The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites expressions of interest from academic and research institutions to collaborate through the FAO Global Internship Programme.
As FAO endeavours to foster professional development and capacity-building of global youth and experts with diverse backgrounds and talent, FAO seeks to engage with partners to sponsor eligible candidates who will contribute to our shared mission of promoting sustainable agrifood systems to eradicate hunger in the world.
FAO aims to facilitate meaningful learning experiences for programme participants while addressing global challenges in the areas of FAO’s mandate, including food security and sustainable agrifood systems.
Together, we can cultivate a dynamic network of future talent poised to drive positive change in achieving sustainable agriculture and food security for all, while supporting the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
The 2026 General Call for Expressions of Interest for Institutional Collaborations is open from 15 December, 2025 to 15 February, 2026.
Programme details can be found in the FAO Young Talent Programme website:
Kindly note the following information, including the selection and eligibility criteria of the sponsoring institution:
- This General Call for Expressions of Interest for Institutional Collaborations is targeted at academic and research entities that wish to collaborate with FAO through the FAO Internship Programme. [1]
- Partner institutions are requested to financially sponsor their selected candidates for the duration of their assignments. Special consideration may be given to institutions from middle and low-income countries. [2]
- Preference will be given to institutions willing to send candidates to various FAO offices world-wide, especially in the Global South.
- Geographic balance of institutions will be considered in the selection.
- Technical fields of interest pertinent to FAO’s mandates, activities and programmes will be considered as selection criteria.
- FAO reserves the right to make the final determination as to whether or not a candidate(s) recommended by the partner institution will be considered for an assignment.
- The following documents will be requested at a later stage, though please note additional documents may be requested as the list is not all-inclusive: certificate of legal personality, latest annual report and financial statements, comprehensive governance structure.
[1] Collaboration with governmental institutions and ministries, private-sector entities, and civil society is not part of this General Call and will be addressed through separate arrangements.
[2] Sponsorship funding may be sourced from entities other than the institution. In such cases, the institution is responsible for securing funding for the sponsorship and must provide FAO with a full disclosure of the mobilized financial contributions.
How to apply
The 2026 General Call for Expressions of Interest for Institutional Collaborations is open from 15 December, 2025 to 15 February, 2026.
Please apply using the form available here.
