The African Union Commission (AUC), through the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD), is proud to announce the official opening of the call for applications for the 13th Cohort of the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC). Applications are opened for qualified young Africans across the continent and the Diaspora from 26 March to 26 April 2026.

Empowering Youth for Agenda 2063

The AU-YVC serves as the premier continental leadership program designed to recruit, train, and deploy young African professionals from AU Member States to serve for a period of 12 months. By aligning with Agenda 2063 and the 1 Million Next Level (1MNL) Initiative, the AU-YVC provides a tangible platform for young Africans to claim their rights to professional inclusion and leadership. It empowers the next generation to contribute directly to the "Africa We Want" by bridging the gap between academic qualification and professional expertise.

"This marks a milestone for our Union and reaffirms the essential role of volunteerism in advancing Agenda 2063 and flagship initiatives such as the 1 Million Next Level (1MNL)," stated Ms. Prudence Ngwenya, Director of WGYD. "It is a powerful mechanism to empower young people and create meaningful participation in the continent's development".

Application Details

For the 2026 recruitment cycle, the AUC is seeking qualified professionals in key fields, including:

• Governance & Law: International Relations, Law, Human Rights, and Political Science.
• Digital & Systems: IT Developers, Creative Audiovisual/Multimedia Architects, and Archivists.
• Operations & Finance: Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, and Project Management.
• Socio-Economic Development: Economics, Agriculture, Sustainable Environment, Communications, Translation & Interpreting.

Programme Highlights & Support

AU Youth Volunteers will receive the following benefits and opportunities:

• Financial Support: A monthly stipend to cover living expenses and a separation allowance upon successful completion.

• International Exposure: An AU Service Passport and an economy return ticket to the place of deployment.
• Institutional Impact: Unique opportunity to engage in highest continental policy and mentorship programs.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: 18 – 35 years (must be under 35 upon completion of service).
• Education: Post-secondary certified qualification (TVET, Bachelor’s, or Master’s).
• Experience: Relevant professional work and verifiable volunteering experience.
• Commitment: Available in 2026/27 to dedicate 12 months for professional volunteer service and willing to live in another AU Member State.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must visit African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) Job Details | African Union to submit their applications.

Required documentation includes an updated professional CV (official African Union CV template), passport/ID bio page, highest qualification certificate, and a letter of recommendation (not older than 2 years).

Deadline: All applications must be submitted by April 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EAT.

#AUYVC #1mNextLevel #Agenda2063 #TheAfricaWeWant #IYV2026

For further information, please contact: 

Mr. Daniel Adugna | Youth Programme Officer, Youth Division, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: AdugnaD@AfricanUnion.org

Mr. Amadou Dieng | Programme Associate, Youth Division, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: DiengAm@AfricanUnion.org

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Ms. Adele Onguene Atangana | Communications Associate, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: AtanganaA@AfricanUnion.org