Key Dates for Youth Technical Specialist Application
Applications are now open for the APRM Youth Technical Specialist Recruitment, with a submission deadline set for April 30, 2026.
Celebrating 20 Years of the African Youth Charter
The year 2026 marks a significant milestone as the African Youth Charter (AYC) celebrates its 20th anniversary. This occasion is not merely a commemoration, but a chance to reaffirm Africa’s commitment to involving youth in socio-economic development, democratic engagement, and sustainable practices. It provides a crucial opportunity to review progress made, identify gaps in implementation, and reinforce initiatives aimed at empowering youth throughout the continent.
New Initiative Launches for Youth Governance Experts
In this context, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development have introduced the initiative “Technical Experts on Youth Governance and Development: Consultation and Policy Brief on the African Youth Charter@20.” This initiative seeks to elevate the voices of African youth in shaping governance and developmental policies.
Call for Youth Technical Experts
Youth technical experts are invited to assess and document the implementation of the AYC by African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), national youth councils, civil society organizations, private sector stakeholders, and existing governance frameworks. The insights gathered will contribute to a comprehensive continental policy brief to be presented during the African Youth Day celebrations and will factor into the APRM’s Africa Governance Report (AGR) 2027, which will focus on youth participation in governance.
Thematic Areas of Assessment
Selected Youth Technology Specialists will focus their evaluations on key thematic areas, including:
- Youth, governance, and democratic change: This area covers political representation, electoral participation, constitutional reforms, and digital civic engagement.
- Peace, Security, and Youth Agency: Focus on the inclusion of youth in the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), peacebuilding efforts, and resilience in conflict situations.
- Economic justice and development: Examination of youth unemployment issues, the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and opportunities in entrepreneurship and the gig economy.
- Pan-Africanism and youth mobilization: Emphasizing diaspora engagement, cultural initiatives, and education centered on African identity.
- Policy and institutional responses: Evaluation of initiatives such as the AU’s 1 Million Next Level Initiative and the youth-led monitoring of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for this role, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and hold citizenship in an African Union member state. Candidates should have active involvement in civil society, youth networks, youth-led organizations, or academic institutions. A strong commitment to youth governance, civic engagement, and developmental policy is essential. The assessment process will span approximately 3-4 months (from May to August 2026), and proficiency in English and/or French is required; additional languages such as Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili are advantageous. Previous experience in research, advocacy, or policy analysis is preferred but not essential, as training will be provided.
Benefits of Participation
Selected youth technical experts will enjoy several benefits, including:
- Official recognition as a Youth Technical Expert within the context of the AYC @20 initiative.
- A personalized participation certificate and opportunities for workshops focused on AU governance frameworks and evaluation methodologies.
- A supportive mentoring environment fostering wellness and professional growth.
- Publishing opportunities in the Integrated Continent Policy Brief and contributing to an edited policy edition on youth governance.
- Networking with other youth leaders, governance experts, and civil society representatives from across the continent.
Project Timeline and Expectations
Selected candidates are expected to commit approximately 8 hours per week over a period of 3-4 months (May to August 2026). This entails participation in orientation sessions, structured virtual consultations, fieldwork, data analysis, and drafting a structured evaluation report, which is due on July 17, 2026.
Important Dates to Remember
The timeline for this initiative includes key dates such as:
- Application deadline: April 30, 2026
- Notification of selected youth technical experts: May 7, 2026
- Virtual orientation and training workshop: May 11, 2026
- Continental consultation and evaluation period: May through June 30, 2026
- Submission of evaluation report: July 17, 2026
- International Youth Day policy announcement: August 12, 2026
For Additional Information
Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official APRM Call for Youth Technical Experts webpage for further details.
