Men and women who have had long and distinguished careers in international development often want to continue to contribute to the fight against hunger after their retirement. FAO's Programme for Retired Experts makes sure that their expertise, experience and commitment do not go to waste.

The programme is open to pensioners up to 70 years of age. Participants in the Programme include retired national experts who retired from the national civil services of their countries, research institutions, parastatal bodies or the private sector. Assignments are limited to a maximum of six months in any one calendar year. Experts participate in the programme on the understanding that for the most part their services are donated to the Organization. The honorarium for retired national experts does not exceed US$225 a day.

Some 92 governments have signed the framework agreement for the programme. Retired experts have brought their accumulated experience and knowledge to more than 5 000 assignments in FAO's ongoing fight against hunger and malnutrition.