Are you a young professional looking to build an international career in agriculture, food security, climate change, rural development, nutrition, or related fields?
The FAO Young Professionals Program 2026 is now accepting applications for talented professionals who want to work with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The program offers young professionals the opportunity to join FAO as Young Professional Officers (YPOs) and gain valuable experience working in an international and multicultural United Nations environment.
For 2026, opportunities are available in several locations, including Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Thailand, Nepal, and other countries, depending on available positions.
Successful candidates receive a two-year fixed-term appointment, normally at the P-1 level, along with a range of UN employment benefits.
FAO Young Professionals Program 2026 — Overview
What Is the FAO Young Professionals Programme?
The FAO Young Professionals Programme is part of FAO’s efforts to attract talented young professionals from different backgrounds and develop the next generation of international development professionals.
Young Professional Officers work alongside experienced FAO staff members and contribute to projects and programs connected to FAO’s global mandate.
Depending on the position, participants may work on issues involving food security, agriculture, climate change, nutrition, rural development, natural resources, fisheries, forestry, policy, data, and other areas.
For young professionals interested in international development and the UN system, the program can provide practical experience while allowing participants to contribute to FAO’s work toward a more sustainable and food-secure future.
What Benefits Does the Program Offer?
Selected Young Professional Officers receive a competitive package of benefits associated with their UN appointment.
According to the program information, benefits include:
The exact benefits and applicable conditions can depend on the terms of the appointment and the candidate’s circumstances.
Where Can FAO Young Professionals Work?
The 2026 recruitment includes opportunities in different FAO locations.
The positions mentioned include duty stations in countries such as:
Available positions can change, so applicants should check the current vacancies on the official FAO careers portal rather than relying only on a general list of locations.
What Fields Are Available?
FAO’s work covers a broad range of areas, meaning opportunities can be available across multiple professional backgrounds.
Depending on the specific vacancy, Young Professional Officers may work in areas such as:
Agriculture and Food Systems
Work related to sustainable agriculture, food production, food systems, and agricultural development.
Food Security and Nutrition
Contribute to initiatives addressing hunger, food security, nutrition, and access to adequate food.
Climate Change and Sustainability
Support programs addressing climate-related challenges, environmental sustainability, and resilient food systems.
Rural Development
Work on initiatives supporting rural communities, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
Fisheries and Forestry
Opportunities may also involve sustainable fisheries, forestry, natural resources, and related environmental programs.
Economics, Policy and Governance
Professionals with backgrounds in economics, public policy, governance, or related disciplines may find relevant positions depending on the vacancies available.
Data and Digital Technologies
Some positions may involve data analysis, digital technologies, information systems, or technology-related solutions.
Communications and Programme Management
FAO also requires professionals who can contribute to communications, project coordination, programme management, and related functions.
Who Can Apply?
The FAO Young Professionals Programme has specific requirements that applicants must satisfy.
Based on the 2026 program information provided, candidates generally need to meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be 32 years old or younger at the time of application.
Educational Qualification
Candidates should hold an advanced university degree, such as:
The degree should be relevant to the position or area of work.
Professional Experience
Applicants should have at least one year of relevant professional experience related to the position or professional area.
Candidates should also carefully review the requirements of each individual vacancy, as additional qualifications may apply.
Why Consider the FAO Young Professionals Program?
The program can be an attractive opportunity for qualified young professionals who want to begin or strengthen an international career.
Successful candidates can gain experience in a multicultural UN environment while working alongside professionals involved in global food, agriculture, environmental, and development initiatives.
The two-year appointment can also provide exposure to international programs and projects while allowing participants to develop their professional skills.
How to Apply for the FAO Young Professionals Program 2026
Applications should be submitted through the official FAO Careers portal.
To find the relevant vacancies:
Application Deadline
8 September 2026
Because vacancies and requirements can vary, applicants should check the individual job posting carefully before submitting an application.
Final Thoughts
The FAO Young Professionals Program 2026 provides an opportunity for qualified young professionals to gain experience within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
With positions potentially available across different countries and professional areas, the program may be particularly attractive to candidates with backgrounds in agriculture, food security, nutrition, climate change, environmental sustainability, economics, policy, data, communications, and programme management.
If you are 32 or younger, hold a relevant advanced university degree, and have at least one year of relevant professional experience, it is worth reviewing the current FAO Young Professional Officer vacancies to determine whether you meet the requirements.
Official Application
Apply for the FAO Young Professionals Program 2026 through the official FAO Careers portal:
https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobsearch.ftl
Search for “Young Professional” to view the available positions.
