The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. Established to promote an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, the AU is driven by its own citizens and represents a dynamic force in global affairs. At the heart of its mission is Agenda 2063—"The Africa We Want"—a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next several decades.

One of the AU's most impactful initiatives is the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC). Launched in 2010, this flagship program serves as a premier continental leadership development platform. It is designed to harness the energy, creativity, and professional skills of young Africans, deploying them as key actors in the realization of the continent's development targets. By fostering a spirit of volunteerism, the AU-YVC bridges the gap between policy and grassroots implementation.

The organizational culture of the African Union is built on a foundation of shared values: Respect for Diversity, Thinking Africa Above All, Transparency, and Integrity. Working with the AU means joining a mission-driven team that prioritizes efficiency and professionalism while maintaining an unwavering commitment to information and knowledge sharing. It is an environment where pan-Africanism is not just an ideal, but a daily practice.

Diversity and inclusion are central to the African Union's recruitment philosophy. The AU-YVC program specifically recruits from all 55 member states, ensuring that every region and background is represented in the continent’s growth. This inclusive approach creates a multicultural environment where young professionals can share unique perspectives and build lasting networks that transcend national borders.

The African Union is an equal opportunity employer that thrives on the diversity of the African people. We strongly encourage women, youth from the Diaspora, and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. We are committed to empowering the next generation of African leaders by providing an inclusive and supportive environment for professional service and continental impact.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) represents a high-stakes opportunity for young professionals to lead from the front lines of continental development. As an AU Youth Volunteer, you are recruited, trained, and deployed to serve in professional roles for 12 months. This is not a passive role; it is an active leadership track where volunteers apply their specialized skills in various host organizations to accelerate progress toward Agenda 2063.

The strategic impact of the AU-YVC is profound. By placing young experts in key sectors across the continent, the program facilitates the transfer of skills and knowledge necessary for regional integration. Volunteers act as ambassadors of the AU’s values, working to build a more prosperous and peaceful Africa. Whether in health, education, governance, or technology, your contribution helps deepen the status of young people as essential partners in development.

A "day-in-the-life" of an AU Youth Volunteer involves cross-cultural collaboration and high-level engagement with policy and programs. You will find yourself living in a different AU member state, adapting to new environments, and providing technical support to your host organization. This immersive experience is designed to build resilience, cultural intelligence, and a deep understanding of the systemic challenges and opportunities within the African landscape.

Professional growth is the cornerstone of the AU-YVC experience. Successful candidates receive pre-deployment training and ongoing mentorship, allowing them to refine their leadership qualities and technical competencies. The program provides a unique vantage point to understand continental governance, offering a pathway into careers in international relations, public policy, and professional civil service.

Joining the AU-YVC is a commitment to the service of Africa. It is an opportunity to network with fellow young leaders from across the continent and the Diaspora, creating a lifelong community of practice. Your 12-month tenure will leave a lasting footprint on your host organization and contribute to the collective effort of building an integrated and citizen-driven continent.

Job Positions and Requirements

African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) – 2026/27 Intake

Educational Qualification: Post-secondary certified qualification (TVET, Bachelor’s, Master's, etc.) from a recognized institution.

Work Experience: At least one year of verifiable volunteering experience and one year of professional work experience.

Job Location: Any AU Member State (Deployment based on host organization needs)

Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Monthly stipend provided to cover living expenses)

No. Required: Multiple Vacancies across 55 Member States

Employment Type and Compensation

This is a 12-month professional volunteer service contract. While the AU-YVC is a volunteer program, successful candidates receive a comprehensive entitlement package designed to support a high-quality service experience. This includes an economy return flight ticket to the place of deployment, a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, and full health insurance coverage.

Volunteers are also provided with an AU Service Passport to facilitate their travel and official status within the continent. Upon the successful completion of the 12-month term, volunteers receive a separation allowance. This package ensures that the focus remains on professional contribution and leadership development, removing the financial barriers to continental service.

How to Apply

The application process for the AU-YVC is strictly formal and requires the use of the MANDATORY African Union CV template. Candidates must visit the AU careers website at jobs.au.int to download the template in either English or French. Incomplete applications or those using non-standard CV formats will not be considered for the program.

When submitting your application, you must attach your updated 3-page CV, the bio page of your passport or national ID, and a copy of your highest completed qualification. Additionally, a letter of recommendation (not older than 2 years) attesting to your leadership qualities is required. Please note that scanned copies of transcripts are NOT required at this initial stage.

Verification of original academic credentials and documents will be conducted only for successful applicants during the pre-deployment phase. This initial process is digital, and applicants are encouraged to focus on their cover letter, specifically addressing why they want to serve Africa and what unique skills they bring to the host organization.

Only successful applicants will be contacted by the AU Recruitment Team. We emphasize that the African Union at no point charges or requests facilitation fees to process applications. Any solicitation for payment should be disregarded as a fraudulent attempt.

The primary and official method for application is through the AU Careers portal. Interested candidates should log in or create an account, fill out their personal information, and upload all required documents before the stated deadline.

Application Deadline

April 26, 2026

Official Application Link / Contact

Apply link