The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened applications for the 2026 Young Professionals Programme (YPP), an opportunity for talented young professionals to begin a career as international civil servants with FAO.
The programme offers successful candidates two-year fixed-term contracts, professional development, international work experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to FAO’s work across different countries and thematic areas.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Category: Fellowships | Training | Career Opportunities
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Salary | Professional Development | Training | Networking | International Work Experience
- IELTS: Not Required
- Contract Duration: 2 Years
- Deadline: September 7, 2026
Scholarship Details
The FAO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative for talented and qualified young professionals, particularly nationals of non-represented or underrepresented FAO member countries.
Priority consideration is given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and developing countries in general.
Young Professional Officers work under the supervision of senior FAO staff and collaborate with international and national colleagues. Their responsibilities may include supporting the identification, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of FAO programmes and activities.
Assignments may have a country-specific, regional, sectoral, or thematic focus.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the FAO Young Professionals Programme 2026, 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 working knowledge of English.
- Have limited knowledge of at least one other FAO official language: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
- Not be the son, daughter, brother, or sister of a staff member of the Organization.
Benefits of FAO Young Professionals Programme
Successful candidates will receive:
- A two-year fixed-term contract, subject to a one-year probationary period.
- Initial appointment generally at the P-1 step 1 level.
- Progression to P-1 step 2 level during the second year of the assignment.
- Salary and benefits associated with the applicable FAO appointment.
- Professional training and career development opportunities.
- International work experience within the United Nations system.
- Opportunities to work alongside experienced international and national professionals.
- Networking opportunities with professionals from different countries.
- The opportunity to contribute to FAO activities and programmes across different sectors.
Available Opportunities
Current FAO Young Professional Officer positions include:
- Food Loss and Waste — Bangkok, Thailand
- Aquatic Value Chain — Rome, Italy
- Economist — Rome, Italy
- Communication and Outreach — Rome, Italy
- Programme Support — Vienna, Austria
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS) — Geneva, Switzerland
- School Food and Nutrition — Rome, Italy
- Finance — Rome, Italy
- Climate Change and Natural Resources Management — Kathmandu, Nepal
How to Apply
To apply for the FAO Young Professionals Programme 2026:
- Visit the official FAO careers and Young Professionals Programme webpage.
- Review the available Young Professional Officer positions.
- Select a position that matches your academic qualifications and professional experience.
- Carefully read the specific requirements for your preferred position.
- Prepare your CV and other required application documents.
- Complete and submit your application through the official FAO recruitment portal.
- Ensure your application is submitted before the stated deadline.
- Kindly wait for feedback from FAO.
To begin the application process, click HERE
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