Education:

Master’s Degree (MA/MSc) ,Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc) , or TVET/Diploma Training in a relevant field (Check details)

About the Organization

The African Union (AU) is the continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It is the leading architect of Africa’s future, guided by the ambitious "Agenda 2063," a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next several decades. The AU envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. At its core, the African Union values respect for diversity, integrity, and the principle of "Thinking Africa Above All."

The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC), established in 2010, is the AU’s flagship continental youth leadership program. It is designed to harness the energy, creativity, and skills of young African professionals to accelerate the continent’s development. By recruiting and deploying volunteers from across all 55 Member States, the AU-YVC promotes a spirit of pan-Africanism and professional excellence. The program serves as a bridge between the high-level policy goals of the Union and the grassroots reality of development, empowering young people to be key actors in realizing "The Africa We Want."

Working with the African Union provides an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the highest level of continental governance. The AU-YVC creates a unique environment where young leaders can share knowledge, foster innovation, and build a more integrated continent. The organization prides itself on being a multicultural hub that celebrates the various languages, cultures, and traditions of Africa while working toward a common, unified goal.

We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the rich diversity of the African continent. The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps actively encourages applications from all backgrounds to ensure a wide representation of skills and perspectives. We believe that youth participation is the primary driver of sustainable development and continental peace.

In particular, we strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups or marginalized communities to apply. The AU-YVC is dedicated to gender equality and seeks to empower young African women to take on leadership roles in professional sectors across the continent. We provide a supportive and secure environment that champions the professional growth of all volunteers, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead Africa into the future.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) is a 12-month professional deployment program that places young African professionals in various host organizations across the continent. This is not just a volunteer role; it is a high-level professional service opportunity where participants apply their academic and technical expertise to solve real-world challenges in another AU Member State. Whether working in policy, health, education, or technology, AU Volunteers are at the forefront of implementing continental development targets.

A "day-in-the-life" of an AU Youth Volunteer involves immersing oneself in a new African culture while delivering professional results. You might find yourself assisting in the implementation of regional trade policies, supporting public health initiatives, or developing digital solutions for local governments. The role requires a high degree of adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a "can-do" attitude. Volunteers act as ambassadors of the African Union, promoting integration and cooperation through their daily professional interactions.

The career development potential of this program is immense. Successful candidates receive intensive pre-deployment training that covers leadership, pan-Africanism, and project management. Throughout the 12-month service, volunteers are provided with mentorship opportunities and direct exposure to the AU's continental policy framework. This experience is a significant career accelerator, often leading to roles in international organizations, government agencies, and major NGOs, as it proves a candidate’s ability to work effectively in diverse, international environments.

The strategic impact of the AU-YVC is felt through the "brain-circulation" it promotes across Africa. By deploying skilled professionals to areas where their expertise is most needed, the program addresses critical skill gaps and fosters regional integration. Volunteers bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to their host organizations, helping to modernize African institutions and accelerate the achievement of Agenda 2063 goals.

Ultimately, being an AU Youth Volunteer is about personal and continental transformation. You will join an elite network of young African leaders who are committed to the prosperity of the continent. The skills you bring—and the ones you acquire—will contribute to a more self-reliant and peaceful Africa. This is a call to service for those who believe that Africa’s greatest resource is its youth and are ready to dedicate a year to building the continent's future.

Job Positions and Requirements

African Union Youth Volunteer (50 Openings)

Educational Qualification: Post-secondary certified qualification(s) such as TVET, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.

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

Job Location: Any of the 55 AU Member States (Willingness to live and work in another country is mandatory).

Employment Type: Professional Volunteer Service (12 Months).

Salary: Monthly Stipend provided to cover living expenses, plus health insurance and a separation allowance upon completion.

No. Required: 50

Required Skills and Competencies

• Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in at least one AU working language (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, or Spanish). Fluency in a second AU language is a major advantage.

• IT Skills: Proficient computer skills including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and internet applications.

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in a professional manner.

• Multicultural Competence: Ability to work harmoniously in a diverse, multi-cultural, and international environment.

• Integrity: Must possess the highest standard of moral conduct and integrity.

Employment Type and Compensation

This is a 12-month professional volunteer deployment. While this is not a traditional salaried position, the African Union Commission and its partners provide a comprehensive support package. This includes an economy return flight ticket, a monthly stipend to cover all living expenses in the country of deployment, full health insurance coverage, and an AU Service Passport. Additionally, volunteers receive a separation allowance upon the successful completion of their twelve months of service, alongside ongoing training and mentorship opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must follow the mandatory application process via the AU careers website. Candidates are strictly required to use the official African Union CV template, which can be downloaded directly from the recruitment portal in either English or French. Failure to use the mandatory AU CV template will result in immediate disqualification.

To apply, visit jobs.au.int, create an account (or log in if already registered), and complete your personal profile. You must attach your updated 3-page professional 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.

In your cover letter, you must specifically respond to three questions: Why you want to become an AU Youth Volunteer, what makes you the best candidate, and what specific skills you are bringing to the AU-YVC and your host organization. Ensure all documents are clear and professional before submission.

Please note that scanned certificates or transcripts are NOT required for the initial application; only a copy of the highest degree is needed. Original documents will be required for verification only for those who reach the interview and selection stage. Providing incorrect or incomplete information is grounds for immediate termination of the application.

Only successful applicants will be contacted by the AU recruitment team. The African Union does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. We advise all candidates to be cautious of fraudulent job ads and to communicate only through official AU channels.

Interested candidates should submit their application via the official African Union careers portal (jobs.au.int) as the primary and only channel for this recruitment.

Application Deadline

April 26, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EAT)

Official Application Link / Contact

Apply link