Selected candidates are offered a two-year fixed-term contract with FAO, starting at the P-1 professional level within the United Nations system. Participants receive a competitive international salary and benefits package consistent with UN staff regulations. 

During the programme, young professionals work closely with experienced FAO staff and participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of projects that address food security, agricultural development, and environmental sustainability. The experience provides valuable exposure to international development work and often serves as a pathway to long-term careers within the United Nations system and other global institutions. 

Applicants must be young professionals who are 32 years old or younger by 31 December of the year of application. Candidates are required to possess an advanced university degree such as a Master’s or PhD in a field relevant to FAO’s work, including agriculture, food security, environmental science, economics, natural resources management, or other related disciplines. 

Applicants should also have at least one year of relevant professional experience in areas related to FAO’s mandate, such as agriculture, climate change, rural development, or international development work. In addition, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English and working knowledge of another FAO official language, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. 

The programme is open globally, but priority is often given to applicants from developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) to promote diversity and representation within the organization. Applicants must also not have immediate family members currently working at FAO.

The Young Professional Programme (YPP) at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is open to applicants from all FAO Member Countries worldwide. This means candidates from any country that is a member of FAO are eligible to apply.

FAO currently has more than 190 member countries, therefore the opportunity is considered globally open. Applicants can come from regions including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.

Examples of eligible countries include Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, India, Brazil, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and many others, as long as the country is a member of FAO.

Click the official link below to apply for this opportunity