Apply for the FAO Young Professionals Program 2026 (Fully Funded) - the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Start an international civil service career working on agriculture, food security, climate, fisheries, and sustainable development.
YPP recruits talented young professionals - especially from non- or under-represented Member Nations - for Young Professional Officer (YPO) roles at the UN P-1 level. Assignments are typically two-year fixed-term contracts (one-year probation) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy or other duty stations. Vacancies are posted throughout the year; check current YPP openings and deadlines on the official FAO jobs portal.
Quick Facts - FAO Young Professionals Program 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) |
| Programme | Young Professionals Programme (YPP) |
| Contract | Two-year fixed-term (P-1), subject to one-year probation |
| Grade / salary | UN P-1 professional level (paid international staff contract) |
| HQ location | Rome, Italy (other duty stations may apply) |
| Age limit | 32 years or younger as of 31 December of application year |
| Education | Master’s, PhD, or equivalent in a relevant field |
| Experience | Minimum 1 year relevant professional experience |
| Languages | Working knowledge of English + limited knowledge of another FAO language |
| Current YPP deadline | 7 September 2026, 21:59 UTC (verify on each vacancy) |
| Official apply | FAO Jobs Portal |
Why Apply?
- Paid UN professional contract at P-1 level (not an unpaid internship)
- Two-year international assignment with FAO experts worldwide
- Work on global priorities: food security, agriculture, climate, fisheries, biodiversity, and rural development
- Priority for candidates from SIDS, LDCs, LLDCs, and developing countries
- Pathway to a long-term UN/FAO international civil service career
- HQ and field postings in Rome and other locations
What the Programme Covers
- Competitive UN P-1 salary and entitlements (as per FAO staff rules for the duty station)
- Two-year fixed-term Young Professional Officer contract
- Professional development under senior FAO supervision
- Exposure to programme design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
- International work environment with FAO’s global mandate
Exact salary, allowances, and benefits follow UN/FAO staff regulations for the assigned duty station and grade.
Eligibility
- Age: 32 or younger as of 31 December of the year of application
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) relevant to FAO’s work
- Experience: At least one year of professional experience in a relevant field
- Languages: Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian)
- Nationality: Priority for nationals of non- or under-represented FAO Member Nations; developing countries, SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs especially encouraged
- Not eligible: Close relatives of FAO staff (son, daughter, brother, sister)
- Degrees must be from institutions listed in the WHED database
Typical YPP Focus Areas
- Agriculture and rural development
- Food security and nutrition
- Climate change, biodiversity, and ecosystems
- Fisheries and aquatic value chains
- Programme support and policy
- Natural resources and sustainable production
Specific roles depend on each vacancy announcement.
How to Apply
- Read the official YPP page: FAO Young Professionals Programme.
- Create or update your profile on the FAO Jobs Portal (Jobs at FAO).
- Search for Young Professionals Programme (YPP) or Young Professional Officer vacancies.
- Complete your online profile (employment history, qualifications, languages).
- Attach a letter of motivation and submit before the vacancy deadline.
- Selection is conducted in English. Apply early - incomplete profiles are not considered.
Official Links
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FAQs - FAO Young Professionals Program 2026
Is it fully funded?
Yes - YPP positions are paid UN professional (P-1) contracts with salary and staff entitlements, not unpaid internships.
How long is the programme?
Two-year fixed-term contract with a one-year probationary period.
What is the age limit?
32 years or younger as of 31 December of the application year.
Where will I work?
Many YPP roles are in Rome, Italy (FAO HQ); others may be in Vienna, Geneva, or country/regional offices - check each vacancy.
What is the deadline?
Current YPP vacancies commonly close 7 September 2026 (21:59 UTC). Deadlines can vary by posting - always confirm on the specific job at Jobs at FAO.
Can Pakistanis apply?
Yes - candidates from developing countries and under-represented Member Nations are encouraged to apply.
