Application Deadline: 29 January 2027 23:59 CET (Rome time).
Applications are now open for the 2027/2029 FAO World Food Forum Young Scientists Group. The Young Scientists Group (YSG) was launched in 2022 as the main body providing scientific evidence and technical knowledge to the various activities of the WFF Youth Initiative, including, but not limited to, the Youth Assembly, Youth Innovation Lab and Youth Education Programme. This support culminates in the publication of a biennial report on specific technical issues of particular concern to youth related to agrifood systems transformation.
Working under two-year cohorts, the working composition of the YSG aligns with the FAO Four Betters – better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life – and, through that, follow specific Programme Priority Areas (PPA) to direct their work.
Leveraging FAO areas of expertise and engaging with partners and relevant academic networks, the YSG plays a critical role in providing the WFF with the necessary science-based direction and allows for formal scientific opinions related to documents, statements or action-oriented proposals generated by the participating youth.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility criteria for joining the YSG is as follows:
- Applicants must have graduated or be enrolled in a graduate degree programme at the time of application;
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age as of 31 December 2028;
- Be national of a FAO Member State;
- Be specialized in a field relevant to the mission and work of FAO. Alignment with the WFF Youth Assembly’s thematic areas is preferred, but not mandatory;
- Have demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English. Having conducted previous academic work in English is preferred, but not mandatory;
- Be able to dedicate approximately 20 hours per month to the role;
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an international, multicultural environment and possess strong intercultural communication skills;
- Not be immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, siblings or their respective spouses) of FAO employees; and
- Not be employed by FAO.
Structures and Duties
The YSGs responsibilities include:
1.Provide technical and scientific inputs to support the work of the WFF and contribute evidence and research perspectives to relevant FAO and partner
initiatives;
2.Contribute to technical discussions and consultations with the WFF Youth Assembly and the WFF Youth Policy Board, including by identifying emerging
evidence and research gaps;
3.Develop a biennial evidence-based report on a technical issue of particular relevance to youth and agrifood systems transformation;
4.Undertake research and evidence synthesis, including literature reviews and other short research outputs, where appropriate; and
5.Support knowledge exchange and outreach around the findings of the report and other YSG outputs, including through appropriate WFF Youth Initiative channels and events.
Selection process
The selection process consists of three rounds:
- Round 1: The WFF Youth Initiative team will review applications and score candidates based on eligibility and experience;
- Round 2: A selection committee composed of FAO experts from different areas of work will further assess applications and create a shortlist. Candidates advancing to this stage will be asked to submit a letter of recommendation and a two-minute video explaining how they would contribute to the YSG; and
- Round 3: Top candidates will be invited to interviews, with final selections based on interview performance and overall ranking
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the FAO World Food Forum Young Scientists Group
