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FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa 2026: Applications Open for the United Nations Volunteer Opportunity

Ling Peng
FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa 2026
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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting eligible applicants to submit expressions of interest for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa (RAF) 2026. This international volunteer opportunity gives individuals an avenue to contribute their knowledge, experience, research background and skills to the work of one of the United Nations’ specialized agencies while supporting efforts to combat hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.

Published under Vacancy Announcement No. 2600018, the programme is a non-staff volunteer opportunity with assignments available in various locations. Successful candidates may serve for a period of up to a maximum of six months, working in fields relevant to FAO’s mandate and activities.

The programme is particularly relevant to individuals interested in agriculture, food security, nutrition, sustainable development and other areas connected with FAO’s work. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have completed secondary school education and meet FAO’s language and nationality requirements.

Importantly, this is an unpaid volunteer programme. FAO explicitly states that volunteers do not receive remuneration.

FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa 2026 at a Glance

Key information about the opportunity includes:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well ahead of the closing date rather than waiting until the final day.

Application Deadline for the FAO Volunteer Programme 2026

The application deadline for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa is August 26, 2026, at 9:59 AM.

FAO notes that the closure date and time displayed on its recruitment platform are based on the date and time settings of the applicant’s personal device. Applicants should therefore carefully check the deadline shown when accessing the official recruitment portal.

Submitting an application early is highly recommended. This provides applicants with enough time to complete their online profile, upload the required documents, verify their employment and educational information, and address any technical issues before applications close.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security.

FAO works toward a world where people have regular access to sufficient quantities of high-quality food that enable them to live active and healthy lives.

With more than 195 Members and operations spanning over 130 countries, FAO works internationally on challenges connected to agriculture, food systems, hunger, nutrition, rural development and sustainable development.

The organization believes that individuals can contribute to the global effort to end hunger, which is one of the ideas underpinning its Regular Volunteer Programme.

What Is the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme?

The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme creates opportunities for individuals to contribute volunteer services to areas that support FAO’s mission.

Where appropriate, volunteer contributions are connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and FAO’s Strategic Framework, supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

A major focus of FAO’s work is the transformation toward more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.

This transformation is organized around the aspirations of:

The broader objective is to achieve these improvements while leaving no one behind.

Through the Regular Volunteer Programme, FAO seeks to strategically mobilize volunteer services from citizens of its Member countries. Their contributions can support the organization’s work toward ending hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.

What Will FAO Volunteers Do?

Successful applicants will be assigned to areas relevant to the mission and work of FAO.

The exact duties will depend on the assignment and the needs of the hiring office.

According to the vacancy announcement, each volunteer will perform functions specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR) prepared by the hiring office.

This means applicants should not assume that every volunteer will perform exactly the same duties. Responsibilities may vary depending on factors such as the candidate’s expertise, the field of assignment, the location, organizational priorities and the specific FAO office involved.

Reporting Arrangements

Each selected volunteer will report to an assigned supervisor.

The supervisor will provide the relevant oversight for the volunteer’s assignment and the duties specified under the applicable Terms of Reference.

Technical Focus of the Programme

Volunteers will be assigned to fields that are relevant to FAO’s work and mission.

FAO also identifies relevant working or research experience in one of the fields of the Organization as an important technical or functional skill.

Applicants with relevant experience should therefore make sure their online profiles clearly explain their work, research and other applicable experience.

Eligibility Requirements for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa

Candidates will be assessed against a number of minimum requirements.

1. Education Requirement

Applicants must have completed secondary school education.

This establishes the minimum educational threshold for the programme.

Applicants are also requested to provide a copy of their academic qualifications as part of their online application profile.

2. Minimum Age Requirement

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older.

The announcement does not specify an upper age limit.

3. Nationality Requirement

Applicants must be nationals of FAO Member countries.

Prospective candidates should verify that their country is an FAO Member before submitting an application.

FAO additionally encourages applications from qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members.

4. Language Requirement

Candidates must have a working knowledge of at least one FAO language.

FAO’s listed languages for this opportunity are:

Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset.

Applicants should accurately provide their language abilities when completing their FAO online profile because applications are screened based on the information submitted.

5. Ability to Work in a Multicultural Environment

Candidates should be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment.

This requirement reflects the international nature of FAO and its workforce, which brings together people of different nationalities, professional backgrounds and cultures.

6. Communication Skills

Applicants should possess good communication skills.

Communication is also included among FAO’s core competencies for candidates.

7. Relevant Work or Research Experience

FAO identifies relevant working or research experience in one of the fields of the Organization as a technical or functional skill for this opportunity.

Applicants with such experience should ensure it is clearly reflected in their profiles.

FAO Core Competencies

Applicants will also be considered in relation to FAO’s core competencies.

These include:

  1. Results Focus – the ability to remain focused on delivering meaningful outcomes and contributing effectively toward objectives.
  2. Teamwork – the capacity to collaborate productively with colleagues and others.
  3. Communication – the ability to communicate information effectively in a professional environment.
  4. Building Effective Relationships – the capacity to establish and maintain constructive working relationships.
  5. Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement – a commitment to sharing useful knowledge and continuously developing and improving professional practices.

Applicants should consider demonstrating these competencies through the experiences described in their online profiles and motivation letters.

FAO Values Expected From Candidates

All candidates are expected to adhere to FAO’s organizational values, including:

FAO also requires everyone working for the organization to uphold high standards of integrity and professional conduct.

Who Is Particularly Encouraged to Apply?

FAO emphasizes workforce diversity in relation to gender, nationality, background and culture.

The organization particularly encourages applications from:

Being encouraged to apply should not be confused with automatically being selected. Candidates must still meet the programme requirements and go through FAO’s assessment and selection process.

Important Family Employment Restriction

Applicants should carefully note an important eligibility restriction.

Candidates who have certain family members employed by FAO under any type of contractual arrangement are not eligible for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme.

For this requirement, FAO defines the relevant family members as:

Applicants affected by this restriction should take it into account before submitting an application.

Is the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme Paid?

No. FAO does not provide remuneration to volunteers.

This is an important consideration for anyone interested in applying.

Applicants should understand the financial implications of participating in an unpaid volunteer programme, particularly if an assignment involves relocation or living in another country.

Candidates should therefore carefully evaluate their circumstances and any assignment-specific requirements before accepting an offer if selected.

Immigration and Residence Requirements

Selected candidates must have the appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment before joining FAO.

This requirement is especially important for candidates who may be considered for an assignment outside their current place of residence.

Applicants should pay close attention to any information provided by FAO concerning the proposed country of assignment if they progress through the selection process.

Selection and Assessment Process

FAO states that all applications will be reviewed, but only qualified applicants will be directly contacted by the hiring office for interviews.

Applicants who are subsequently selected will be contacted again.

Candidates should therefore ensure that their contact details and profile information are accurate and current.

FAO also states that all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Applications are treated with strict confidentiality.

How to Apply for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa 2026

Applications must be submitted through the official Jobs at FAO recruitment portal.

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the FAO Recruitment Website

Access the official Jobs at FAO recruitment website and locate the Call for Expression of Interest for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa under Vacancy Announcement No. 2600018.

Step 2: Create or Update Your Online Profile

Candidates must complete their online FAO profile.

FAO strongly recommends ensuring that the profile is accurate and complete.

Particular attention should be given to information concerning:

Because applications will be screened based on the information contained in the online profile, candidates should make sure important qualifications and experience are not omitted.

Step 3: Prepare a Motivation Letter

Applicants are requested to attach a letter of motivation to their online profile.

The motivation letter is an opportunity to explain why the candidate wants to volunteer with FAO and how their background, experience and interests are relevant to the organization’s work.

Applicants should ensure that their motivation letter accurately represents their experience and reasons for applying.

Step 4: Attach Academic Qualifications

Candidates are also requested to attach a copy of their academic qualifications.

Applicants should ensure that the documents correspond with the educational information entered in their online profile.

Step 5: Review the Application

Before submitting, applicants should carefully review their profile and documents.

Check that:

Step 6: Submit Through the FAO Portal

Once the profile is complete, candidates must formally apply and submit their application.

Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.

Applications submitted through unofficial channels should therefore not be relied upon as a substitute for the formal online application.

Step 7: Apply Before the Deadline

Candidates should submit their applications well before August 26, 2026, at 9:59 AM, taking into account that the closure time displayed by FAO is based on the date and time settings of the applicant’s personal device.

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Incomplete Applications Will Not Be Considered

Applicants should take the application requirements seriously because FAO states that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Candidates should avoid submitting a partially completed profile with the intention of adding important information after the deadline.

Since screening is based on information contained in the online profile, the quality and completeness of the application can be important to the assessment process.

What Happens to Applicant Information?

FAO explains that personal information provided as part of an application may be shared internally within FAO and with companies working on FAO’s behalf to provide employment-support services.

These services can include:

Candidates will be asked to provide consent before submitting their applications.

Applicants may withdraw their consent by withdrawing their application. However, if an application is withdrawn, FAO will no longer be able to consider the candidate for the opportunity.

What Happens If You Are Not Selected Before the Closing Date?

Candidates who are not selected before the closing date but want to continue being considered for future assignments will need to re-apply to new Calls for Expression of Interest.

Applicants should therefore not assume that an application under this call will remain active indefinitely for future volunteer opportunities.

FAO Does Not Charge Recruitment Fees

Applicants should be aware that FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.

This includes:

Candidates should be cautious about anyone requesting payment while claiming that a fee is required to secure an FAO volunteer position or advance an application.

Official applications should be submitted through FAO’s recruitment system.

FAO’s Standards of Conduct

FAO maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward conduct incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate.

This includes:

Individuals selected to work with FAO are expected to uphold the organization’s professional and ethical standards.

Why the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme Matters

The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme provides a structured avenue through which eligible individuals can contribute to international efforts addressing some of the world’s most significant food and agricultural challenges.

Rather than being limited to a single standardized role, volunteers may be assigned to fields that correspond with FAO’s mission and the requirements of individual hiring offices.

The programme connects volunteer participation with FAO’s broader efforts to transform agri-food systems and advance the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.

For candidates interested in contributing to international development, food security, sustainable agriculture, nutrition and related fields, the programme represents an opportunity to support the work of a major United Nations specialized agency.

Applicants should nevertheless carefully consider that the programme is unpaid and that selected candidates are responsible for having appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment before joining FAO.

Important Details to Remember Before Applying

Prospective applicants should remember the following:

  1. The programme is open to eligible nationals of FAO Member countries.
  2. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  3. Candidates must have completed secondary school education.
  4. A working knowledge of at least one FAO language is required.
  5. Knowledge of a second FAO language is an advantage.
  6. Candidates should be able to work effectively in an international multicultural environment.
  7. Good communication skills are expected.
  8. Relevant work or research experience in an FAO field is valuable.
  9. A motivation letter and copy of academic qualifications should be attached to the online profile.
  10. Applications must be complete and submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal.
  11. The volunteer programme does not provide remuneration.
  12. Selected candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status for the proposed country of assignment before joining FAO.
  13. Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.
  14. Certain candidates with immediate family members employed by FAO are not eligible.
  15. FAO does not charge an application, interview or processing fee.
  16. The application deadline is August 26, 2026, at 9:59 AM, subject to the applicant’s device date and time settings.

Conclusion

The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa 2026 offers eligible individuals an opportunity to contribute their time, knowledge and experience to the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Through assignments of up to six months, selected volunteers can support fields connected with FAO’s mission while contributing to broader international efforts to address hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity and advance more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility conditions, including being at least 18 years old, having completed secondary school education, being a national of an FAO Member country and having working knowledge of at least one of FAO’s six listed languages. Candidates should also be capable of working in an international multicultural environment and possess good communication skills.

Prospective applicants should be especially aware that this is an unpaid volunteer opportunity, and FAO does not provide remuneration to volunteers. Selected candidates must also have the appropriate residence or immigration status for their proposed country of assignment before joining the organization.

Those who meet the requirements should carefully complete their FAO online profile, include accurate employment, educational and language information, attach their motivation letter and academic qualifications, and submit a complete application through the official FAO recruitment portal.

The deadline to apply for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for Africa is August 26, 2026, at 9:59 AM, with the displayed closing time based on the date and time settings of the applicant’s personal device. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply well before the deadline.

For further information https://fao.service-now.com/csp

Visit the OFY website for more Volunteering Opportunities.

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