FAO Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026 | How To Apply

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications for the FAO Young Professionals Program (YPP) 2026.

This opportunity is designed for talented young professionals who want to build an international career and contribute to FAO’s work in areas related to food, agriculture, climate, finance, communication, nutrition, and sustainable development.

Successful candidates will receive a two-year fixed-term contract, professional development opportunities, international work experience, and a competitive monthly salary.

FAO Young Professionals Program 2026 Summary

• Host: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Category: Internships | Training | Fellowships
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Reward: Monthly Salary | Two-Year Contract | Training | Professional Development | Networking
• No IELTS Required
• Deadline: September 7, 2026

About the FAO Young Professionals Program

The FAO Young Professionals Programme is a recruitment initiative aimed at attracting highly qualified young professionals to begin a career as international civil servants with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The programme particularly targets candidates from non-represented and underrepresented FAO Member States. Priority consideration may also be given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and developing countries.

Selected Young Professional Officers work under the supervision of experienced FAO staff and contribute to the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of FAO programmes and activities.

Eligibility Requirements for FAO YPP 2026

To be considered for the FAO Young Professionals Program, applicants must:

• Be 32 years old or younger as of December 31, 2026.
• Hold an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent qualification, in a field relevant to FAO’s work.
• Have at least one year of relevant professional experience.
• Have a working knowledge of English.
• Have limited knowledge of another FAO official language, including French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
• Not have certain immediate family relationships with FAO staff, including being the son, daughter, brother, or sister of a staff member.

Benefits of the FAO Young Professionals Program 2026

Successful candidates will enjoy several professional benefits, including:

• A two-year fixed-term employment contract.
• Employment at the P-1 level, subject to FAO’s employment terms.
• Professional training and career development.
• Hands-on experience working on international development and food-related programmes.
• Opportunities to work alongside international and national professionals.
• Exposure to country-specific, regional, sector-based, and thematic projects.
• Networking opportunities within the United Nations system.

Young Professional Officers will generally begin at P-1 Step 1 and may progress to P-1 Step 2 during the second year of their assignment.

Available FAO Young Professional Opportunities

The 2026 FAO Young Professionals Program includes opportunities in different locations and professional areas, such as:

• Young Professional Officer – Food Loss and Waste
• Young Professional Officer – Aquatic Value Chain
• Young Professional Officer – Economist
• Young Professional Officer – Communication and Outreach
• Young Professional Officer – Programme Support
• Young Professional Officer – Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
• Young Professional Officer – School Food and Nutrition
• Young Professional Officer – Finance
• Young Professional Officer – Climate Change and Natural Resources Management

The available positions are located in countries including Italy, Thailand, Austria, Switzerland, and Nepal.

How to Apply for FAO Young Professionals Program 2026

Interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official FAO Young Professionals Programme webpage.
2. Review the available Young Professional Officer positions.
3. Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
4. Select the position that best matches your academic background and professional experience.
5. Complete the online application and provide all required information.
6. Submit your application before the deadline.

The FAO Young Professionals Program 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for young professionals to gain international experience and begin a career within the United Nations system.

Application Deadline: September 7, 2026.

APPLY HERE