African Union (AU) Internship Program For Young Africans 2024

The African Union (AU) Internship Program, designed for young Africans, offers a valuable opportunity to enhance educational experiences and foster professional growth. This full-time engagement aims to provide qualified individuals from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to professional environments within the AU. Encouraging respect for diversity and teamwork, the AU welcomes applications from all eligible candidates.

Interns are involved in various administrative and technical tasks to support the effective implementation of AU programs across different departments and directorates, including:

1. Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson
2. Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
3. Economic Development, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETIM)
4. Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI)
5. Infrastructure and Energy (IE)
6. Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS)
7. Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development (HHS)
8. Human Resources Management (HRM)
9. Operations Support Services
10. Management Information Systems Division
11. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
12. Conference Management and Publications (CMP)
13. Office for Safety and Security Services
14. Citizens and Diaspora (CIDO)
15. Medical and Health Services
16. Financial Control Unit
17. Office of Strategic Planning and Delivery
18. Office of Internal Oversight (OIO)
19. Quality Assurance and Control
20. Ethics, Integrity, and Standards
21. Office of the Secretary to the Commission
22. Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC)
23. Office of Protocol
24. Partnership and Resource Mobilization
25. Women, Gender, and Youth (WGY)
26. Information and Communication
27. Peace Fund Secretariat
28. New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)

Benefits of AU Internship Programme:

The AU Internship Programme is designed to offer several benefits to participants:

1. Exposure to AU Operations: Participants gain early exposure to the workings of the AU, enhancing their understanding of the organization at the onset of their professional careers.
2. Skill Development: The programme aims to strengthen both personal and professional skills of participants, providing hands-on experience in various applicable fields.
3. Intercultural Learning: Participants learn and work in an intercultural environment, fostering cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
4. Contribution to AU: Participants contribute to the AU with their knowledge and skills, potentially serving as a grooming ground for future African leaders.

Requirements for AU Internship Programme:

To be eligible for the AU Internship Programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Actively enrolled in at least the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program or possess a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced/post-graduate (Masters) qualification in a related academic field.
2. Nationality of a Member State of the African Union.
3. Full-time students currently enrolled in the final year of their Bachelor’s or graduate school program.
4. Fluent in at least one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, or Portuguese).
5. Age not exceeding thirty-two (32) years at the time of selection.
6. Highest standard of moral conduct and integrity.
7. No convictions of serious criminal offenses (excluding minor traffic offenses).
8. Prior work experience is not required for internship positions.

Terms and Conditions:

Interns should be aware of the following terms and conditions:

1. AU has no financial obligations towards interns, including travel arrangements and living expenses, which are the responsibility of the interns.
2. AU will assist interns in obtaining entry and residence visas.
3. Interns will not receive compensation for travel.
4. The internship duration is three (3) months, renewable once.
5. Interns must have individual insurance coverage throughout the internship.

Required Skills:

Candidates should possess the following skills:

1. Proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
2. Proficiency in email and internet applications.
3. Good interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
4. Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, Kiswahili), with fluency in additional languages being advantageous.

Core Competencies:

Interns are expected to demonstrate the following core competencies:

1. Clear communication skills, both oral and written.
2. Commitment to work.
3. Ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment.
4. Highest standard of moral conduct and integrity.

Application Process:

Interested and qualified candidates can apply online through the African Union’s career portal. First-time users need to register before logging in and are advised to provide comprehensive and relevant information. Applicants must submit various supporting documents, including a motivation letter, valid passport or national identity card, certified copies of academic certificates, current CV, and a recommendation letter for internship from their institution of learning.

Application Deadline:
October 31, 2024

How to Apply:
Visit the African Union’s career portal at career2.successfactors.eu to apply.

For further information and detailed guidelines regarding the AU Internship Programme, please visit the African Union’s official website.