African Union Internship Program 2026 in Ethiopia

Application Deadline: December 31, 2026

The African Union (AU) is inviting applications from qualified citizens of its Member States for its Internship Program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The program provides university students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical professional experience, strengthen their skills and learn about the work of a leading continental institution.

The African Union Internship Program is a full-time engagement designed to complement participants’ academic training with hands-on experience in a multicultural professional environment. Interns will support the implementation of AU programmes, projects and activities while developing their understanding of African development, regional integration and institutional cooperation.

Successful applicants may be assigned to different AU departments, directorates and administrative units according to their academic backgrounds, skills and organizational requirements.

Applications are currently open, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the December 31, 2026 deadline.

Opportunity Information

About the African Union

The African Union is a continental organization established to promote African unity, solidarity, cooperation and sustainable development. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the organization works to advance the integration of African countries and strengthen cooperation among African States and their populations.

Through its various departments and institutions, the AU supports initiatives in areas such as economic development, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, peace and security, governance and regional partnerships.

The Internship Program contributes to the organization’s capacity-building efforts by providing young Africans with opportunities to gain professional experience and contribute their knowledge and skills to the AU’s work.

Purpose of the Internship Program

The African Union Internship Program aims to expose participants to the operations and activities of the organization at an early stage of their professional careers.

The program provides opportunities to:

• Gain practical experience in a professional international organization.
• Complement academic studies with workplace experience.
• Develop technical, administrative and interpersonal skills.
• Understand the African Union’s programmes, policies and institutional operations.
• Work with professionals from different cultural and academic backgrounds.
• Contribute to the implementation of AU projects and activities.

The program also enables the African Union to benefit from the knowledge, skills and perspectives of qualified young Africans while helping develop potential future leaders.

Internship Focus Areas and Departments

Interns will generally provide administrative and technical support to the implementation of African Union programmes, projects and activities.

Placements may be available across the following departments, offices and directorates:

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

The specific responsibilities of each intern will depend on the department or unit to which they are assigned.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants interested in the African Union Internship Program must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Nationality

Applicants must be citizens of an African Union Member State.

2. Academic Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following academic requirements:

• Be 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 qualification, such as a Master’s degree, in a relevant academic field.

3. Student Status

Applicants enrolled in university programmes must be full-time students in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree or graduate-level programme.

4. Age Requirement

Applicants must not be more than 32 years old at the time of selection.

5. Language Proficiency

Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the African Union’s official working languages, including Arabic, English, French or Portuguese.

Knowledge of additional AU languages is an advantage.

6. Moral Conduct and Integrity

Applicants must demonstrate high standards of professional ethics, moral conduct and integrity.

7. Criminal Record

Candidates must not have been convicted of a serious criminal offence, excluding minor traffic offences.

8. Work Experience

Previous professional work experience is not required.

Required Skills and Competencies

The African Union expects applicants to demonstrate relevant technical, communication and interpersonal abilities.

The following skills are important:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to use email and internet applications effectively.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in at least one AU official working language.
• Knowledge of additional AU languages, including Spanish and Kiswahili, is an added advantage.

Core Competencies

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Clear and effective communication.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Commitment to assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment.
• High standards of moral conduct and integrity.

Required Application Documents

Candidates must submit the following documents through the online application system:

1. Motivation Letter: A letter explaining why you are interested in the internship and what you expect to gain from participating in the program.
2. Identification Document: A valid passport or national identity card.
3. Academic Certificates: Certified copies of relevant academic qualifications.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated CV containing your academic background, skills, experience and other relevant information.
5. Recommendation Letter: A recommendation letter for the internship from the educational institution you are attending.

Important: Mandatory African Union CV Template

The African Union requires candidates to complete their profiles using its official AU CV template.

Applicants must download the appropriate template, complete it and upload it as part of their application.

The available templates include:

• English CV Template
• French CV Template

Candidates should use the download links provided in the official AU Careers Portal.

Failure to follow the CV template requirement may affect the completeness of an application.

Internship Duration and Terms of Engagement

The African Union Internship Program is a full-time engagement.

The internship is initially authorized for three months, with the possibility of renewal once for an additional three months.

The following terms and conditions apply:

• The internship is authorized only once per candidate.
• The initial internship period is three months.
• An extension may be granted for another three months.
• Interns are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation.
• The African Union does not provide compensation for travel expenses.
• Interns must arrange their own insurance coverage throughout the internship.
• The AU will make reasonable efforts to assist interns in obtaining the necessary entry and residence visas.

Financial Support and Expenses

Important: The African Union Internship Program is unpaid.

The African Union does not have financial obligations towards interns during their assignments.

Successful applicants are responsible for covering their own participation expenses, including:

• International and local travel expenses.
• Accommodation and lodging.
• Daily living expenses.
• Medical and health-related expenses.
• Individual insurance coverage.

The AU does not provide travel compensation or medical evacuation at the Commission’s expense.

Applicants should therefore assess their financial ability to undertake the internship in Addis Ababa before accepting a placement.

How to Apply for the African Union Internship Program

Applications must be submitted online through the official African Union Careers Portal.

Interested candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official African Union Careers Portal: https://careers.au.int.
2. Register for an account if you are a first-time applicant.
3. Log in and complete your personal profile with relevant academic and professional information.
4. Download the mandatory African Union CV template in English or French.
5. Complete the AU CV template and upload it to your profile.
6. Prepare your motivation letter, identification document, certified academic certificates and recommendation letter.
7. Complete the online application and upload all required supporting documents.
8. Review your information and submit your application.

Applicants who successfully submit their applications will receive an email confirmation.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the African Union Internship Program currently open?

Yes. Applications are currently open, with the stated deadline of December 31, 2026.

2. Where is the internship located?

The internship is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the African Union’s headquarters.

3. Who can apply?

Citizens of African Union Member States who meet the academic, age, language and other eligibility requirements can apply.

4. What is the maximum age requirement?

Applicants must not be more than 32 years old at the time of selection.

5. Is previous work experience required?

No. Previous professional work experience is not required.

6. How long does the internship last?

The initial internship lasts three months and may be renewed once for another three months.

7. Is the internship paid?

No. The AU does not provide a stipend, travel compensation, accommodation or daily living allowances. Applicants must finance their own participation.

8. Is the AU CV template mandatory?

Yes. Applicants are required to use the official African Union CV template when completing their profiles and submitting their applications.

9. Will the AU assist with visa arrangements?

The African Union will make reasonable efforts to assist successful applicants in obtaining the necessary entry and residence visas.

10. Do interns need medical insurance?

Yes. Interns must arrange individual insurance coverage for the entire duration of their internship.

Contact and Application Information

For further information and application assistance, candidates should consult the official African Union Careers Portal.

Official Careers Portal: https://careers.au.int

Application Deadline: December 31, 2026

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: African Union

Apply Now

Interested and eligible candidates should create an account on the African Union Careers Portal, download the mandatory AU CV template and submit their applications with all required supporting documents before the deadline.

Official Application Link: https://careers.au.int

Applicants are encouraged to review the complete vacancy announcement and its specific requirements before submitting an application.