FAO Fellows Programme 2026: Join the United Nations to Advance Global Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened applications for the FAO Fellows Programme 2026, a prestigious international opportunity designed for PhD students, researchers, and professors who want to contribute to global agricultural development, food security, and sustainable agri-food systems.

This fellowship program offers highly qualified individuals the opportunity to work alongside experts at one of the world’s most influential international organizations addressing hunger, food systems transformation, and sustainable agricultural development.

Participants in the FAO Fellows Programme will gain valuable experience supporting FAO initiatives, contributing technical knowledge to global development programs, and engaging in research and policy work aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The fellowship takes place across FAO’s global network, including Regional Offices, Sub-regional Offices, Country Offices, Liaison Offices, and FAO Headquarters.

About the FAO Fellows Programme

The FAO Fellows Programme is designed to attract experienced researchers and professionals who possess advanced academic expertise and a strong commitment to global development.

Through this program, fellows contribute their technical knowledge to ongoing FAO initiatives while developing specialized learning objectives aligned with the organization’s mission.

The program is particularly focused on strengthening agri-food systems, food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development worldwide.

Fellows collaborate with FAO teams to support policy research, technical programs, and analytical activities that help address some of the world’s most pressing development challenges.

Programme Location

Selected fellows may be placed in different FAO offices worldwide, including:

• FAO Headquarters

• Regional Offices

• Sub-regional Offices

• Country Offices

• Liaison Offices

This global placement structure allows fellows to gain international exposure and contribute to diverse development contexts.

Programme Duration

The FAO Fellows Programme lasts up to 11 months.

During this period, fellows work closely with FAO specialists and program teams while contributing to research, policy analysis, and program implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Participants in the FAO Fellows Programme will engage in a wide range of activities designed to support the organization’s mission and projects.

Typical responsibilities include:

Supporting technical and research work within FAO programmes.

Providing specialized expertise in areas related to agriculture, food systems, rural development, climate resilience, or international development.

Contributing to research activities, policy analysis, and program implementation.

Assisting FAO teams with analytical work and technical reporting.

Participating in program planning, monitoring, and evaluation activities.

Working under the supervision of an assigned FAO specialist or program manager.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for the FAO Fellows Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Applicants must hold a Master’s or PhD degree, be currently enrolled in a PhD programme, or be a recent graduate with advanced academic training.

Candidates must demonstrate at least two years of relevant work experience or research experience in a field related to agriculture, food security, environmental sustainability, or development studies.

Applicants must possess working knowledge of at least one FAO official language, which includes:

Arabic
Chinese
English
French
Russian
Spanish

Candidates must be nationals of an FAO Member country.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in multicultural and international environments are required.

Important Information

It is important for applicants to note several key conditions associated with the FAO Fellows Programme.

The fellowship is classified as a non-staff opportunity, meaning fellows are not considered FAO employees.

FAO does not provide remuneration for fellows participating in the program. Therefore, fellows must secure sponsorship or financial support from an external institution, such as a university, research institute, or government body.

Selected candidates will undergo reference verification and background checks before final confirmation.

FAO strongly encourages applications from women, individuals from underrepresented nationalities, and persons with disabilities, in line with the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Why You Should Apply for the FAO Fellows Programme

The FAO Fellows Programme provides a unique opportunity for researchers and academics to collaborate with a United Nations agency addressing global development challenges.

By participating in the program, fellows can:

Gain valuable experience working with a leading international organization.

Contribute to projects focused on global food security and sustainable agriculture.

Expand their professional networks within international development institutions.

Strengthen their research, analytical, and policy development skills.

Enhance their academic and professional careers in fields related to agriculture, development, and environmental sustainability.

For individuals interested in working at the intersection of research, policy, and global development, this fellowship offers an exceptional platform to contribute meaningfully to international efforts to end hunger and transform food systems.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their applications through the Official FAO recruitment portal.

Applicants are required to complete their online profile, upload necessary academic documents, and provide a research proposal outlining how their expertise aligns with FAO’s work and objectives.

Only applications submitted through the FAO recruitment system will be considered for evaluation.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the FAO Fellows Programme 2026 is 25 August 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure all required documents are properly uploaded and reviewed.

Click HERE to learn more about the FAO Fellows Programme 2026.

Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY HERE.