Internship Programs

IFAD Internships

Paid Internships

The goal of the IFAD Internship Program is to provide applicants interested in international development with a practical understanding of IFAD’s work and mission. To this end, the agency offers two internship programs:

a) Regular Internship Program (IP) – for students based in Rome.
b) Enhanced Internship Programme (EIP) – designed to enhance diversity among the agency’s staff by recruiting applicants not based in Rome (Italy).

Selected applicants will have direct contact with the work of the department to which they have been selected, where they shall perform relevant tasks according to their areas of study, under the supervision of an IFAD professional.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your UN internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the United Nations model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR UN INTERNSHIPS PRODUCTS & SERVICES?

UN Internships – Products & Services

We have prepared a special offer for you!

UN Internships – PDF eBook

IFAD Overview

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and specialized United Nations agency established in 1977 and based in Rome, Italy, whose mission is to eradicate hunger and poverty in rural areas of developing countries. To achieve its mission, IFAD develops and finances projects and programs that aim to strengthen agriculture and empower rural populations in poor regions.

IFAD’s main focus: Eradicate hunger and poverty in rural areas of developing countries.

Themes addressed by the IFAD:

Agricultural Risk Management
Climate and Environment
Community-driven Development
Farmers Organizations
Food and Nutrition Security
Food Prices
Indigenous Peoples
Rural Development

Description of the IFAD Internship

What are the fields of study required for the IFAD Internship?

This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

Agriculture
Nutrition
Civil Engineering
Economics
Political Science
Social Sciences
Business Administration
International Affairs
Other related areas

What are the tasks performed by the selected for the IFAD Internship?

The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

Support administrative and operational activities;
Carry out research and collect and analyze data on topics relevant to the agency’s work;
Draft reports and other types of documents;
Take part in training sessions and events with other agency members.

What is the duration of the IFAD Internship?

The duration of the internship program may vary, lasting 6 months at most.

What is the weekly workload of the IFAD Internship?

Interns will work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday.

Where are the locations of the IFAD Internship?

There are openings for the IFAD Headquarters in Rome (Italy), but opportunities may also be available in its various Country Offices and Representation Offices around the world.

When does the IFAD Internship start?

The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Feedback following the completion of the IFAD Internship:

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:

A former participant in the Internship Programme can be re-engaged as a consultant or appointed to any fixed-term (after competition) or short-term positions including national professional positions, no sooner than six months after the end date of the internship.

IFAD Internship Salary

Participants in the Internship Programme will be paid a monthly allowance based on a percentage of the January Daily Subsistence Allowance of the assigned duty station. The monthly IFAD Internship salary usually ranges between US$ 670 and US$ 740.

IFAD Internship Requirements

What is the education requirement of the IFAD Internship Program?

Be enrolled in a university or graduate school program, have attended courses in the last 12 months;
Have completed at least two years of an undergraduate school program (Bachelor’s level or equivalent), or;
Have recently completed university studies at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

What is the language requirement of the IFAD Internship Program?

Fluency in English (written and oral) is required. Working knowledge of another official IFAD language may be an asset in the selection process. In the case of interns recruited in IFAD country office locations, fluency in the main country language may be required.

IFAD Internship Age Limit:

Applicants must be at least 18 and at most 30 years old at the time of application.

What is the Nationality requirement of the IFAD Internship Program?

Be a citizen of an IFAD Member State.

The EIP, in particular, is designed to enhance the geographic distribution of staff at IFAD and is open to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and who are not based in Rome.

What are the competencies required for the IFAD Internship Program?

The main competencies required are:

Strategic thinking and organizational development;
Demonstrating leadership;
Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating;
Focusing on clients;
Problem-solving and decision-making;
Managing time, resources and information;
Team working;
Communicating and negotiating;
Building relationships and partnerships.

Other requirements of the IFAD Internship Programme

Most internships require no work experience. However, previous experiences may be an advantage in the selection process.

What are the Restrictions of the IFAD Internship Program?

An applicant may not be a child or sibling of any organization staff member.

IFAD Internship Application Process

When to apply for the IFAD Internship?

The online recruitment system is open throughout the year. Application deadlines vary depending on the openings and the needs of the organization. Therefore, it is important to search for internship opportunities on the IFAD E-recruitment System.

How to apply for the IFAD Internship:

The internship application process is done via the IFAD E-recruitment System, where all openings are published, and comprises the following steps:

Initial registration;
Filling out the candidate profile (academic and professional background);
Filling out the application form;
Submit the application.

Some vacancies may require you to answer additional post-specific questions.

What are the phases of the selection process for the IFAD Internship?

The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

How is the IFAD Internship interview?

Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype or phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests and technical knowledge in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

What are the documents to submit for the IFAD Internship?

The application process requires you to submit:

Cover Note/Letter;
CV/résumé.

What is the evaluation criteria of the IFAD Internship?

Applicants will be evaluated regarding their previous experience, skills and abilities, as well as educational background.

IFAD Internship - Costs

The organization offers financial aid to cover some costs related to preparing for or doing the internship.

Visa:

You or your sponsoring institution shall be responsible for costs and arrangements needed to obtain the visa required for the IFAD internship.

Insurance:

IFAD will not provide medical insurance. Interns must carry their own medical insurance coverage valid worldwide or in the duty station of assignment. They are however covered for accident-incurred, illness or death directly attributable to the performance of official duties.

Accommodation:

In the Enhanced Internship Program (EIP), IFAD offers housing allowance for interns that are not recruited in their country of permanent residence.

Other:

IFAD offers travel allowance for interns in the Enhanced Internship Programme that are not recruited in their country of permanent residence.