The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations contributes to international efforts to defeat hunger and improve local economies by helping its member countries modernize and improve agriculture, forestry, and fisheries practices.  Mississippi State University has developed a unique partnership with the FAO which will allow our students (undergraduate, graduate and/or professional) to more expediently apply for positions within the organization and obtain partial funding to support their activities.  Participating students will gain valuable insight into global activities supporting the goal of alleviating hunger worldwide, while gaining experience in the development and maintenance of public-private partnerships. 

There are two program options to which MSU students can apply.

Internship Programme

The Internship Programme is a learning opportunity aimed at attracting talented young women and men who are strongly motivated to share their new perspectives, innovative ideas and latest research experience in FAO’s domains.  The Internship Programme provides selected students, enrolled in an under-graduate or post-graduate degree program or recent graduates, with the opportunity to supplement their academic knowledge with a practical work experience in a field related to the work of FAO. It will enable them to gain a better understanding of FAO’s mandate and programs. At the same time, the Programme provides FAO with the assistance of qualified individuals specializing in relevant fields in connection to FAO Strategic Objectives and to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The duration of an internship assignment is between 3 and 6 months (with a possibility to extend up to a maximum of 11 months).  Limited funding from MSU is available for those interested in the Internship Programme upon completion of this application and acceptance by FAO.  Additional information, including eligibility requirements, can be found at http://www.fao.org/employment/collaborate-with-us/internship-programme/en/

Volunteer Programme 

FAO Regular Volunteer Programme provides opportunities for individuals to contribute their volunteer actions, where suitable, to support the work of FAO in connection to FAO Strategic Objectives and UN Sustainable Development Goals.  The Programme proactively and strategically mobilizes broad-based volunteer services of citizens of FAO Member Nations, especially from the Global South, to contribute to end hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.  FAO does not provide any remuneration to FAO Regular Volunteers.

The duration of a volunteer assignment is between 2 and 6 months.  Limited funding is available from MSU for those interested in the Volunteer Programme upon completion of this application and acceptance by FAO.  Additional information, including eligibility requirements, can be found at http://www.fao.org/employment/collaborate-with-us/volunteer-programme/en/.

All students must apply to the FAO as either an intern or volunteer at the organization’s website.  Vacancies are posted for Intern http://www.fao.org/employment/vacancies/en/ and Volunteer http://www.fao.org/employment/vacancies/en/ positions and are updated periodically.  Students should select their three preferred country locations, and not expect to work solely in the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.  A current list of FAO member countries can be found at: http://www.fao.org/countryprofiles/en/.  While students may indicate their preference for assignments, positions may be assigned to any area in the field to support the mission of the organization.