Discover the IFAD Internship Programme 2025 for students and recent graduates. Learn about eligibility, benefits, allowances, and how to apply for the Regular and Enhanced Internship Programmes at the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
About IFAD and Its Mission
IFAD works in partnership with governments, rural communities, and global stakeholders to design and finance projects that uplift farmers, improve food systems, strengthen resilience, and expand economic opportunities. By interning at IFAD, candidates gain firsthand experience contributing to real, high-impact solutions that improve rural livelihoods across the world.
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Overview of the IFAD Internship Programme
The IFAD Internship Programme is designed to equip emerging professionals with hands-on experience in international development, project operations, financial analysis, knowledge management, communications, and more.
It offers two main tracks:
1. Regular Internship Programme (IP)
A six-month internship tailored for active students or recent graduates who wish to gain professional experience within a UN environment.
2. Enhanced Internship Programme (EIP)
An expanded version of the regular internship offering housing and travel allowances—created to promote wider geographic representation within IFAD.
This track is specifically for qualified candidates not based in Rome.
Both programmes place interns within IFAD Headquarters or in selected country and regional offices.
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
IFAD sets clear eligibility standards to ensure that interns are academically prepared and ready to contribute.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must either:
- Be enrolled in an accredited university or graduate school, having attended courses within the last 12 months and completed at least two years of undergraduate studies,
or - Have recently graduated from a recognized undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
Age Requirement
All candidates must be 30 years old or younger when starting the internship.
Language Proficiency
- Fluent English is mandatory.
- Knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish is an added advantage.
- For internships in country or regional offices, fluency in the primary local language may also be required.
Location Requirement for Enhanced Interns
The Enhanced Internship is exclusively for candidates not residing in Rome, supporting broader geographic diversity.
What Interns Benefit From
The IFAD Internship Programme offers valuable professional exposure, financial support, and global learning experiences.
Monthly Allowance
All interns receive a monthly stipend to support their basic living expenses.
Additional Allowances for Enhanced Interns
Participants in the Enhanced Internship Programme also receive:
- Housing allowance
- Travel allowance
These additions make the programme more accessible to qualified candidates worldwide.
Professional & Career Development
Interns gain:
- Hands-on experience in global development operations
- Opportunities to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams
- Direct involvement in IFAD projects, policy analysis, and research
- Strong networking opportunities within the UN system
This practical exposure significantly boosts career prospects in international development, agriculture, economics, communications, and related fields.
Why This Internship Is a Strong Career Opportunity
* Global exposure within a UN agency
* Real contribution to rural transformation
* Development of practical, high-demand professional skills
* An impressive addition to any early-career résumé
* Networking with international experts and policymakers
For young professionals eager to make meaningful global impact, IFAD provides a powerful platform for growth and learning.
How to Apply
Applicants must create a candidate profile and complete the application through IFAD’s online recruitment platform. After registering, candidates can upload their documents, fill in the required fields, and submit their application through the Apply button provided in the announcement.
A compelling application should include:
- A clear and updated résumé
- Strong motivation statement
- Proof of academic enrollment or recent graduation
- Language proficiency evidence (if applicable)
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