IFAD Internship Programme 2025 (Funded Internship in Italy)

Applications are now open for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Internship Programme 2025, a prestigious opportunity for young professionals and students passionate about rural development, sustainable agriculture, and global food security. This six-month programme, with a potential six-month extension, offers hands-on experience in fields such as agricultural development, gender equality, climate change, and rural finance. Check out more fully funded internships here.

The programme provides a monthly stipend, with enhanced allowances for interns from developing countries to cover travel and housing costs. Eligible candidates must be 30 or younger, enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited university, and fluent in English, with knowledge of Arabic, French, or Spanish as an advantage.

There is no application fee, and applications are accepted year-round through the IFAD Careers Centre, though specific deadlines vary by opening. Nationals of IFAD Member States are encouraged to apply and contribute to IFAD’s mission of eradicating rural poverty. Also Check BS, MS, PhD, and Postdoc positions.

Key Details

• Duration: 6 months (extendable to another 6 months for a different role)
• Fields: Rural and agricultural development, gender and youth issues, climate change, rural finance, monitoring and evaluation, and more
• Funding: Funded with a monthly stipend (~US$670–$740); enhanced allowances for developing country interns to cover housing/travel
• Application Fee: None; IFAD does not charge fees or request banking information
• Deadline: Rolling basis; check Careers Centre for specific openings
• Location: Rome, Italy (headquarters) or IFAD country/regional offices worldwide

Check fully funded conferences here.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the IFAD Internship Programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Age: Be 30 years of age or younger.
• Education:
  • Be enrolled in an accredited university or graduate school, having completed at least two years of undergraduate studies and attended courses within the last 24 months, OR
  • Have completed university studies at the undergraduate or postgraduate level within the last 24 months.
• Language Proficiency:
  • Fluency in English is mandatory.
  • Knowledge of other IFAD official languages (Arabic, French, or Spanish) or the main language of the country office is an advantage.
• Nationality: Candidates must be nationals of an IFAD Member State. Check the IFAD Member States list for eligibility.
• Restrictions: Spouses, sons, daughters, brothers, or sisters of IFAD staff are not eligible to apply.

Check also: UNICEF Internship Programme

Benefits of the IFAD Internship Programme

The programme offers a range of benefits to support interns:

• Monthly Allowance: Stipend of approximately US$670–$740, based on the duty station’s Daily Subsistence Allowance.
• Enhanced Internship Programme (EIP): Higher allowances for interns from developing countries not residing in their duty station to cover housing and travel expenses.
• Professional Growth: Hands-on experience in impactful projects addressing rural poverty and sustainable agriculture.
• Networking: Collaborate with international professionals in a global development setting.
• Career Development: Build skills for a career in international organizations.

Note: Interns are responsible for visas, travel costs (unless covered by EIP), and medical insurance valid in the duty station. IFAD provides coverage for service-related accidents, illnesses, or death.

Check this: Youth Leadership Certification Sydney 2025 

Application Process

Applications are submitted via the IFAD Careers Centre (Link below). Steps include:

1. Register: Create a profile on the Careers Centre.
2. Submit Application:
   • Complete the online form.
   • Upload a resume/CV, cover letter, academic transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a medical certificate (required before starting).
3. Check Status: Monitor application status via the Careers Centre. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.