The FAO Volunteer Programme is a current United Nations volunteer opportunity at the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome, Italy. The September 2026 call is open under requisition 2601985 and offers volunteer assignments of up to six months. Volunteers are placed in fields relevant to FAO’s mandate and work under an assigned supervisor, with individual duties set out in Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office.
FAO Regular Volunteers support work connected to food security, agriculture, sustainable development and the organization’s Strategic Framework. Applicants must be nationals of an FAO Member, at least 18 years of age, and have working knowledge of at least one FAO official language. The programme is unpaid: FAO explicitly states that it does not provide remuneration to Regular Volunteers, so applicants should plan their living and travel arrangements accordingly.
FAO Volunteer Programme Details
The current headquarters call was posted on 21 September 2026 for assignments based in Rome. Volunteers are placed in fields relevant to FAO’s mandate and work under an assigned supervisor, with individual duties set out in Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office.
The programme can involve research, analysis, programme support, documentation and other tasks aligned with the needs of the host office. The maximum assignment duration published for the current headquarters call is six months.
Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
|---|---|
Location | Rome, Italy |
Requisition | 2601985 |
Type | Regular Volunteer Programme |
Duration | Up to 6 months |
Remuneration | Unpaid |
Posting date | 21 September 2026 |
Closing date | 31 December 2026 |
Stay Updated with Guidance Gem
Follow Guidance Gem for verified scholarships, fellowships, internships and international programmes.
FAO Volunteer Programme Benefits
Although the assignment does not include a salary or stipend, volunteers gain direct exposure to the work of a UN specialized agency in an international and multicultural environment. Assignments can provide practical experience connected to agriculture, food security, research, programme delivery and sustainable development.
FAO also states that there is no recruitment fee at any stage of the process. Candidates should distinguish this from remuneration: a free application does not mean that FAO pays living costs, travel or a volunteer allowance.
Also Check: Applicants interested in another published United Nations opportunity can review the UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme on Guidance Gem.
Related opportunity: Applicants comparing another current international opportunity can review ADB Young Professionals Program and compare its eligibility, funding and application timeline with this opportunity.
Volunteer Eligibility
Applicants must be nationals of an FAO Member, must have completed secondary school education and must be 18 years of age or older. They also need working knowledge of at least one FAO official language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish.
Candidates should be able to work in an international multicultural environment, communicate effectively and use basic computer programmes. Selected candidates must also have the appropriate residence or immigration status for the proposed country of assignment before joining FAO.
Also explore: For another published Guidance Gem option in a related area, see Airbus Global Graduate Programme and compare its eligibility, funding and application timeline with this opportunity.
Requirements and Required Documents
The official application requires a complete FAO online profile covering employment history, academic qualifications and language skills. Candidates must attach a motivation letter and a copy of their academic qualifications to the profile.
Applicants with a mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or son employed by FAO under any contractual arrangement are not eligible for the Regular Volunteer Programme. Relevant working or research experience in a field connected to FAO’s work can strengthen an application.
How to Apply for the FAO Volunteer Programme
Applications are submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal for requisition 2601985. Applicants should also review the official FAO Volunteer Programme guidance before completing the recruitment profile.
Only applications submitted through the FAO careers system are considered. FAO recommends applying well before the closing date and notes that only selected candidates will be contacted for the next stage.
Application Deadline
The official headquarters call closes on 31 December 2026. FAO notes on its vacancy notices that the displayed closing time can depend on the date and time settings of the applicant’s device, so candidates should not wait until the final hours.
Applicants who are not selected before the closing date and want continued consideration are asked by FAO to apply again to a new Call for Expression of Interest when one becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the main practical points applicants should confirm before submitting. They focus on remuneration, assignment length, age and language requirements from the current official FAO guidance.
Applicants should still read the live vacancy before applying because recruitment details can be updated during an open call. The official careers portal controls the final application requirements and closing information.
Is the FAO volunteer role paid?
No. FAO explicitly states that Regular Volunteers do not receive remuneration.
How long can an FAO volunteer assignment last?
The current headquarters call lists a maximum assignment duration of six months.
What is the minimum age to apply?
Candidates must be 18 years or older.
Which languages are accepted?
Applicants need working knowledge of at least one FAO official language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish.
Final Thoughts
The FAO Volunteer Programme offers a short-term route to contribute to the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization at its Rome headquarters while gaining experience in an international UN environment.
Applicants should be clear that the programme is unpaid, confirm that they meet the nationality, education, language and age requirements, and submit a complete profile before 31 December 2026.
