The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme 2026–27 in Italy offers an opportunity for eligible individuals to support the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The current call is for volunteer opportunities at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, and selected volunteers may receive an assignment of up to 6 months.
About the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme allows individuals to contribute volunteer services in support of FAO’s Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
FAO works internationally to help eliminate hunger, improve food security and nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture and food systems.
The programme is open to nationals of FAO Member Nations who meet the eligibility requirements.
FAO Volunteer Programme 2026–27: Key Details
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) |
| Programme | FAO Regular Volunteer Programme |
| Location | Rome, Italy – FAO Headquarters |
| Opportunity Type | Volunteer Programme |
| Duration | Up to 6 months |
| Education | Completed secondary school education |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Languages | Working knowledge of at least one FAO official language |
| Compensation | Unpaid |
| Application Method | Online through the FAO recruitment portal |
| Current Closing Date | 31 December 2026 |
The current headquarters vacancy is listed as Call for Expression of Interest – FAO Regular Volunteer Programme for FAO Headquarters (HQ), vacancy 2601985.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
1. Nationality
Candidates must be nationals of an FAO Member Nation.
2. Age
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
3. Education
Applicants must have completed secondary school education.
4. Language Requirements
Candidates should have working knowledge of at least one of FAO’s official languages:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Russian
Knowledge of a second FAO official language can be an advantage.
5. Skills
Applicants should be able to work in an international and multicultural environment, have good communication skills and be familiar with basic computer programmes.
6. Residence or Immigration Status
Selected candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country where the assignment is located before joining FAO. For the current headquarters opportunity, this requirement applies to Italy.
7. Family Relationship Requirement
Candidates who have a mother, father, sister, brother, daughter or son employed by FAO under any type of contractual arrangement are not eligible for the Regular Volunteer Programme.
Is the FAO Volunteer Programme Fully Funded?
Applicants should understand that this is not a fully funded scholarship or paid employment programme.
FAO states that Regular Volunteers do not receive remuneration. Therefore, applicants should carefully consider their personal financial and immigration circumstances before applying.
What Can Volunteers Gain?
Although the programme is unpaid, participating in an international organization can provide exposure to a multicultural working environment and an opportunity to contribute to FAO’s work related to food security, agriculture, nutrition and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The specific responsibilities will depend on the volunteer assignment and the needs of the relevant FAO office.
How to Apply for the FAO Regular Volunteer Programme 2026–27
Applications must be submitted online through the official FAO recruitment portal.
Applicants should:
- Create or access their FAO recruitment profile.
- Complete their personal information.
- Add their education and employment information.
- Include their language skills.
- Attach a motivation letter.
- Attach a copy of their academic qualifications as requested in the current vacancy.
- Find the relevant FAO Regular Volunteer Programme call.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
FAO states that only applications submitted through its official recruitment portal will be considered, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
For the current FAO Headquarters Regular Volunteer Programme call in Rome, the closing date is:
31 December 2026
The vacancy page lists the closing time as 2:59 PM. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
Official Application Link
Applicants should apply only through the official FAO recruitment system.
Official FAO Volunteer Programme Information:
FAO Regular Volunteer Programme – Official Page
Current FAO Headquarters Volunteer Call – Vacancy 2601985:
Apply through the official FAO recruitment portal
FAO Jobs Portal:
FAO Official Jobs Portal
Important: Beware of Fake FAO Recruitment Offers
Applicants should be careful about scams. FAO states that it does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process, including applications, interviews, processing, training or visas. FAO also advises applicants to use its official recruitment website.
Do not send money or sensitive personal information to individuals claiming to offer an FAO volunteer position outside the official recruitment process.
Final Thoughts
The FAO Regular Volunteer Programme 2026–27 in Italy provides eligible candidates with an opportunity to contribute to the work of a United Nations specialized agency in Rome. The current headquarters call is open until 31 December 2026, with assignments lasting up to six months.
Before applying, carefully review the official vacancy announcement, eligibility conditions, residence requirements and application instructions. Because the programme is unpaid, applicants should also make sure they understand their own financial and visa arrangements.
Always verify the latest information on the official FAO website before submitting an application.