International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Entry Programmes
Donor-sponsored JPO route for young professionals to gain hands-on rural development experience at IFAD. IFAD also lists 1 other entry routes on this page.
Last reviewed: 15 July 2026
Entry programmes
Internship Programmes
Internship route for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in IFAD's rural development work. The standard internship and Enhanced Internship Programme both provide a monthly allowance. Enhanced interns may also receive housing and travel support. Source
- Track: Traineeship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be nationals of an IFAD Member State. Enhanced internships prioritize candidates from developing Member States.
- Minimum degree: Bachelor's
- Typical max age: 30
- Typical window: Posted as assignments become available
- Cycle: Ad hoc
- IFAD posts internship openings on its careers site; individual assignments set exact start dates.
Junior Professional Officer Programme
Donor-sponsored JPO route for young professionals to gain hands-on rural development experience at IFAD. IFAD lists an advanced university degree, age under 35, English fluency, and relevant work experience as typical requirements. Source
- Track: Junior Professional Officer (JPO)
- Eligibility: JPOs are sponsored by IFAD Member States for nationals of their own country or, in some assignments, other countries.
- Minimum degree: Master's
- Typical max age: 35
- Cycle: Rolling recruitment
- Vacancies are posted by IFAD or sponsoring governments as donor-funded assignments become available.
- 11 donor sponsor countries. Confirm on the official source.
How to read timing
Dates here describe typical or recent patterns from official sources, not live application deadlines. Confirm the current call on the programme or careers page before you apply.
Where to look next
Browse related open roles below, then read eligibility and deadlines on the official IFAD careers site. For staff pay by grade, see the IFAD salary guide.
Relevant open roles
Search all jobsLast checked 17 July 2026 · 5 roles
- Deputy Chief of Mission
IOM
Khartoum, SDCloses 19 JulThe Deputy Chief of Mission provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for IOM activities in Sudan. The role ensures coherence between country office programmes and support services while representing the organization to national authorities and international partners.
- Administrative Officer
UN Secretariat
Geneva, CHCloses 24 AugThis position heads the Administration Section of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) in Geneva. The officer oversees budget, finance, human resources, and general support services to ensure the effective implementation of the mandate to investigate serious international crimes.
- Programme Management OfficerUNDRRGeneva, CHCloses 9 Aug
This role supports the International Recovery Platform (IRP) and UNDRR in strengthening global disaster recovery readiness and the Build Back Better principle. The officer coordinates secretariat services for the IRP, manages partnerships with national governments and international organizations, and provides technical assistance for resilient recovery governance.
- Economic Affairs OfficerUN Secretariat
Addis Ababa, ETCloses 9 AugThis position is located in the Macroeconomic Analysis, Institutions and Economic Governance Section of the Economic Commission for Africa. The officer supports African member states in strengthening macroeconomic management, economic governance, and development finance to promote structural transformation and inclusive growth.
- Food Security Cluster Coordinator
WFP
Bangui, CFCloses 28 JulThe Food Security Cluster Coordinator leads humanitarian coordination in the Central African Republic by mobilizing stakeholders to deliver a strategic response to food crises. The role involves managing the Humanitarian Needs Overview process, ensuring inclusive governance with national authorities, and representing the cluster within the broader humanitarian country team.
Related category pages
Related organizations
Related guides
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Salary
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Benefits
- Who Can Apply to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- Who Can Apply to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO)