African Union Commission Internship Program

Location: Addis Ababa
Job Grade: Internship
Required Number: 50
AU Organ: The African Union Commission
Req Id: 1506

The African Union, established as a Pan-African continental body, aims to spearhead Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion, and cooperation among African States and peoples. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

AU Values:

  • Respect for Diversity and Team Work
  • Transparency and Accountability
  • Integrity and Impartiality
  • Efficiency and Professionalism
  • Information and Knowledge Sharing
  • Think Africa Above all

Purpose of the Internship:
The AU Internship Program provides an opportunity for interns to complement their educational experience and develop professional skills through full-time engagement. Qualified individuals from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those with a keen interest in the AU’s work and the ability to interact with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

The program aims to expose participants to the workings of the AU early in their professional careers, strengthening their personal and professional skills. Interns will gain hands-on experience in various fields and support AU programs, projects, and activities.

Focus Areas:
Interns will assist in providing administrative and technical support for effective implementation of African Union programmes, projects, and activities in the following departments/directorates:

  • Cabinet of the Chairperson
  • Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson
  • Office of the Director General
  • Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
  • Economic Development, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETIM)
  • Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)
  • Infrastructure and Energy (IE)
  • Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
  • Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS)
  • Human Resources Management (HRM)
  • Operations Support Services
  • Management Information Systems Division
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
  • Conference Management and Publications (CMP)
  • Office for Safety and Security Services
  • Citizens and Diaspora (CIDO)
  • Medical and Health Services
  • Financial Control Unit
  • Office of Strategic Planning and Delivery
  • Office of Internal Oversight (OIO)
  • Quality Assurance and Control
  • Ethics, Integrity and Standards
  • Office of the Secretary to the Commission
  • Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC)
  • Office of Protocol
  • Partnership and Resource Mobilization
  • Women, Gender and Youth (WGY)
  • Information and Communication
  • Peace Fund Secretariat
  • New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Actively enrolled in at least the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program OR have obtained a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced/postgraduate (Master’s) qualification in a related academic field.
  • Nationals of a Member State of the African Union.
  • Full-time students currently enrolled in the final year of their Bachelor’s or graduate school program.
  • Fluent in at least one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, or Portuguese).
  • No more than thirty-two (32) years of age at the time of selection.
  • Possess the highest standard of moral conduct and integrity.
  • No serious criminal offence convictions excluding minor traffic offences.
  • No prior work experience required for internship positions.

Terms and Conditions:

  • The AU will have no financial obligation towards interns. Travel arrangements, accommodation, and living expenses will be the responsibility of the interns.
  • AU will assist interns in obtaining entry and residence visas.
  • Interns will not be entitled to compensation for travel.
  • The internship is authorized once for three months, renewable one time.
  • Interns are not entitled to medical travel or medical evacuation expenses. Individual insurance coverage is required throughout the internship.

Required Skills:

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

Core Competencies:

  • Clear communication ability
  • Clear and concise writing ability
  • Commitment to work
  • Ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment
  • Highest standard of moral conduct and integrity

Application Process:
Applications are submitted online. First-time users of the online registration system must register before logging in. Applicants must provide as much relevant information as possible and submit the following supporting documents:

  • Motivation letter indicating expected gain from the internship program
  • Copy of valid passport or national identity card
  • Certified copies of relevant academic certificates
  • Current curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Recommendation letter for internship from the institution of learning

Upon successful submission, applicants will receive an email confirmation.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2024

Apply Online Link: African Union Internship Program Application


Thank you for your interest in the African Union. Please complete your profile using the AU CV template. The use of the AU CV template is mandatory. Download the CV template from the link provided, fill it, and upload it to apply for jobs.