Application Deadline: April 26, 2026
The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) is a prestigious, fully funded continental initiative designed to empower young Africans through professional volunteer service. Established in 2010 by the African Union, this flagship youth leadership program recruits, trains, and deploys qualified young professionals from all 55 AU Member States to serve across the continent for a period of 12 months.
The program is built to promote youth participation, leadership development, and volunteerism as critical tools for advancing Africa’s growth and transformation. Through AU-YVC, young people are positioned as active contributors to policy-making, development programs, and strategic initiatives aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 – “The Africa We Want.”
By bringing together talented youth from diverse backgrounds, the program fosters collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange. Participants gain the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to building a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.
The initiative was established following the decision of AU Heads of State and Government (Assembly/AU/Dec.274 (XVI), January 2010), which emphasized the need for a continental volunteer platform to empower youth and accelerate development across Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the AU-YVC 2026 program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a citizen of an African Union Member State, residing either within Africa or in the Diaspora
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old (candidates must not exceed 35 years by the end of the 12-month service)
- Must possess at least a post-secondary qualification (TVET, Bachelor’s, Master’s degree, or equivalent)
- Must be available between 2026–2027 to commit to a full 12-month volunteer placement
- Must be willing to live and work in another AU Member State
- Must be proficient in at least one AU official language: Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, or Spanish
- Must have a minimum of:
- One (1) year of verifiable volunteer experience, and
- One (1) year of professional work experience
Benefits and Opportunities
Successful candidates selected for the AU-YVC program will receive full financial and logistical support from the African Union Commission and its partners. Benefits include:
- Full coverage of pre-deployment training and orientation
- A unique opportunity to engage in high-level continental policies and programs
- Access to a powerful network of young African leaders and professionals
- Round-trip economy airfare to the country of deployment
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Issuance of an African Union Service Passport
- A separation allowance upon successful completion of the program
- Access to capacity-building training and mentorship programs
Required Skills
Applicants are expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Ability to effectively use email and internet applications
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Fluency in at least one AU official working language (English, French, etc.)
Core Competencies
• Ability to communicate clearly
• Ability to write clearly and concisely
• Be committed to work
• Ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment
• Possess the highest standard of moral conduct and integrity
Volunteer Entitlements
The African Union Commission and partners will cover the full costs of pre-deployment training and
subsequent volunteer deployment for successful candidates.
An African Union Youth Volunteers receive the following benefits & opportunities:
1) Unique opportunity to engage at highest continental policy and programs at the African Union
2) Network with Young African leaders from across the continent
3) Economy return ticket to place of deployment
4) A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
5) Health insurance cover
6) AU Service Passport
7) Separation allowance on successful completion of twelve months service
8) Training and mentorship opportunities
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official African Union recruitment portal:
👉 https://jobs.au.int/job/African-Union-Youth-Volunteer-Corps-%28AU-YVC%29/2949-en_US