The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is currently accepting applications for its newly established African Youth Co-Creators Council. This initiative will select 11 young leaders from Africa and the diaspora to collaborate with UNDP, helping to design and advise on initiatives tailored for the continent's youth.
Africa stands as the youngest continent globally, with over 60% of its population under the age of 25. The region's 226 million young people are actively driving change by launching businesses, managing campaigns, pioneering new technologies, and demanding institutional accountability.
In response to this momentum, the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) created this continental advisory group. The 11 chosen members will serve a two-year term, collaborating closely with UNDP teams based in Addis Ababa, Dakar, Nairobi, and Pretoria, while also engaging with Country Offices across 46 African nations. Council
members will play a direct role in shaping, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on the new Africa Youth Portfolio and the broader initiatives of the RSCA.
Core Objectives of the Council
The council will operate under a three-part "triple-A" strategy:
- Advise: Guide the structure and execution of regional UNDP projects and flagship programs, while assisting with monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes.
- Anticipate: Identify evolving trends, potential risks, and new opportunities for young Africans to help formulate appropriate policy and program responses.
- Amplify: Develop personal leadership capabilities through structured capacity-building, allowing members to bring these refined skills back to benefit their home communities.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a position on the council, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an African national between 18 and 34 years old at the time of selection, residing either on the continent or within the diaspora (up to two positions are designated for diaspora applicants).
- Possess a proven track record of leadership, innovation, or community engagement in fields such as governance, political transitions, climate action, systems thinking, communication, peacebuilding, mental health, gender, digital innovation, poverty reduction, or the green, blue, or orange economies.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive development.
- Have no prior experience serving on a UN or development partner Youth Advisory Council, Youth Sounding Board, or equivalent advisory body, as the council seeks entirely fresh viewpoints.
- Be available to participate in regular virtual meetings alongside occasional in-person events.
- Possess strong skills in spoken and written English.
- Be capable of serving in an independent, apolitical, and personal capacity.
Note: Individuals may apply independently or as members of a youth organization; however, organizational affiliation does not mean the member represents that specific group on the council.
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Selection Process and Deadline
The evaluation framework will emphasize regional diversity, gender balance, and the inclusion of marginalized groups, including youth from rural or remote regions, individuals with disabilities, and linguistically diverse candidates.
- Initial Longlist: Compiled with the support of UNDP Country Offices across Africa.
- Shortlist & Interviews: The RSCA team will narrow down the list to ensure regional and inclusive representation. Shortlisted candidates will then be evaluated via a scoring matrix during interviews conducted by a panel of RSCA staff, Country Office representatives, and development partners. Top scoring candidates will receive formal notifications.
How to Apply & Deadline
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Apply Here: For additional details, you can view the official website:
https://www.undp.org/africa/blog/call-applications-african-youth-co-creators-council
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
