APRM Call for Youth Technical Experts: Paid Role for Young Africans in 2026

Young Africans aged 18 to 35 have a chance to join a key project marking the 20th anniversary of the African Youth Charter. The APRM Call for Youth Technical Experts invites people to review how African countries put youth policies into action. This paid role offers a USD 1000 stipend and helps shape future governance reports.

What Is the APRM Call for Youth Technical Experts?

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat, along with YouLead Africa and Restless Development, runs this initiative. It focuses on the African Youth Charter (AYC) at 20 years old. Experts will check progress on youth inclusion in governance, peace, jobs, and more across Africa Union member states.

Youth experts will gather data through talks, fieldwork, and reports. Their work feeds into a big policy brief launched on International Youth Day. It also supports the APRM Africa Governance Report 2027, titled “Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity.”

Key Thematic Areas to Review

Experts will look at five main areas:

• Youth, Governance and Democratic Transformation: Check youth roles in politics, elections, reforms, and online civic work.
• Peace, Security and Youth Agency: See how youth join peace efforts under the African Peace and Security Architecture, plus building strength in tough areas.
• Economic Justice, Development and Employment: Study job issues, the African Continental Free Trade Area, business starts, new ideas, digital money, and short-term work.
• Pan-Africanism, Identity and Youth Mobilisation: Explore links with the African diaspora, culture actions, and education focused on African roots.
• Policy and Institutional Responsiveness: Rate programs like the AU 1 Million Next Level Initiative, youth checks on Agenda 2063 and SDGs, and roles of AU groups, regions, and countries.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must meet these points:

• Age 18 to 35 when applying.
• Citizen of an African Union member state.
• Active in civil society, youth groups, youth-led orgs, schools, or local groups.
• Show interest in youth governance, policy, civic work, accountability, or growth.
• Free for 3-4 months from May to August 2026.
• Strong in English or French, with bonus for Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili.
• Past work in research, advocacy, community, or policy helps but is not needed; training comes.

What the Organizers Want in Candidates

They seek people who get the real lives of all kinds of youth, including those often left out. You should care about pushing for change, good governance, real youth input, and team efforts. Support for all groups, links between ages, and matching AYC, Agenda 2063, and AU rules matter.

Benefits and Incentives

If picked, you get:

• Official title as Youth Technical Expert for the AYC @20 review.
• Personal certificate.
• Workshop on AYC, AU systems, and review methods.
• Guidance, wellness help, and pro growth space.
• Credit in the policy brief launch on International Youth Day.
• Input to a book on youth governance in late 2026 and the 2027 report.
• Network with youth leaders, experts, officials, researchers, and groups continent-wide.

Pay, Schedule, and Tasks

You earn a total USD 1000 stipend, plus funds for project costs. Pay splits: 50% after the first draft report from online talks, due 30 days in. Tasks include orientation, consultations, data gathering, analysis, report writing by July 17, 2026, and the launch event.

Time Needed

Plan for 8 hours a week over May to August 2026. This covers:

• Orientation and tool sessions in late May.
• Virtual talks in May-June.
• Local or regional data work.
• Report drafting.
• August 12 launch.

Full Project Timeline

• Applications close: April 30, 2026.
• Selections announced: May 7, 2026.
• Training workshop: May 11, 2026.
• Consultations and reviews: May to June 30, 2026.
• Reports due: July 17, 2026.
• Policy launch: August 12, 2026.

For full details and to apply, visit the official APRM webpage. Act fast before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions