FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF): A Gateway into Global Food Security (2026)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations offers a structured entry point for young professionals through its Internship Programme for Africa (RAF). This opportunity is designed to build skills, expand global exposure, and contribute directly to international efforts aimed at ending hunger and transforming food systems.

Hosted under the FAO Regional Office framework, the programme supports the broader mission of advancing sustainable agriculture and improving food security across member countries.

About the Programme

The internship is part of the wider talent development strategy of the FAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on defeating hunger and improving nutrition worldwide.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The Internship Programme for Africa (RAF) offers participants the opportunity to work within real operational environments while contributing to FAO’s global mandate. Interns are placed in various technical and policy areas depending on their academic background and organizational needs.

Key details include:

• Duration: 3 to 11 months
• Locations: Various duty stations
• Type: Internship (UN system programme)
• Target group: Students and recent graduates

This flexibility allows candidates from diverse academic disciplines to participate in meaningful development work.

Purpose and Strategic Importance

The FAO internship is more than just work experience—it is a structured learning journey aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Interns contribute to initiatives that aim to:

• Improve global food security
• Strengthen resilient agricultural systems
• Promote climate-smart farming practices
• Support rural development and livelihoods
• Enhance nutrition and food access

Through these contributions, interns help advance the transformation of agrifood systems toward being more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable.

Key Areas of Work

Interns are assigned to different departments depending on their qualifications and FAO’s operational needs. Common areas of focus include:

Agriculture and Food Systems

• Sustainable crop production systems
• Livestock development and animal health
• Fisheries and aquaculture support

Policy and Development

• Agricultural policy analysis
• Rural development planning
• Food security assessments

Data and Research

• Statistical analysis of food systems
• Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Research on climate and agriculture links

Programme Support

• Project coordination and reporting
• Stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge management and communications

This multidisciplinary structure ensures that interns gain exposure to both technical and policy-level work.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure candidates are prepared for international work environments, FAO sets clear eligibility requirements:

• Enrollment in a bachelor’s or master’s programme, or recent graduation
• Age between 21 and 30 years
• Academic background relevant to FAO’s work
• Working knowledge of at least one UN language (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian)
• Citizenship of an FAO member country
• Ability to adapt to multicultural environments

These criteria ensure that selected interns are both academically prepared and globally adaptable.

Skills and Competencies

FAO places strong emphasis on soft skills and professional values. Ideal candidates demonstrate:

• Strong communication abilities
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Analytical and research skills
• Commitment to learning and development
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability

These competencies are essential for working in international development environments where collaboration across countries and cultures is common.

Why This Internship Matters

The FAO internship is a stepping stone into careers in international development, agriculture, and humanitarian work. It provides:

• Exposure to United Nations systems and procedures
• Practical experience in global food security initiatives
• Networking opportunities with professionals and policymakers
• Hands-on involvement in SDG-aligned projects

For many young professionals, it serves as a launchpad into long-term careers within the UN system or related international organizations.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online through the official FAO recruitment portal. Candidates are required to create a profile, upload supporting documents, and submit a motivation letter.

Apply here: FAO Jobs Portal

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all information is complete and accurate before submission, as incomplete applications are not considered.

Final Thoughts

The FAO Internship Programme for Africa (RAF) represents a unique opportunity for young professionals to contribute to global food security while building essential career skills. It combines learning, practical experience, and exposure to international development work within one of the world’s most influential organizations in agriculture and food systems.

For those passionate about sustainability, policy, and development, this internship offers more than experience—it offers a chance to be part of global change.

Join Our WhatsApp Community

Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.