Are you an African youth passionate about governance and policy? The Paid Youth Technical Experts Opportunity 2026 offers a chance to earn a $1,000 stipend while appraising the African Youth Charter at its 20th anniversary. This remote role lets you shape continental policy through research and consultations.
Key Details at a Glance
This opportunity comes from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), YouLead Africa, and Restless Development. They need 20 Youth Technical Experts for 3-4 months from May to August 2026. Expect about 8 hours of work per week, mostly remote with some country-level tasks. The application deadline is April 30, 2026, at 12:00 SAST. Send your proposal to [email protected].
Programme Background
The African Youth Charter (AYC) turns 20 in 2026. It focuses on youth inclusion, democratic participation, and sustainable development in Africa. With youth making up over 75% of Africa’s population, this appraisal checks progress on the AYC and related frameworks like Agenda 2063 and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Your work will feed into a policy brief launched on Africa Youth Day and the APRM Africa Governance Report 2027.
Aim of the Role
Youth Technical Experts will run participatory assessments on how African Union frameworks support youth. You will review institutional responses to youth needs and create recommendations. This helps build stronger governance across national, regional, and continental levels.
Main Objectives
Your tasks include:
- Summarizing youth consultations from APRM, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development.
- Analyzing trends in youth inclusion under AU frameworks.
- Spotting gaps and barriers to youth participation.
- Adding recommendations to the policy brief.
- Sharing youth views in policy talks and the 2027 report.
- Helping coordinate consultations tied to AYC @20 events.
Thematic Areas to Cover
Experts will focus on these topics:
- Youth, Governance and Democratic Transformation: Political roles, elections, reforms, and online civic work.
- Peace, Security and Youth Agency: Youth roles in peacebuilding and conflict resilience under the African Peace and Security Architecture.
- Economic Justice, Development and Employment: Jobs, AfCFTA, startups, digital finance, and gig work.
- Pan-Africanism, Identity and Youth Mobilisation: Diaspora ties, cultural efforts, and Afrocentric learning.
- Policy and Institutional Responsiveness: AU initiatives, Agenda 2063 monitoring, SDGs, and roles of AU organs, RECs, and states.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if you:
- Are 18-35 years old.
- Hold nationality from an AU Member State.
- Work in civil society, youth groups, academia, or community organizations.
- Care about youth governance, policy, or development.
- Can commit for May-August 2026.
- Speak and write English or French well (Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili helps).
- Have some research or advocacy experience (training provided if not).
They welcome young women, youth with disabilities, and those from rural or conflict areas.
What They Look For
Ideal candidates understand diverse youth experiences. Show passion for advocacy, youth engagement, and partnerships. Align with AYC and AU goals. Commit to inclusivity.
What You Get: Incentives
Selected experts receive:
- Official title and certificate.
- Orientation workshop on AYC and methods.
- Mentorship and support.
- Publication in the policy brief and edited volume.
- Networking with leaders and experts.
- $1,000 USD stipend, paid in parts: 50% after draft report, rest later. Plus funds for costs.
Time Commitment
Plan for 8 hours weekly over 3-4 months:
- Orientation in late May.
- Consultations in May-June.
- Fieldwork and data collection.
- Report drafting by July 17.
- Launch event on August 12.
Project Timelines
- Applications close: April 30, 2026.
- Selections notified: May 7.
- Training: May 11.
- Consultations: May-30 June.
- Reports due: July 17.
- Launch: August 12.
Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants face interviews. Choices prioritize diversity, geography, gender, and underrepresented groups. Everyone gets fair treatment.
How to Apply
Submit by email to [email protected] before April 30, 2026, 12:00 SAST. Use subject: APRM/DP/YTE/IC/04/2026: CALL FOR YOUTH TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO APPRAISE THE AFRICAN YOUTH CHARTER @20.
Include:
- Motivation letter (max 500 words): Why you, your AYC knowledge, focus area and location.
- Bio (max 150 words): Name, age, nationality, affiliation, contacts.
- CV.
- Scanned qualifications.
Download the full Terms of Reference PDF for details. This Paid Youth Technical Experts Opportunity 2026 is a real step to influence Africa’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Youth Technical Experts role?
You qualify if you are 18-35 years old, hold nationality from an AU Member State, work in civil society, youth groups, academia, or community organizations, and can commit from May to August 2026.
What is the time commitment for this opportunity?
Plan for about 8 hours of work per week over 3-4 months, from May to August 2026, including consultations, fieldwork, and report drafting.
What incentives do selected experts receive?
You get a $1,000 USD stipend paid in parts, an official title, certificate, mentorship, networking, publication in a policy brief, and funds for costs.
How do I apply for this opportunity?
Send your motivation letter, bio, CV, and scanned qualifications to [email protected] by April 30, 2026, at 12:00 SAST, using the subject: APRM/DP/YTE/IC/04/2026: CALL FOR YOUTH TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO APPRAISE THE AFRICAN YOUTH CHARTER @20.
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