Chairperson's Youth Envoy @African Union Commission

The African Union (AU) Commission has officially announced a call for applications for the position of African Union Commission Chairperson’s Youth Envoy (AUCYE), offering an exceptional opportunity for young African leaders to influence continental policies and champion youth empowerment across Africa.

The fixed-term position, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, falls under the Directorate of Women, Gender and Youth (WGYD) and is designed to strengthen youth representation within African Union institutions while advancing the objectives of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

Applications will remain open until 9 July 2026 at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time (EAT).

A Leadership Role for Africa’s Youth

The Chairperson’s Youth Envoy serves as the principal advocate for African youth within the African Union, ensuring that young people’s aspirations, priorities, and concerns are reflected in continental policymaking and development initiatives.

Working closely with the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, the successful candidate will facilitate dialogue between African youth and AU leadership while promoting the implementation of continental youth commitments.

The appointment forms part of the African Union’s continued efforts to place young people at the centre of Africa’s development agenda under Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 6, which envisions a continent driven by empowered women and youth.

Key Responsibilities

The selected Youth Envoy will undertake a broad range of strategic responsibilities aimed at strengthening youth participation across Africa.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Championing the implementation of the African Youth Charter and other AU youth policies.
• Promoting meaningful youth participation in AU policy development and decision-making.
• Building partnerships with governments, civil society organisations, development partners, youth networks, and the private sector.
• Leading advocacy campaigns that promote youth leadership, inclusion, and investment in youth development.
• Supporting major African Union youth dialogues, forums, and intergenerational engagement platforms.
• Advancing youth representation across AU institutions and programmes.
• Coordinating closely with the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate to ensure alignment with continental priorities.

The Youth Envoy will also represent African youth perspectives within African Union policy processes and regional development initiatives.

Academic and Professional Requirements

Applicants must possess either:

• A Master’s degree with at least seven years of relevant professional experience; or
• A Bachelor’s degree with at least ten years of relevant professional experience.

Relevant academic fields include:

• Development Studies
• Public Policy
• Political Science
• International Relations
• Information Technology
• Other related disciplines

Candidates should also demonstrate at least three years of experience at expert or senior level.

Skills and Experience Sought

The African Union is seeking candidates with demonstrated leadership in youth empowerment and continental development.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Strong understanding of youth development frameworks and initiatives.
• Proven advocacy and policy influencing experience.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilise and empower young people.
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organisational skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and innovation capabilities.
• Experience working with governments, civil society organisations, development partners, media, and youth networks.
• Proven digital advocacy and campaign leadership experience.
• Demonstrated engagement with AU institutions, United Nations agencies, or international development platforms.

Candidates should also possess strong storytelling skills capable of shaping narratives that influence policy and inspire action.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be proficient in at least one of the African Union’s official working languages:

• Arabic
• English
• French
• Kiswahili
• Portuguese
• Spanish

Fluency in an additional AU working language will be considered an advantage.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.

These include:

• Being between 18 and 35 years of age throughout the appointment period.
• Coming from West, East, or Central Africa in line with the AU’s geographical rotation policy.
• Submitting a fully completed application using the mandatory African Union CV template.
• Providing an updated curriculum vitae not exceeding three pages.
• Uploading a copy of a valid African passport or national identification document.
• Providing copies of all required academic qualifications.
• Supplying the names and contact details of three professional referees.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the next stages of the recruitment process.

Contract Duration and Remuneration

The appointment will initially be offered on a one-year fixed-term contract, including a three-month probation period.

Subject to satisfactory performance, funding availability, and agreed deliverables, the contract may be renewed for an additional term.

The successful candidate will receive:

• US$96,921.34 annually for internationally recruited staff.
• US$78,461.08 annually for locally recruited staff.

These figures include all applicable allowances.

Supporting Agenda 2063 Through Youth Leadership

The African Union continues to recognise young people as central drivers of Africa’s social, political, and economic transformation. Through the Chairperson’s Youth Envoy position, the AU aims to strengthen youth participation in governance, policy development, and continental decision-making while expanding opportunities for meaningful engagement across Member States.

Qualified young African leaders with a passion for youth advocacy, policy influence, and continental development are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing deadline.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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