Apply for African Umion Volunteers Program

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:

1. Visit the African Union Careers Portal (jobs.au.int)
2. Search for the AU-YVC position
3. Create an account or log in
4. Complete your profile using the mandatory AU CV template
5. Upload the required documents:
   • Updated CV (maximum 3 pages)
   • Passport or national ID
   • Highest qualification certificate
   • Recommendation letter (not older than 2 years)
6. 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