About this opportunity
The World Food Forum Young Scientists Group is the body that brings scientific evidence and technical knowledge into the work of the WFF Youth Initiative, the global youth platform the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations established in 2021. It was launched in 2022, it works in two year cohorts, and its signature output is a biennial report on a technical issue of particular concern to young people in agrifood systems transformation.
Members sit inside FAO's four betters, better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life, and their work feeds the Youth Assembly, the Youth Innovation Lab and the Youth Education Programme. The first year of the term goes to consultations, priority setting and evidence gathering, and the group agrees the report topic towards the end of that year. The second year goes to research, drafting, peer review and dissemination, prepared to postgraduate standards with input from FAO technical experts and qualified peers.
The 2027 to 2029 cohort is open to applicants worldwide, including young researchers in Nigeria and across Africa who hold the nationality of any FAO Member State. Places are unpaid and the commitment is roughly 20 hours a month, so read this as a credibility building route into science policy dialogue rather than a funding award. FAO selects for gender parity and regional balance, with a spread of disciplines relevant to its priorities.
Applications close on 29 January 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time, Rome, and the final selection is announced by April 2027. A letter of recommendation and a two minute video come later, at the shortlist stage. Nextali flags this one for early career agricultural researchers, food systems analysts and graduate students who want their work read by a United Nations audience.
What you receive
- A two year place on the standing scientific advisory body of the World Food Forum for the 2027 to 2029 term
- Contribution to a peer reviewed biennial report published on a topic chosen with the WFF Youth Assembly
- Technical exchange with FAO experts, the WFF Youth Policy Board and partner academic networks
- Speaking, podcast, interview and outreach slots through WFF Youth Initiative channels and flagship events
- Strengthened experience in interdisciplinary research, scientific writing, evidence synthesis and science policy engagement
- A global cohort of young researchers selected for gender parity and regional balance
- The option to reapply for the following cohort, up to a maximum of two cohorts or four years
Who can apply
- Graduated from, or currently enrolled in, a graduate degree programme at master's or PhD level at the time of application
- Between 18 and 35 years of age as of 31 December 2028
- A national of any FAO Member State, which covers Nigeria and other African member countries
- Specialised in a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO, with alignment to the WFF Youth Assembly thematic areas preferred but not mandatory
- Proficient in spoken and written English, with previous academic work in English preferred but not mandatory
- Able to dedicate approximately 20 hours per month for the two year term
- Able to work effectively in an international, multicultural environment with strong intercultural communication skills
Who should not apply
- People currently employed by FAO
- Immediate family members of FAO employees, meaning spouses, parents, children, siblings or their respective spouses
- Applications with responses substantially generated by AI rather than the applicant's own experience, ideas and voice
- Incomplete applications, which are not considered
Documents to prepare
- An updated CV that highlights major work or research and innovation initiatives carried out, scientific publications and products, presentations at conferences and seminars, soft skills, volunteer and professional experience and any previous international experience
- Written answers to every question on the application form, in your own voice
- The Young Scientists Group Terms of Reference for the 2027 to 2029 cohort, read before you start
- A letter of recommendation, requested only from candidates shortlisted in round two
- A two minute video explaining how you would contribute to the group, requested only from candidates shortlisted in round two
How to apply
- Read the Young Scientists Group Terms of Reference for the 2027 to 2029 cohort at https://youth.world-food-forum.org/docs/devworldfoodforumlibraries/programme-ed/ysg-tors-2027-2029.pdf
- Open the official group page to confirm the cohort details at https://youth.world-food-forum.org/youth-advisory-bodies/young-scientists-group/en
- Complete the WFF Young Scientists Group application form for the 2027 to 2029 cohort at https://youth.world-food-forum.org/youth-advisory-bodies/young-scientists-group/form/en and upload your updated CV
- Submit before 29 January 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time, Rome, since incomplete applications are not considered
- Keep your referee ready, because shortlisted candidates are asked for a letter of recommendation and a two minute video
- Attend the interview if you are among the top candidates, with final selection announced by April 2027
- Write to partnerships@world-food-forum.org for any question about the call
Selection process
- Round 1: the WFF Youth Initiative team reviews applications and scores candidates on eligibility and experience
- Round 2: a selection committee of FAO experts from different areas of work assesses applications and creates a shortlist, and shortlisted candidates submit a letter of recommendation and a two minute video
- Round 3: top candidates are invited to interviews, with final selection based on interview performance and overall ranking
- The process seeks a balance of scientific and technical expertise, geographical and gender diversity and disciplinary perspectives relevant to FAO priorities
- Members are appointed for a two year cohort and may reapply for the following cohort, capped at two cohorts or four years in total
- The final selection is announced by April 2027
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- MIT Solve 2027 Global Climate Challenge for Adaptation and Decarbonisation
The MIT Solve 2027 Global Climate Challenge funds technology driven solutions for equitable climate adaptation and decarbonisation of how we live and eat. Every selected Solver team receives a $10,000 grant, and entries close on 2 November 2026 at 12:00pm EST.
Questions applicants ask
Is the Young Scientists Group paid?
No. Membership is a voluntary advisory role of about 20 hours per month for a two year cohort, and the value lies in the published report, the FAO network and the science policy experience rather than any stipend.
Can a Nigerian applicant join?
Yes. The call asks for nationals of an FAO Member State and Nigeria is an FAO Member State, so Nigerian applicants qualify on nationality as long as they meet the age, education and English requirements.
Do I need a PhD to apply?
No. You either need to have graduated or to be enrolled in a graduate degree programme at the time of application, so master's students are included.
What happens to my age limit if I apply close to the cut off?
The age band is measured as of 31 December 2028, so you must be between 18 and 35 years of age on that date rather than on the day you apply.
Can I use ChatGPT or another AI tool for my answers?
Only for language and grammar support. Applications containing responses substantially generated by AI, rather than reflecting your own experience, ideas and voice, will not be considered, and you are expected to disclose any substantive use of such tools in your work.
When will I hear the outcome?
The selection runs in three rounds and the final selection is announced by April 2027, several months after the 29 January 2027 closing date.
Can members speak for FAO?
No. The group works in an advisory and scientific capacity, members do not represent FAO or the WFF Youth Initiative, and they should not make institutional positions or commitments on its behalf.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
