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The FAO Young Professionals Programme 2026 is an international career opportunity for young professionals who want to start a career with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The programme targets talented and qualified candidates, particularly nationals of non-represented and under-represented FAO member countries. Priority is also given to candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and developing countries.
The FAO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) allows selected candidates to work as Young Professional Officers under the supervision of senior FAO staff. Participants can contribute to the identification, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of FAO activities. Assignments may have a country-specific, regional, sector-based or thematic focus.
WhatsApp ChannelQuick Overview of FAO Young Professionals Programme
- Host Country: Italy
- Host Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Program Name: FAO Young Professionals Programme (YPP)
- Work Experience: At least 1 year of relevant professional experience
- Contract Duration: 2 years, subject to a 1-year probationary period
- Deadline: 8 September 2026
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What is FAO Young Professionals Programme 2026?
The FAO YPP is a professional employment programme, not a scholarship. Selected Young Professional Officers receive a two-year fixed-term contract, subject to a one-year probationary period.
Young Professional Officers are generally appointed at the P-1 Step 1 level and move to P-1 Step 2 during the second year of their assignment.
The programme can be suitable for graduates with an advanced degree and relevant professional experience who want to work in areas connected with FAO’s mandate.
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FAO YPP Benefits
Selected candidates become part of FAO’s international workforce and gain professional experience through assignments with FAO teams.
Key features include:
- Two-year fixed-term employment contract
- One-year probationary period
- Initial appointment generally at P-1 Step 1
- Progression to P-1 Step 2 in the second year
- Professional experience within the United Nations system
- Work with international and national FAO staff
- Assignments covering country, regional, sectoral or thematic areas
The exact terms and conditions of employment are determined by FAO and the individual vacancy announcement.
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FAO Young Professionals Programme Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the programme’s main eligibility requirements to be considered for the FAO Young Professionals Programme 2026.
Applicants must:
- Be 32 years old or younger as of 31 December of the year of application
- Hold an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree, PhD or equivalent
- Have at least one year of professional experience in a field relevant to FAO’s work
- Have a working knowledge of English
- Have limited knowledge of at least one other FAO official language
- Not be the son, daughter, brother or sister of an FAO staff member
The relevant FAO official languages are English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian.
Applicants should also review the requirements for each YPP vacancy, as specific positions may include additional qualifications or experience requirements.
Who Can Apply for FAO YPP?
The programme is mainly aimed at talented young professionals from non-represented and under-represented FAO member countries.
FAO also gives priority consideration to candidates from:
- Small Island Developing States
- Least Developed Countries
- Landlocked Developing Countries
- Developing countries in general
Priority consideration does not remove the academic, professional or language requirements. Candidates must still meet the eligibility criteria and qualifications stated in the relevant vacancy.
How to Apply for FAO Young Professionals Programme 2026
Candidates apply through the official FAO vacancies portal. Applicants should look for vacancies identified as Young Professional Officer.
The general application process involves:
- Creating a candidate profile on the FAO career portal.
- Searching for current YPP vacancies.
- Reviewing the specific eligibility and qualification requirements.
- Preparing the required application information and documents.
- Submitting the application through the FAO career portal before the stated deadline.
FAO states that the application and selection process is conducted in English. Candidates should therefore carefully follow the instructions provided in each vacancy announcement.
Conclusion
The FAO Young Professionals Programme 2026 is an opportunity for qualified young professionals to gain international experience with a United Nations specialized agency. Candidates with a relevant advanced degree, professional experience and the required language skills can review current YPP vacancies and apply for positions that match their qualifications.
Applicants should check the official FAO website regularly because YPP vacancies, application deadlines and available positions can change.
