FAO Fellows Programme 2026: Global Research Assignments at FAO Offices Worldwide
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations invites applications for its 2026 Fellows Programme to conduct specialized research assignments at global offices. The programme requires external financial sponsorship and offers assignments lasting up to 11 months.
Overview
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened applications for its 2026 Call for Expression of Interest for the Fellows Programme. The call covers FAO headquarters, regional and subregional offices, country offices, and liaison offices worldwide. The programme seeks individuals with advanced technical knowledge, professional experience, and research expertise to pursue specialized learning objectives while contributing to the organization's work and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Assignments may last for up to 11 months.
Important financial condition: FAO does not pay fellows a salary, stipend, or other remuneration. Candidates must be fully sponsored by an external entity and identify their sponsoring institution in the application. Additionally, fellows must arrange and pay for their own non-service-incurred medical insurance and are responsible for organizing and funding their own accommodation.
Eligibility
- Applicants must possess advanced technical knowledge, professional experience, and research expertise relevant to FAO's mandate.
- Candidates must be fully sponsored by an external entity (such as a university, government, or research institution) with confirmed financial coverage for travel, living costs, and related expenses.
- Selected candidates must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the proposed country of assignment.
- Applicants must be able to provide a research proposal and evidence of academic attendance at a recognized university or relevant qualifications.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official FAO recruitment portal under vacancy announcement 2600010. Follow these steps to complete your submission:
- Create or log in to your candidate account on the official FAO recruitment portal.
- Complete your entire profile with accurate employment history, research experience, academic qualifications, and language proficiency.
- Secure a credible external sponsor and confirm financial arrangements before applying.
- Prepare a focused research proposal aligned with FAO's mandate, Strategic Framework, and relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
- Upload your research proposal and required evidence of academic qualifications or university attendance.
- Formally submit your application specifically to vacancy announcement 2600010 before the deadline.
Deadline
The application deadline is 25 August 2026.