African Union Youth Volunteer Corps 2026 (Funded Opportunity)

The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU YVC), established in 2010, is a flagship continental Youth Leadership program that recruits trains an deploys young African professionals from all 55 AU Member States to serve as professional volunteers for a period of 12 months.

AUYVC promotes volunteerism to deepen the status of young people in Africa as key actors in Africa’s development targets and goals, enhancing their participation in policy, programs and initiatives towards the realization of AU Agenda2063 – ‘The Africa We Want’. It brings people together to share skills, knowledge, creativity and learning to build a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Continent driven by its citizens. 

• Table of Content
• About African Union
• African Union Youth Volunteer Corps 2026
• Aim and Benefits of African Union Youth Volunteer Corps 2026
• Requirements for African Union Youth Volunteer Corps 2026 Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About African Union

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). The main objectives of the OAU were to rid the continent of the remaining vestiges of colonisation and apartheid; to promote unity and solidarity amongst African States; to coordinate and intensify cooperation for development; to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and to promote international cooperation ... continue reading

African Union Youth Volunteer Corps 2026

Aim and Benefits of African Union Youth Volunteer Corps 2026

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

Requirements for African Union Youth Volunteer Corps 2026 Qualification

Applicants must meet the following criteria:  
1. Citizen of an AU Member State living on the continent or in the Diaspora. 
2. Aged 18 – 35 years (must be under the age of 35 upon completing 12 months service) 
3. Have post-secondary certified qualification(s) (TVET, Bachelor’s, master's etc.)  
4. Available in 2026/27 to dedicate 12 (twelve) months for professional volunteer service. 
5. Willing to live and work in another AU Member State. 
6. Is proficient in at least one AU working language (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese & Spanish). 
7. Has at least one-year verifiable volunteering experience and one-year professional work experience.

Required Skills

•    Proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel and Power Point)
•    Proficiency with e-mail and internet applications, 
•    Good interpersonal skills
•    Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
•    Proficiency in one of the AU officials working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, Kiswahili) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage
 

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

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Africans 2027 (Fully Funded to USA)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

To submit your application:
1. Visit the AU careers website; jobs.au.int, click on "Search Jobs" and click on the AUYVC post.
     i.    If you are a registered user, log in
     ii.   If you are not a registered user, create an account 
2. Fill out your personal information 
3. Attach the following documents:  

• Your updated professional CV (no longer than 3 pages)
• Bio page of your passport (or national ID)
• Copy of your highest completed qualification (no transcripts)  
• Attach a letter of recommendation (not older than 2 years) attesting to your leadership qualities 

4. Attach your cover letter. In your cover letter please respond to the following questions: 

• Why do you want to become an African Union Youth Volunteer?
• What makes you the best candidate for AUYVC?
• What skills are you bringing to the AUYVC and your host organization?

5. Review and submit your application before: April 10, 2026 11h59 p.m. EAT

For more Information, visit African Union Career webpage