Are you an African youth passionate about governance and policy? The Paid Youth Technical Experts Opportunity 2026 offers a $1,000 stipend to join the African Youth Charter @20 appraisal. This remote role lets 20 young experts shape continental policy through research and consultations.
Key Details
This program runs for 3-4 months from May to August 2026. Experts commit about 8 hours per week, working remotely with some country-level tasks. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2026, at 12:00 SAST. Send applications to [email protected]. It comes from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), YouLead Africa, and Restless Development.
Programme Background
The African Youth Charter turns 20 in 2026. This marks a key moment to check progress on youth inclusion, participation, and development in Africa. Youth make up over 75% of Africa’s population. They lead change today and tomorrow. The initiative reviews how countries, regional groups, youth councils, and others follow the Charter and related plans like Agenda 2063.
Findings from this work will feed into a policy brief launched on Africa Youth Day. It will also help the APRM Africa Governance Report 2027, themed “Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity.”
Aim and Objectives
Youth Technical Experts will run assessments on African Union frameworks. They focus on how these support youth needs. Tasks include gathering views from consultations, spotting trends in governance, finding gaps in youth participation, and writing recommendations. Experts will help create the policy brief and share youth voices in big policy talks.
Thematic Areas of Focus
Experts pick from five areas to assess:
- Youth, Governance and Democratic Transformation: Covers political roles, elections, reforms, and online civic action.
- Peace, Security and Youth Agency: Looks at youth roles in peace efforts, security setups, and handling conflicts.
- Economic Justice, Development and Employment: Examines jobs, trade deals like AfCFTA, business starts, tech, and gig work.
- Pan-Africanism, Identity and Youth Mobilisation: Includes diaspora links, culture, and Africa-centered learning.
- Policy and Institutional Responsiveness: Reviews youth programs, goal tracking, and roles of AU bodies and countries.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet these basics:
- Age 18 to 35.
- Citizen of an African Union member state.
- Active in civil society, youth groups, schools, or community work.
- Interested in youth governance, policy, or engagement.
- Free for May to August 2026.
- Strong in English or French; extra languages like Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili help.
- Experience in research or advocacy is a plus, but training is offered.
The program welcomes young women, people with disabilities, and those from rural or conflict areas.
Requirements
Show passion for youth issues across diverse groups. Commit to teamwork, inclusion, and AU goals like the Youth Charter and Agenda 2063.
Incentives
Selected experts get:
- Official title and certificate.
- Training workshop on frameworks and methods.
- Mentorship and support.
- Chance to publish in the policy brief and a 2026 book.
- Network with leaders across Africa.
- Spot in the Youth Day launch event.
Time Commitment
Plan for 8 hours weekly over 3-4 months. This covers training, online talks, local data collection, report writing by July 17, 2026, and the August launch.
Remuneration
Earn a $1,000 USD stipend total. Get 50% after the first draft in 30 days. Funds also cover project costs.
Project Timelines
- Apply by: April 30, 2026.
- Selections out: May 7, 2026.
- Training: May 11, 2026.
- Consultations: May to June 30, 2026.
- Reports due: July 17, 2026.
- Launch: August 12, 2026.
Selection Process
Shortlists lead to interviews. Choices stress diversity, fair geographic spread, gender balance, and underrepresented voices. Everyone gets equal review.
How to Apply
Email these to [email protected] by April 30, 2026, 12:00 SAST:
- Motivation letter (max 500 words): Why you, your Charter knowledge, and your focus area/country.
- Bio (max 150 words): Name, age, nationality, group, contacts.
- CV.
- Scanned degrees or credentials.
Title the email: APRM/DP/YTE/IC/04/2026: CALL FOR YOUTH TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO APPRAISE THE AFRICAN YOUTH CHARTER @20.
Download the full terms at the APRM site for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for the Youth Technical Experts program?
The deadline is April 30, 2026, at 12:00 SAST. Send your application to [email protected].
Who can apply for this opportunity?
You must be aged 18 to 35, a citizen of an African Union member state, and active in civil society, youth groups, or community work.
What is the stipend and time commitment?
Experts receive a total $1,000 USD stipend and commit about 8 hours per week for 3-4 months from May to August 2026.
How do I apply for the program?
Email a motivation letter, bio, CV, and credentials to [email protected] with the subject line ‘APRM/DP/YTE/IC/04/2026: CALL FOR YOUTH TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO APPRAISE THE AFRICAN YOUTH CHARTER @20’.
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