Internship Verified listing
African Union Internship Programme 2026 – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026 (58 days left)
Study level
Final-year Bachelor's students, Bachelor's graduates and Master's graduates
Funding
Unpaid internship
Field
IT, Computer Science, HR, Administration, Finance, Economics, Communication, International Relations, Law and related fields
Official source: jobs.au.int
African Union Internship Programme 2026 – Apply in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The African Union Commission (AUC) is inviting applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, offering young Africans an opportunity to gain professional experience within one of Africa's leading continental organizations.
The programme is designed to help university students and recent graduates complement their academic education with practical workplace experience. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to contribute to the African Union's programmes, projects and activities while developing professional skills in a multicultural international environment.
The internship is based at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Internship Overview
Organization: African Union Commission (AUC)
Programme: African Union Internship Programme 2026
Vacancy reference: 1506
Opportunity type: Internship
Duty station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Country eligibility: Nationals of African Union Member States
Duration: Three months, renewable once for an additional three months
Working arrangement: Full-time
Remuneration: Unpaid
Application deadline: 31 December 2026
Application method: Online through the official African Union recruitment portal
About the African Union
The African Union is a continental organization established to promote unity, solidarity, cooperation, integration and sustainable development among African countries and their populations.
Its headquarters are located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Through its internship programme, the African Union provides opportunities for young professionals and students to understand how a major continental organization operates and contributes to Africa's development.
The programme also supports the development of future African leaders by giving participants opportunities to strengthen their professional abilities and gain practical experience.
Available Internship Areas
The African Union accepts applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds.
Interns may provide administrative and technical support to programmes, projects and activities across the following departments and directorates:
1. Information Technology and Digital Systems
Relevant areas include:
Management Information Systems Division.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
Information and Communication.
Potential academic backgrounds include Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems and related disciplines.
2. Human Resources and Administration
Relevant areas include:
Human Resources Management.
Operations Support Services.
Office of the Director General.
Office of the Secretary to the Commission.
Suitable backgrounds include Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration and Management.
3. Finance and Economics
Relevant areas include:
Financial Control Unit.
Economic Development, Trade and Industry.
Office of Strategic Planning and Delivery.
Suitable academic backgrounds include Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business and related disciplines.
4. Conference Management and Publications
Relevant areas include:
Conference Management and Publications.
Office of Protocol.
Information and Communication.
Suitable backgrounds include Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Translation, Languages and Event Management.
5. International Relations and Governance
Relevant areas include:
Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
Office of the Legal Counsel.
Partnership and Resource Mobilization.
Citizens and Diaspora.
Women, Gender and Youth.
Suitable backgrounds include International Relations, Political Science, Law, Development Studies and related fields.
6. Other Programme Areas
Additional departments include:
Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment.
Education, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Infrastructure and Energy.
Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.
Medical and Health Services.
Office of Internal Oversight.
Ethics, Integrity and Standards.
Peace Fund Secretariat.
New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
Important: These are departments listed in the official vacancy announcement, not separate guaranteed vacancies. The actual assignment depends on the needs of the host department and the applicant's qualifications and interests.
What Will Interns Do?
Interns will provide administrative and technical support to help the African Union implement its programmes, projects and activities.
Responsibilities depend on the department or directorate to which an intern is assigned.
The programme is intended to provide practical exposure to:
Administrative and technical operations.
Programme and project support.
Professional communication and documentation.
Research and information management.
Teamwork in a multicultural environment.
Institutional coordination.
Organizational procedures and professional responsibilities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of an African Union Member State.
2. Age
Applicants must be no more than 32 years old at the time of selection.
3. Academic Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following academic conditions:
Be actively enrolled in at least the final year of a Bachelor's degree programme.
Have obtained a Bachelor's degree in a related academic field.
Have obtained an advanced postgraduate qualification, such as a Master's degree, in a related academic field.
Final-year students must be full-time students.
4. Language Requirements
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the African Union's working languages specified in the vacancy:
Arabic
English
French
Portuguese
Knowledge of additional African Union languages, including Spanish and Kiswahili, is an added advantage according to the vacancy's skills section.
5. Professional Conduct
Applicants must:
Demonstrate high standards of moral conduct and integrity.
Have no conviction for a serious criminal offence, excluding minor traffic offences.
Demonstrate the ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment.
6. Work Experience
Previous professional work experience is not required for these internship positions.
Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to use email and internet applications.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Ability to write clearly and concisely.
Commitment to work and professional responsibilities.
Ability to work with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Integrity, professionalism and accountability.
Financial Benefits and Conditions
Important: The African Union Internship Programme is unpaid.
The African Union does not accept financial responsibility for interns' expenses.
Successful applicants must independently arrange and finance:
Travel to and from Addis Ababa.
Accommodation.
Daily living expenses.
Personal health and travel insurance.
The African Union indicates that it will make reasonable efforts to assist interns in obtaining entry and residence visas.
However, this does not mean that travel, accommodation or living expenses are funded.
Internship Duration
The official vacancy specifies an initial internship period of three months.
The internship may be renewed once for an additional three months, subject to the programme's conditions.
The maximum duration under this arrangement is six months.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following supporting documents:
Motivation Letter: A letter explaining why you want to participate in the African Union Internship Programme and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Identification Document: A copy of a valid passport or national identity card.
Academic Certificates: Certified copies of relevant academic certificates.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current CV using the mandatory African Union CV template.
Recommendation Letter: A recommendation letter for the internship from the educational institution the applicant is attending.
Important CV Requirement
The African Union specifically instructs applicants to use its official CV template.
Using the AU CV template is mandatory for this recruitment announcement.
Applicants should download the appropriate English or French CV template from the official vacancy page, complete it and upload it with their application.
How to Apply for the African Union Internship 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the official African Union recruitment portal.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official vacancy page
Open the African Union Internship Programme announcement:
https://jobs.au.int/job/Internship-Program/1506-en_US/
Step 2: Create an account
If you are a first-time applicant, register on the African Union recruitment platform before logging in.
Step 3: Download the official AU CV template
Download the English or French CV template provided in the vacancy announcement.
Complete the template carefully.
Step 4: Prepare your application documents
Prepare your motivation letter, identification document, academic certificates, completed AU CV template and institutional recommendation letter.
Step 5: Complete your online application
Log in to the recruitment portal, complete your personal and academic information, indicate your relevant experience and interests, and upload all required documents.
Step 6: Review and submit
Check that your information and supporting documents are accurate before submitting your application.
Step 7: Confirm your submission
Check your application status through your recruitment portal account and retain your submission confirmation.
Application Deadline
The official application deadline is:
31 December 2026
Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the closing date.
Important Information for Applicants
Applications are submitted online.
The African Union CV template is mandatory.
Previous work experience is not required.
The internship is unpaid.
Applicants must finance their own travel, accommodation and living expenses.
Only nationals of African Union Member States who meet the requirements should apply.
The assignment depends on the needs of the host department.
Applicants should use the official African Union recruitment portal rather than third-party application websites.
Official Application Link
Apply through the African Union Commission's official recruitment portal:
https://jobs.au.int/job/Internship-Program/1506-en_US/
Vacancy Reference: 1506
Organization: African Union Commission
Application Deadline: 31 December 2026
Applications are free through the official recruitment portal. Always verify recruitment information directly with the African Union before submitting personal documents.
The African Union Commission (AUC) is inviting applications for its 2026 Internship Programme, offering young Africans an opportunity to gain professional experience within one of Africa's leading continental organizations.
The programme is designed to help university students and recent graduates complement their academic education with practical workplace experience. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to contribute to the African Union's programmes, projects and activities while developing professional skills in a multicultural international environment.
The internship is based at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Internship Overview
Organization: African Union Commission (AUC)
Programme: African Union Internship Programme 2026
Vacancy reference: 1506
Opportunity type: Internship
Duty station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Country eligibility: Nationals of African Union Member States
Duration: Three months, renewable once for an additional three months
Working arrangement: Full-time
Remuneration: Unpaid
Application deadline: 31 December 2026
Application method: Online through the official African Union recruitment portal
About the African Union
The African Union is a continental organization established to promote unity, solidarity, cooperation, integration and sustainable development among African countries and their populations.
Its headquarters are located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Through its internship programme, the African Union provides opportunities for young professionals and students to understand how a major continental organization operates and contributes to Africa's development.
The programme also supports the development of future African leaders by giving participants opportunities to strengthen their professional abilities and gain practical experience.
Available Internship Areas
The African Union accepts applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds.
Interns may provide administrative and technical support to programmes, projects and activities across the following departments and directorates:
1. Information Technology and Digital Systems
Relevant areas include:
Management Information Systems Division.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
Information and Communication.
Potential academic backgrounds include Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems and related disciplines.
2. Human Resources and Administration
Relevant areas include:
Human Resources Management.
Operations Support Services.
Office of the Director General.
Office of the Secretary to the Commission.
Suitable backgrounds include Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Public Administration and Management.
3. Finance and Economics
Relevant areas include:
Financial Control Unit.
Economic Development, Trade and Industry.
Office of Strategic Planning and Delivery.
Suitable academic backgrounds include Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business and related disciplines.
4. Conference Management and Publications
Relevant areas include:
Conference Management and Publications.
Office of Protocol.
Information and Communication.
Suitable backgrounds include Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Translation, Languages and Event Management.
5. International Relations and Governance
Relevant areas include:
Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
Office of the Legal Counsel.
Partnership and Resource Mobilization.
Citizens and Diaspora.
Women, Gender and Youth.
Suitable backgrounds include International Relations, Political Science, Law, Development Studies and related fields.
6. Other Programme Areas
Additional departments include:
Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment.
Education, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Infrastructure and Energy.
Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.
Medical and Health Services.
Office of Internal Oversight.
Ethics, Integrity and Standards.
Peace Fund Secretariat.
New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
Important: These are departments listed in the official vacancy announcement, not separate guaranteed vacancies. The actual assignment depends on the needs of the host department and the applicant's qualifications and interests.
What Will Interns Do?
Interns will provide administrative and technical support to help the African Union implement its programmes, projects and activities.
Responsibilities depend on the department or directorate to which an intern is assigned.
The programme is intended to provide practical exposure to:
Administrative and technical operations.
Programme and project support.
Professional communication and documentation.
Research and information management.
Teamwork in a multicultural environment.
Institutional coordination.
Organizational procedures and professional responsibilities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of an African Union Member State.
2. Age
Applicants must be no more than 32 years old at the time of selection.
3. Academic Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following academic conditions:
Be actively enrolled in at least the final year of a Bachelor's degree programme.
Have obtained a Bachelor's degree in a related academic field.
Have obtained an advanced postgraduate qualification, such as a Master's degree, in a related academic field.
Final-year students must be full-time students.
4. Language Requirements
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the African Union's working languages specified in the vacancy:
Arabic
English
French
Portuguese
Knowledge of additional African Union languages, including Spanish and Kiswahili, is an added advantage according to the vacancy's skills section.
5. Professional Conduct
Applicants must:
Demonstrate high standards of moral conduct and integrity.
Have no conviction for a serious criminal offence, excluding minor traffic offences.
Demonstrate the ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment.
6. Work Experience
Previous professional work experience is not required for these internship positions.
Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to use email and internet applications.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Ability to write clearly and concisely.
Commitment to work and professional responsibilities.
Ability to work with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Integrity, professionalism and accountability.
Financial Benefits and Conditions
Important: The African Union Internship Programme is unpaid.
The African Union does not accept financial responsibility for interns' expenses.
Successful applicants must independently arrange and finance:
Travel to and from Addis Ababa.
Accommodation.
Daily living expenses.
Personal health and travel insurance.
The African Union indicates that it will make reasonable efforts to assist interns in obtaining entry and residence visas.
However, this does not mean that travel, accommodation or living expenses are funded.
Internship Duration
The official vacancy specifies an initial internship period of three months.
The internship may be renewed once for an additional three months, subject to the programme's conditions.
The maximum duration under this arrangement is six months.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following supporting documents:
Motivation Letter: A letter explaining why you want to participate in the African Union Internship Programme and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Identification Document: A copy of a valid passport or national identity card.
Academic Certificates: Certified copies of relevant academic certificates.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current CV using the mandatory African Union CV template.
Recommendation Letter: A recommendation letter for the internship from the educational institution the applicant is attending.
Important CV Requirement
The African Union specifically instructs applicants to use its official CV template.
Using the AU CV template is mandatory for this recruitment announcement.
Applicants should download the appropriate English or French CV template from the official vacancy page, complete it and upload it with their application.
How to Apply for the African Union Internship 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the official African Union recruitment portal.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official vacancy page
Open the African Union Internship Programme announcement:
https://jobs.au.int/job/Internship-Program/1506-en_US/
Step 2: Create an account
If you are a first-time applicant, register on the African Union recruitment platform before logging in.
Step 3: Download the official AU CV template
Download the English or French CV template provided in the vacancy announcement.
Complete the template carefully.
Step 4: Prepare your application documents
Prepare your motivation letter, identification document, academic certificates, completed AU CV template and institutional recommendation letter.
Step 5: Complete your online application
Log in to the recruitment portal, complete your personal and academic information, indicate your relevant experience and interests, and upload all required documents.
Step 6: Review and submit
Check that your information and supporting documents are accurate before submitting your application.
Step 7: Confirm your submission
Check your application status through your recruitment portal account and retain your submission confirmation.
Application Deadline
The official application deadline is:
31 December 2026
Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the closing date.
Important Information for Applicants
Applications are submitted online.
The African Union CV template is mandatory.
Previous work experience is not required.
The internship is unpaid.
Applicants must finance their own travel, accommodation and living expenses.
Only nationals of African Union Member States who meet the requirements should apply.
The assignment depends on the needs of the host department.
Applicants should use the official African Union recruitment portal rather than third-party application websites.
Official Application Link
Apply through the African Union Commission's official recruitment portal:
https://jobs.au.int/job/Internship-Program/1506-en_US/
Vacancy Reference: 1506
Organization: African Union Commission
Application Deadline: 31 December 2026
Applications are free through the official recruitment portal. Always verify recruitment information directly with the African Union before submitting personal documents.
Eligible countries: Nationals of African Union Member States
AU Member State nationality; maximum age 32 at selection; academic requirements; language proficiency; good conduct
Professional experience, practical exposure and multicultural working environment
Motivation letter, passport/ID, certified academic certificates, AU CV template and institutional recommendation letter
Apply online through the official African Union recruitment portal. Register, download and complete the mandatory AU CV template, prepare the required supporting documents and submit your application. Open official application page
Addis AbabaAdministrationAfricaAfrican UnionEthiopiaFinanceHuman ResourcesInternational RelationsInternship 2026IT Internship
