FAO Internship Programme: Become an International Agent of Change
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) re-launched its Global Internship Programme in July 2017. They have currently launched an employment website for interested university students and recent graduates - and applications are until until 31 December 2017.
Why should you, as a UWC student, apply?
The FAO Internship Programme offers a unique learning opportunity for talented, globally oriented young women and men who are strongly motivated to contribute their new perspectives and latest research experience to help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG1 No Poverty, SDG2 Zero Hunger and SDG13 Climate Action.
Moreover, this internship programme provides select undergraduate and post-graduate students and recent graduates (21-30 years old) with opportunities to supplement their academic knowledge with practical real-life work experience in a relevant technical field, in line with the mandate of the FAO to achieve a world free from food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms.
In the past five years there have been no internship participants from any of the South African universities - but in October of this year, the University of the Western Cape signed an Internship Agreement with the FAO.
What does it take to become an FAO Intern?
FAO Interns are selected through a very competitive process, including an interview of short-listed candidates by the hiring managers.
Candidates should be aged between 21 and 30.
Applicants must have a working knowledge of at least one UN official language (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian). Knowledge of a second UN official language will be considered an asset.
Candidates should be able to adapt to an international multicultural environment, have good communication skills and be knowledgeable in the use of basic computer programmes.
International innovation and making a difference
As an FAO Intern you will gain a deeper understanding of various multi-stakeholder collaboration mechanisms and intergovernmental processes, facilitated by the United Nations. The FAO expects to harness interns’ innovative ideas and research skills, utilizing the latest technologies to help achieve the FAO’s strategic objectives - to continue providing opportunities for young people to become agents of change in order to achieve the SDGs.
For those interested in the FAO Internship Programme, please contact:
Ms Kazumi Ikeda-Larhed
Deputy Director
Partnership and South-South Cooperation Division
FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy
