Applications are now open for the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) 2026, a prestigious continental youth leadership programme designed to empower young Africans through professional volunteer service.
Established in 2010, the AU-YVC is a flagship initiative of the African Union Commission, aimed at recruiting, training, and deploying young professionals across all 55 African Union member states for a period of 12 months.
About the AU Youth Volunteer Corps
The AU-YVC programme promotes volunteerism as a tool for youth empowerment and continental development. It enables young Africans to actively contribute to policy implementation, development programs, and initiatives aligned with Agenda 2063 – “The Africa We Want.”
Participants gain the opportunity to:
- Contribute to Africa’s development goals
- Share skills, knowledge, and innovation
- Work in multicultural and professional environments
- Build networks across the continent
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the programme, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an AU Member State (living in Africa or the Diaspora)
- Be aged 18 to 35 years
- Hold at least a post-secondary qualification (TVET, Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.)
- Be available for 12 months of volunteer service (2026–2027)
- Be willing to live and work in another AU Member State
- Be proficient in at least one AU official language (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, or Spanish)
- Have at least one year of volunteering experience
- Have at least one year of professional work experience
Required Skills & Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
Key Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong communication (written and verbal)
- Good interpersonal and teamwork abilities
- Familiarity with email and internet applications
Core Competencies:
- Clear and concise communication
- Strong writing ability
- High level of integrity and professionalism
- Ability to work in diverse, multicultural environments
Volunteer Benefits
Successful candidates will receive full support throughout the programme, including:
- Pre-deployment training
- Placement within AU programs and institutions
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- Round-trip travel ticket to the country of deployment
- AU Service Passport
- Separation allowance upon successful completion
- Mentorship and professional development opportunities
- Access to a network of young African leaders
Application Process
To apply, follow these steps:
- Visit the African Union Careers Portal (jobs.au.int)
- Search for the AU-YVC position
- Create an account or log in
- Complete your profile using the mandatory AU CV template
- Upload the required documents:
- Updated CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Passport or national ID
- Highest qualification certificate
- Recommendation letter (not older than 2 years)
- Submit a cover letter answering:
- Why you want to join AU-YVC
- What makes you a strong candidate
- The skills you will contribute
Application Deadline
April 10, 2026 (11:59 PM EAT)
Important Notes
- The AU CV template is mandatory for all applications
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- The African Union does not charge any application fees
