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The FAO Volunteer Programme 2026-2027 in Italy is open to individuals who want to gain volunteer experience with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The programme is based at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, and offers volunteer assignments for up to six months.
FAO is accepting expressions of interest from nationals of FAO Member countries who meet the basic education, language and age requirements. Volunteers can contribute to work related to food security, nutrition, agriculture and sustainable agri-food systems. The current call was posted on 21 September 2026, with applications closing on 1 January 2027.
WhatsApp ChannelFAO Volunteer Programme 2026 Details
- Location: Rome, Italy
- Host Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- Programme: FAO Regular Volunteer Programme
- Duration: Up to 6 months
- Age Requirement: 18 years or older
- Education: Completed secondary school
- Eligible Applicants: Nationals of FAO Member countries
- Financial Support: No remuneration
- Application Deadline: 1 January 2027
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme allows participants to support the organization’s work and, where suitable, contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework. The programme focuses on mobilizing volunteers to support efforts related to hunger, malnutrition, food insecurity and sustainable agri-food systems.
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FAO Volunteer Programme Benefits
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme is an unpaid volunteer opportunity. FAO does not provide remuneration to participants. Applicants should therefore consider their own living, travel, accommodation and other expenses before applying.
The main opportunity is to contribute to FAO activities in a professional international organization. The exact work depends on the assignment and the Terms of Reference prepared by the relevant hiring office.
Volunteers report to an assigned supervisor and may be placed in a field relevant to FAO’s mission and work.
Also Check: United Nations Volunteer Abroad Program 2026
Who Can Apply for the FAO Volunteer Programme?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be 18 years old or older.
- Have completed secondary school education.
- Be a national of an FAO Member country.
- Have working knowledge of at least one FAO official language.
- Be able to work in an international and multicultural environment.
- Have good communication skills.
- Have relevant working or research experience in a field connected to FAO’s work.
FAO’s official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an advantage. FAO also states that volunteers should be able to use basic computer programmes.
Also Check: EU Volunteer Programme 2026 in Europe
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Selected candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment before joining FAO.
Applicants are also not eligible for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme if they have certain immediate family members working for FAO under any type of contractual arrangement. FAO defines these family members as a mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or son.
FAO encourages applications from qualified women, nationals of non- and under-represented Member countries, persons with disabilities and candidates from countries including Least Developed Countries, Land-locked Developing Countries, Small Island Developing States and Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare:
- A completed FAO online profile
- A letter of motivation
- Copies of academic qualifications
- Complete employment records
- Academic and language information
The FAO recruitment portal states that incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply for the FAO Volunteer Programme
Candidates must create and complete their profile on the official Jobs at FAO recruitment portal. The profile should accurately include education, employment history and language skills. Applicants should then attach their motivation letter and academic qualifications before submitting the application.
Only applications submitted through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered. FAO also states that it does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment process.
