African Union Commission Chairperson’s Youth Envoy (AUCYE) 2026 – Become the 3rd AU Youth Envoy (US$96,921.34 Annual Lump-Sum Salary) – Apply Now

Application Deadline: July 9, 2026

About the Position

Applications are now open for the 2026 African Union Commission Chairperson’s Youth Envoy. The African Union (AU) Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want recognizes that the future of Africa is intrinsically linked to the skills, knowledge, innovation, talents, and commitment of its young people. In line with this vision, the AU and its Member States have increasingly prioritized youth development, participation, and leadership. In recognition of the role young people play in shaping Africa’s development and building on the AU’s longstanding commitment to placing young people at the center of the continent’s development agenda, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) seeks to appoint the 3rd African Union Commission Chairperson’s Youth Envoy (AUCYE) for a two-year term, with the possibility of renewal for another term. In close collaboration with the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate (WGYD), the Youth Envoy will serve as a dedicated advocate for the interests, aspirations, and concerns of Africa’s youth, facilitating dialogue between young people and AU leadership, promoting the implementation of continental youth commitments, and ensuring that youth perspectives inform policies and programmes.

Main Functions

In the discharge of his/her duties, the Youth Envoy will:

• Champion AU Youth Policies and Priorities
• Amplify Youth Voices and Participation
• Mobilize Partnerships and Advocacy for youth development and empowerment
• Serve as a Strategic Liaison between Youth and the AU, including representing African youth voices in AU policy processes

Specific Responsibilities

The AUC Chairperson’s Youth Envoy will be responsible for the following functions, among others:

• Champion AU Youth Policies and Priorities by promoting the implementation of the African Youth Charter, the AU 1 Million Next Level Initiative (1mNL) Initiative, and other relevant AU frameworks and initiatives, while fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance youth development and empowerment
• Promote Youth Engagement and Representation by facilitating the meaningful participation of young people, including marginalized and vulnerable groups, in AU policy dialogues, decision-making processes, and continental development initiatives
• Strengthen Partnerships and Youth Networks at national, regional, continental, and global levels to amplify youth voices, enhance collaboration, and support the implementation of AU youth commitments
• Lead Advocacy and Awareness Efforts to elevate youth issues, promote youth leadership and inclusion, mobilize political commitment, and advocate for increased investment in youth development and youth-centered policies
• Support Strategic Youth Platforms and Events by advancing youth participation in key AU-led engagements, including youth dialogues, commemorative events, and intergenerational platforms
• Advance Youth Inclusion within the AU by advocating for greater youth representation and participation across AU institutions and processes, including initiatives that promote youth leadership and diversity
• Coordinate Closely with WGYD to ensure alignment with AU priorities, strengthen institutional collaboration, and support the effective delivery of youth development and engagement programmes

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience:

• Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Information Technology, or a related field with at least seven (7) years of relevant work experience, OR
• A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with at least ten (10) years of relevant work experience and three (3) years at expert and/or senior level

Required Experience:

• Demonstrable understanding of youth empowerment frameworks and initiatives
• Proven advocacy and influencing experience, including ability to identify key youth priorities and lead initiatives that drive meaningful social, institutional, and policy change
• A strong track record in youth mobilization and empowerment, demonstrating the ability to organize, inspire, and support young people in advancing transformative change at community, national, regional, or international levels
• Proven leadership and management capabilities, including the ability to coordinate initiatives, build partnerships, and deliver results in complex and multi-actor environments

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Sound planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
• Established leadership experience in multi-stakeholder engagement, working effectively with youth networks, governments, private sector actors, media, civil society organizations, and development partners
• Proven capacity to generate innovative ideas and translate them into practical improvements and results
• Diplomatic negotiation skills and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment and adapt to changing circumstances
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability, and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
• Demonstrable pan-African youth leadership skills through engagement with AU, UN agencies, and global development platforms
• Strong ability to mobilize and coordinate youth networks across Africa for advocacy and development initiatives, including digital advocacy and campaign leadership
• Skilled in strategic influence and storytelling, shaping narratives that drive policy attention and action
• Ability to connect day-to-day actions with long-term goals, ensuring short-term decisions align with and contribute to broader strategic objectives
• Ability to drive innovation by adopting new approaches, taking calculated risks, and creating an environment where others feel safe to share ideas and contribute to change

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory
• Fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

Additional Requirements

• Candidates must be between the ages of 18–35 for the duration of the appointment
• Only candidates from the West, East, and Central regions are eligible to apply in accordance with geographical rotation

Application Requirements

Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are selected for the next stage of the selection process will be contacted. Consideration will be given only to those candidates who have submitted:

• A fully completed online application
• An updated curriculum vitae (CV) (not longer than 3 pages)
• A bio page of national passport or national ID
• Required academic qualifications (Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, etc.)
• Names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three referees

Tenure of Appointment

The appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance, and agreed deliverables.

Remuneration

The salary attached to the position is:

• US$96,921.34 annual lump-sum (P3 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff
• US$78,461.08 annual lump-sum inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission

How to Apply

Application Link:  Click here to apply

Application Deadline: July 9, 2026

Why This Position Matters

The African Union Commission Chairperson’s Youth Envoy is a prestigious and influential role that places a young African leader at the heart of continental decision-making. The Envoy serves as the voice of Africa’s youth at the highest levels of the AU, advocating for youth priorities, amplifying youth voices, and ensuring that young people’s perspectives inform policies and programmes.

For a young African leader with a strong track record in youth mobilization, advocacy, and policy engagement, this role offers:

• A platform to shape continental youth policies and drive meaningful change for Africa’s young people
• Access to senior AU leadership and decision-making processes
• Opportunities to build partnerships across governments, civil society, and international organizations
• A competitive salary (US$96,921.34 annually) and the prestige of representing Africa’s youth at the continental level

If you are a young African leader with the passion, experience, and vision to champion youth issues at the highest level, this is your opportunity to shape the future of the continent.

For More Information: Visit the Official African Union Youth Envoy Application Page