internship
- Higher education qualifications obtained from an institution listed in the recognised World Higher Education Database
Who should not apply
- The internship is unpaid, no salary or allowance is provided
- Only applications submitted through the FAO recruitment portal are considered
- Candidates outside the age range or educational status are not eligible
- FAO states it cannot consider applications that arrive after the deadline
Documents to prepare
- Completed FAO online profile with education and language details
- Curriculum vitae
- Proof of enrolment at a recognised institution or your most recent degree certificate
- Identification required by the FAO recruitment portal
How to apply
- Create a profile on the FAO recruitment portal, since screening is based on the information in your online profile
- Open vacancy 2602160, Call for Expression of Interest, Internship Programme for the World Food Forum
- Check the nationality, age, education, language and specialisation requirements in the vacancy notice
- Attach proof of enrolment or your recent degree and your curriculum vitae
- Submit through the FAO portal before 3 November 2026 at 11:59 pm, ideally well ahead of the cut off
Selection process
- Applications are screened against the vacancy notice requirements using your online FAO profile
- Candidates meeting the nationality, age, education and language criteria are shortlisted
- Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interview
- Successful candidates are offered an internship of 3 to 11 months at FAO headquarters in Rome
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Is the internship paid?
No. FAO states this is an unpaid position and asks candidates to consider the costs of living in Rome before applying.
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. Applicants must be nationals of an FAO Member country, and FAO welcomes candidates from Member Nations in all regions.
How long does it last?
Between 3 and 11 months, according to the vacancy notice.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, applicants must be between 21 and 30 years old.
Where do I apply?
Only through the FAO recruitment portal, on vacancy number 2602160. Applications submitted elsewhere are not considered.
Important disclaimer
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