Volunteer

Job Description

The FAO volunteer programme is designed to expand FAO’s human resources capacity by providing opportunities for individuals to contribute their services on a voluntary basis to FAO. Those selected for the volunteer programme will be utilized in areas according to their qualifications and the needs of the Organization. No financial assistance is available from FAO. Candidates should preferably have an academic interest in the mandate and subjects of the Organization. Assignments under the FAO Volunteer Programme are not designed to lead to a staff position within the Organization.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Citizen of a FAO Member Nation
• Have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment
• Fluency in one of the working languages of FAO office of assignment – the FAO working languages are English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese
• Not bear any of the following relationships to other staff members: husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister, niece or nephew.

REMUNERATION

There is no remuneration for individuals working with this programme. Individuals who are engaged as volunteers will not be paid and the costs of travel, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the individual. Volunteers will organize their own travel plans and expenses to reach their duty station. During the assignment, volunteers are expected to remain in their assigned duty station. FAO will provide the volunteer with documentation certifying that the individual is a volunteer with FAO, which can be used to obtain a visa, if necessary. Furthermore, during their assignment, volunteers will receive insurance and compensation exclusively for service-incurred illness, injury or death.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Volunteers are not staff members of the Organization. Assignments under this Programme are not designed to lead to a staff position with the Organization. A former volunteer may not be employed by the Organization under any type of contractual arrangement for at least six months following the completion of the volunteer assignment.

HOW TO APPLY

Provide a written proposal (maximum two pages) for an assignment, describing the objectives and the expected results of your voluntary work with FAO and submit a FAO Personal History Form, available in MS Word ( and formats). Return your application to . Volunteer assignments do not normally exceed 120 working days. At the end of the assignment, the volunteer will receive a certificate of appreciation. The FAO volunteer programme is independent from the United Nations volunteer programme.