FAO World Food Forum Internship Programme 2026 in Italy: Apply for a 3–11 Month Internship in Rome

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting eligible students and recent graduates to apply for its World Food Forum (WFF) Internship Programme 2026 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This opportunity is designed for young people interested in youth empowerment, women’s empowerment, sustainable agriculture, food security, international development, policy engagement, communications, innovation, and related areas.

The internship is offered through FAO’s Office of Youth and Women (OYW), which works to strengthen the participation of young people and women in agrifood systems. Selected interns will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in an international organisation while contributing to activities that support youth leadership, gender equality, partnerships, and the transformation of agrifood systems.

The internship lasts between three and eleven months, depending on the assignment and the requirements of the hiring office. Candidates must meet the programme’s eligibility conditions, including the age requirement, educational status, relevant academic specialisation, language proficiency, and nationality requirements.

Applications are open through the FAO recruitment portal, and the announced deadline is 3 November 2026 at 10:59 p.m., according to the vacancy notice. Interested candidates should review the official vacancy announcement carefully and submit a complete application before the deadline.

Overview of the FAO World Food Forum Internship Programme 2026

The World Food Forum Internship Programme provides an opportunity for young professionals and students to gain practical experience in work related to FAO’s mandate and the activities of its Office of Youth and Women.

FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger, improve food security, and ensure that people have regular access to sufficient, high-quality food for healthy and active lives. The organisation works with its 195 Members and operates in more than 130 countries worldwide.

Through its internship programme, FAO seeks to attract talented young women and men who are motivated to contribute new perspectives, innovative ideas, and recent academic knowledge to the organisation’s work.

The internship is intended to supplement academic learning with practical assignments in areas relevant to FAO’s activities. For the World Food Forum opportunity, assignments will be connected to the work of the Office of Youth and Women and may involve policy dialogue, youth engagement, women’s empowerment, communications, partnerships, innovation, event management, or other relevant functions.

Key details at a glance

• Opportunity name: Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme for the World Food Forum (WFF)
• Organisation: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Vacancy reference: 2602160
• Organisational unit: FAO Headquarters
• Office: Office of Youth and Women (OYW)
• Location: Rome, Italy
• Opportunity type: Internship
• Duration: Three to eleven months
• Application deadline: 3 November 2026, at 10:59 p.m., as stated in the vacancy announcement
• Age requirement: 21–30 years
• Educational requirement: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme at a recognised educational institution when applying, or be recent graduates
• Nationality requirement: Applicants must be nationals of FAO Member countries
• Language requirement: Working knowledge of at least one official FAO language
• Remuneration: The announcement states that FAO does not provide remuneration to interns
• Application method: Online application through the FAO recruitment portal

Applicants should note that the internship is not advertised as a paid position. They should therefore consider their financial circumstances and the costs associated with undertaking an internship in Rome before applying.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations works to achieve food security for all and improve nutrition, agricultural productivity, and the sustainability of food systems.

FAO’s work extends across agriculture, food systems, rural development, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and related policy areas. Its activities contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The organisation’s work is guided by the ambition to support agrifood systems that are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. These efforts are intended to improve production, nutrition, the environment, and people’s quality of life while ensuring that no one is left behind.

For interns, this provides an opportunity to gain exposure to the work of an international organisation operating at the intersection of development policy, technical expertise, partnerships, and global challenges.

About the World Food Forum and the Office of Youth and Women

The internship will be based within the Office of Youth and Women at FAO headquarters in Rome.

The Office promotes youth and women’s empowerment within FAO and throughout agrifood systems. Its activities include leadership development, career enrichment, advocacy, and partnerships.

The Office also advances the work of the FAO Youth Committee, the FAO Women’s Committee, and the World Food Forum Global Youth Action.

The World Food Forum Global Youth Action

The World Food Forum Global Youth Action is a youth-led network that connects young people and partners to help shape agrifood systems through policy engagement, innovation, and local action.

Its approach recognises the importance of young people’s participation in addressing challenges related to food security, agriculture, sustainability, and development.

Through this internship, candidates may have an opportunity to support activities that connect youth engagement with broader discussions about the future of food and agriculture. The specific work assigned will depend on the needs of the hiring office and the relevant terms of reference.

Women’s empowerment and gender equality

The Office of Youth and Women also works with technical units to support implementation of the FAO Policy on Gender Equality and the Rural Youth Action Plan.

This work forms part of the broader effort to strengthen the participation and opportunities of women and young people in agrifood systems.

Applicants with relevant interests or experience in gender equality, young women’s empowerment, rural youth development, advocacy, or related policy areas may find the internship particularly relevant.

What Will Interns Do?

The vacancy announcement states that interns will perform functions specified in the terms of reference prepared by the hiring office. The exact duties may therefore vary according to the assignment.

The technical focus is work relevant to the Office of Youth and Women, including activities associated with the World Food Forum.

The announcement identifies several areas in which relevant skills and previous experience would be an asset.

1. Policy dialogue and academic support

Interns may be considered for assignments involving thematic and academic support for policy dialogues.

This area is relevant to candidates interested in international development, policy research, public affairs, food systems, and discussions involving youth and women’s participation.

Relevant skills may include research, information gathering, analytical writing, and supporting the preparation of materials for policy-related activities. However, the specific tasks will depend on the assigned terms of reference.

2. Gender equality and young women’s empowerment

The Office of Youth and Women works to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and young people.

Applicants with academic or professional interests in gender equality, women’s leadership, youth participation, or development initiatives may be well aligned with this area of work.

Relevant experience in advocacy, community engagement, programme support, or research may strengthen an application.

3. Innovation

Innovation is another area identified in the vacancy announcement.

Candidates with an interest in innovative approaches to development, youth participation, sustainable agrifood systems, or organisational activities may be considered for assignments relevant to this field.

Applicants should demonstrate how their academic background or previous experience relates to the work they hope to support.

4. Partnerships and fundraising

The internship may also involve activities relevant to partnerships or fundraising, depending on the hiring office’s requirements.

This area may suit applicants with experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, resource mobilisation, project coordination, or organisational outreach.

5. Marketing, communications, and outreach

Candidates with communications-related skills may be a good fit for assignments involving marketing, communications, and outreach.

Relevant experience could include content development, writing, editing, digital communications, public information, campaign support, and outreach activities.

Applicants should explain how their communication skills and experience relate to the work of FAO, the Office of Youth and Women, or the World Food Forum.

6. Cultural activities

The vacancy identifies cultural activities, including film, music, culinary activities, and art, as another relevant area.

Applicants with experience supporting cultural initiatives or communicating development-related issues through creative activities may find this area relevant to their interests.

7. Artificial intelligence, data, and knowledge management

The announcement also identifies artificial intelligence, data, and knowledge management as areas in which relevant working experience would be an asset.

Candidates with skills in information management, data handling, knowledge organisation, digital tools, or related areas may be suitable for assignments that require such expertise.

8. Event management

Event management is another area mentioned in the vacancy announcement.

Relevant experience may include assisting with the organisation of events, coordinating participants, managing event information, supporting logistics, or communicating with stakeholders.

9. Other relevant fields

The vacancy also includes an “Other” category, indicating that relevant experience outside the specifically listed areas may be considered depending on the needs of the hiring office.

Applicants should refer to the official vacancy announcement and any assignment-specific terms of reference for further details.

Important: The vacancy notice does not provide a separate, detailed list of daily duties for every intern. Candidates should not assume that all the areas above will form part of one internship assignment. The actual responsibilities will be specified by the hiring office.

Benefits of the FAO World Food Forum Internship

Although the internship is unpaid, it offers a potential opportunity to gain experience in an international development environment.

1. Practical experience within a United Nations specialised agency

Interns can supplement their academic knowledge with practical work connected to FAO’s mandate.

This experience may help participants better understand how an international organisation contributes to food security, sustainable development, youth engagement, gender equality, and agrifood systems.

2. Exposure to international development work

The internship is connected to the Office of Youth and Women and the World Food Forum. It may be relevant to candidates seeking to build experience in international development, policy support, communications, partnerships, or related fields.

3. Opportunity to contribute to youth and women’s empowerment

The Office works to advance youth and women’s empowerment in agrifood systems.

Interns may support activities connected to leadership, advocacy, partnerships, and youth participation, depending on their assigned responsibilities.

4. Application of academic knowledge

The internship programme is designed to connect academic learning with practical assignments.

Students and recent graduates can use this experience to apply relevant knowledge and skills in a professional environment.

5. Development of professional skills

Depending on the assignment, interns may have opportunities to strengthen skills relevant to communication, teamwork, relationship-building, knowledge sharing, and results-oriented work.

These are also among the core competencies identified by FAO for this opportunity.

6. Experience in a multicultural environment

FAO operates internationally and values diversity in gender, nationality, background, and culture.

The internship requires candidates to be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment and communicate effectively.

This may be valuable for candidates who wish to develop experience working with colleagues and stakeholders from different backgrounds.

Important financial consideration

FAO explicitly states that it does not provide remuneration to interns. The vacancy does not promise a salary, stipend, travel allowance, accommodation, or other financial support for this internship.

Applicants should not assume that the costs of travel, accommodation, living expenses, insurance, or relocation to Rome will be covered. Candidates should confirm any applicable arrangements directly with FAO before making financial commitments.

Eligibility Criteria for the FAO World Food Forum Internship 2026

Applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement to be considered.

1. Educational status

Candidates must either:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme at a bona fide educational institution when applying;
• Be enrolled in a graduate degree programme at a bona fide educational institution when applying; or
• Be recent graduates.

FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

The database is maintained by the International Association of Universities in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Applicants can check the recognition status of their educational institution through the World Higher Education Database.

Candidates should ensure that their institution and qualifications meet FAO’s requirements before submitting an application.

2. Relevant field of specialisation

Candidates must specialise in a field relevant to FAO’s mission and work.

The announcement does not restrict applications to one particular degree subject. Instead, applicants should demonstrate that their academic specialisation relates to the functions of FAO and the work of the Office of Youth and Women or the World Food Forum.

Relevant areas may include, depending on the assignment, development studies, public policy, communications, gender studies, agriculture, food systems, innovation, data, knowledge management, event management, and related disciplines.

These are illustrative areas based on the responsibilities and technical skills identified in the announcement, not a definitive list of accepted degree programmes.

3. Age requirement

Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age.

Applicants should check their eligibility against the requirements in the official vacancy announcement before applying.

4. Nationality requirement

Candidates must be nationals of an FAO Member country.

The vacancy announcement does not restrict eligibility to one specific continent or nationality. However, candidates must meet the stated nationality requirement.

Applicants should consult the official FAO vacancy page and the organisation’s membership information if they need to confirm whether their nationality meets the requirement.

5. Language proficiency

Applicants must have working knowledge of at least one of FAO’s six official languages:

• Arabic
• Chinese
• English
• French
• Russian
• Spanish

Knowledge of a second FAO language will be considered an asset.

Candidates should clearly state their language skills in their online profile. Applicants should ensure that their stated proficiency accurately reflects their ability to communicate and work in the relevant language.

6. Adaptability and communication skills

Candidates should be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment and demonstrate good communication skills.

These qualities are important for work in an organisation whose activities involve international collaboration, technical expertise, and engagement with people from diverse backgrounds.

7. Relevant working experience

Previous working experience in one or more of the following fields would be a strong asset:

• Thematic and academic support to policy dialogues.
• Gender equality and young women’s empowerment.
• Innovation.
• Partnerships and fundraising.
• Marketing, communications, and outreach.
• Cultural activities, including film, music, culinary activities, and art.
• Artificial intelligence, data, and knowledge management.
• Event management.
• Other relevant areas.

The announcement identifies these areas as assets rather than stating a universal minimum number of years of work experience. Applicants should therefore focus on demonstrating relevant skills and experience without assuming that a specific number of years is required.

FAO Core Competencies

The vacancy identifies five core competencies that applicants should be prepared to demonstrate.

Results Focus

This competency concerns the ability to work towards agreed objectives and deliver relevant results.

Applicants can use examples from academic projects, internships, employment, volunteering, or other relevant activities to explain how they contributed to completing tasks or achieving goals.

Teamwork

Teamwork is important in an international organisation where assignments may involve collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders.

Applicants should highlight experiences that demonstrate cooperation, shared responsibility, and the ability to contribute to group objectives.

Communication

Communication skills are particularly relevant for assignments involving policy support, outreach, marketing, partnerships, events, or engagement with youth and women’s networks.

Candidates should clearly explain their communication experience and identify relevant examples where possible.

Building Effective Relationships

This competency relates to the ability to develop constructive professional relationships.

Applicants may demonstrate it through experiences involving collaboration, stakeholder engagement, coordination, community participation, or partnership activities.

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

FAO also values the ability to share knowledge and improve how work is carried out.

Applicants should consider examples of learning from experience, sharing useful information, improving a process, or applying feedback to strengthen their work.

Candidates should adhere to FAO’s values of commitment to FAO, respect for all, and integrity and transparency.

How to Apply for the FAO World Food Forum Internship 2026

Applications must be submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal. Applications sent through other channels will not be considered.

Follow these steps to apply.

Step 1: Read the official vacancy announcement

Visit the official FAO World Food Forum Internship vacancy page.

Review the eligibility criteria, responsibilities, duration, application instructions, and deadline.

Make sure that you meet the age, educational, nationality, language, and relevant academic specialisation requirements before beginning the application.

Step 2: Create or complete your FAO recruitment profile

Visit the FAO recruitment portal and complete your online profile.

FAO recommends that candidates ensure their profile is accurate and complete, including:

• Academic qualifications.
• Educational history.
• Employment records.
• Relevant experience.
• Language skills.
• Other information requested by the recruitment system.

Your application will be screened using the information provided in your online profile. Make sure the information is accurate and consistent.

Step 3: Prepare a letter of motivation

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

The letter should explain why they are interested in the internship and how their academic background, skills, and interests relate to the work of FAO, the Office of Youth and Women, or the World Food Forum.

A well-prepared letter should be specific to the opportunity and explain what the applicant hopes to contribute and learn.

Applicants should avoid submitting a generic letter that does not address the organisation’s mission or the responsibilities described in the vacancy.

Step 4: Submit the online application

Once the online profile is complete, select the relevant vacancy and submit the application through the official recruitment portal.

Before submitting, check that:

• Your educational and employment details are complete.
• Your language skills are accurately stated.
• Your letter of motivation is attached.
• All required fields have been completed.
• The information in your profile is accurate.
• You have selected the correct vacancy.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Step 5: Submit before the deadline

The vacancy announcement lists the closing date as 3 November 2026 at 10:59 p.m.

The notice also states that the displayed closure date and time are based on the date and time settings of the applicant’s device. Because of this, applicants should confirm the closing time shown on the official portal and submit their applications well before the deadline.

FAO encourages candidates to apply early rather than wait until the last day.

Start Your Application HERE

What Happens After You Apply?

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

Candidates should therefore make sure that their applications accurately demonstrate how they meet the stated requirements.

FAO may request performance assessments and authorisation to verify information relating to previous and current work, character, education, military and police records, where relevant to the employment qualifications.

Applicants may also be asked to provide consent for the processing of personal information as part of the recruitment process. The vacancy notice explains that personal information may be shared within FAO and with companies providing recruitment support services, including pre-screening, assessment tests, and background checks.

Applicants may withdraw their application and their consent, but FAO will then no longer be able to consider them for the opportunity.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The announcement does not provide a specific interview date or a date for announcing the final selection. Candidates should monitor their application and communications from FAO for updates.

Important Information About Fees, Remuneration, and Recruitment Safety

Applicants should be aware of the following conditions stated in the official vacancy announcement.

No application or recruitment fees

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including the application, interview, or processing stages.

Candidates should be cautious of anyone claiming to represent FAO and requesting money in exchange for an interview, selection, or recruitment assistance.

The internship is unpaid

The announcement explicitly states that FAO does not provide remuneration to interns.

Candidates should not treat the internship as a paid job or assume that a stipend is included. They should assess their ability to cover the costs associated with the internship before accepting an offer.

Confidentiality and background checks

FAO states that applications will be treated with strict confidentiality. However, information provided by applicants may be processed and shared for legitimate recruitment and employment-support purposes, as described in the vacancy notice.

Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.

Professional conduct and safeguarding

FAO expects all personnel to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct.

The organisation has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its status, objectives, and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.

FAO also emphasises its commitment to environmental sustainability as part of its strategic objectives and operations.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Candidates can take several practical steps to improve the clarity and completeness of their applications.

1. Connect your academic background to FAO’s work. Explain how your area of study relates to food security, sustainable development, youth empowerment, gender equality, policy, communications, innovation, or another relevant area.
2. Use relevant examples. Highlight academic projects, employment, volunteering, research, student leadership, or other experiences that demonstrate the skills required for the opportunity.
3. Write a tailored motivation letter. Explain why you want to work with FAO and why the World Food Forum or the Office of Youth and Women is relevant to your interests.
4. Demonstrate the core competencies. Use specific examples to show results focus, teamwork, communication, relationship-building, and knowledge sharing.
5. Check your language skills. Make sure your online profile accurately states your working knowledge of at least one official FAO language.
6. Review your profile carefully. Check that your academic qualifications, employment history, and other details are accurate and complete.
7. Apply early. Submit your application well before the closing date to reduce the risk of missing the deadline or encountering last-minute technical difficulties.
8. Plan for the financial implications. Since the internship is unpaid, consider the costs of living and working in Rome and confirm any arrangements directly with FAO rather than assuming financial support will be provided.

Official Application Link and Further Information

Interested applicants should consult the official FAO vacancy announcement for the latest details and submit their applications through the recruitment portal.

• Official vacancy announcement: FAO World Food Forum Internship Programme 2026
• FAO recruitment portal: Jobs at FAO
• World Higher Education Database: WHED
• FAO employment information: FAO Employment
• Recruitment enquiries: Careers@fao.org

For questions about the recruitment process, applicants can contact the email address provided in the vacancy announcement.

Conclusion

The FAO World Food Forum Internship Programme 2026 offers eligible students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in an international organisation working on food security, sustainable agrifood systems, youth empowerment, and gender equality. Based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, the internship lasts between three and eleven months, with assignments determined by the needs of the hiring office.

Candidates aged 21–30 who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme, or who are recent graduates, may apply if they meet the nationality, academic specialisation, and language requirements. Relevant experience in policy support, communications, partnerships, innovation, gender equality, data, cultural activities, or event management may strengthen an application.

Applicants should remember that the internship is unpaid and that the vacancy does not promise a salary or stipend. They should also ensure that their applications include a complete online profile and a letter of motivation.

The announced application deadline is 3 November 2026 at 10:59 p.m., although candidates should confirm the exact closing time displayed on the official portal. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the vacancy requirements carefully and submit their applications early.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the supplied FAO vacancy announcement. Requirements, deadlines, and recruitment details may be updated by FAO. Always consult the official vacancy page before applying.

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