Is the FAO Young Professionals Programme open now?

Yes. The 2026 round is open and closes on 7 September 2026.

Is there an age limit?

32 or younger as at 31 December of the year of application.

What qualifications and experience do I need?

Advanced university degree — master's, PhD or equivalent — in a field relevant to FAO's work, plus a minimum of one year of professional experience in a field relevant to FAO's work.

Who is eligible to apply?

Mainly nationals of non- or under-represented members. Priority consideration goes to candidates from Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries, and developing countries in general.

What would I join as?

P-1 step 1, moving to step 2 in the second year, on a two-year fixed-term contract subject to a one-year probationary period.

How many positions are open?

9 positions in this round, as published by the sponsor.

How often does this programme run?

Once a year, usually in August, closing in early September.

The FAO careers site. Applications are never made through UNjobnet.

FAO Young Professionals Programme

Run by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Nine streams at P-1, from aquatic value chains to school food and nutrition, all closing on the same day. FAO asks for a postgraduate degree and only one year of experience, which makes it one of the more reachable bank-or-agency rounds — but it prioritises nationals of under-represented member states.

Closing soon

The 2026 round closes 7 September 2026 — today. Around 9 positions.

What it asks for

As published by the sponsor. Fields the sponsor does not state are omitted rather than guessed.

Age: 32 or younger as at 31 December of the year of application
Education: Advanced university degree — master's, PhD or equivalent — in a field relevant to FAO's work
Experience: A minimum of one year of professional experience in a field relevant to FAO's work
Who may apply: Mainly nationals of non- or under-represented members. Priority consideration goes to candidates from Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries, and developing countries in general
Enters at: P-1 step 1, moving to step 2 in the second year, on a two-year fixed-term contract subject to a one-year probationary period
Apply through: The FAO careers site

Open FAO calls on this pathway

Live on our job board now, matched to Young Professionals Programmes.

Common questions

Answered from the sponsor's own published terms. A question we cannot answer from them is left out.

Is the FAO Young Professionals Programme open now?: Yes. The 2026 round is open and closes on 7 September 2026.
Is there an age limit?: 32 or younger as at 31 December of the year of application.
What qualifications and experience do I need?: Advanced university degree — master's, PhD or equivalent — in a field relevant to FAO's work, plus a minimum of one year of professional experience in a field relevant to FAO's work.
Who is eligible to apply?: Mainly nationals of non- or under-represented members. Priority consideration goes to candidates from Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries, and developing countries in general.
What would I join as?: P-1 step 1, moving to step 2 in the second year, on a two-year fixed-term contract subject to a one-year probationary period.
How many positions are open?: 9 positions in this round, as published by the sponsor.
How often does this programme run?: Once a year, usually in August, closing in early September.
Where do I apply?: The FAO careers site. Applications are never made through UNjobnet.

FAO’s official page Checked 28 Aug 2026

Terms change between rounds — confirm there before applying.

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