African Union (AU) Internship Program

The AU internship program is a full-time engagement through which qualified individuals from diverse academic backgrounds are given the opportunity to gain professional exposure within the AU. As an organization which promotes respect for diversity and team work, we encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Applicants should have a keen interest in the work of the AU and demonstrate the ability to interact with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

PURPOSE: The program aims to expose participants to the workings of the AU at an early stage of their professional career and strengthen their personal and professional skills. It provides an avenue for participants to gain hands-on experience in various applicable fields, while learning in an intercultural environment.  The AU will further gain support from participants who possess adequate knowledge and skills in relevant areas and serve as a potential grooming ground for future African Leaders.

Internship: Who can Apply (Eligibility)

The Program is open to applicants who are:

• Nationals of the African Union’s Member States;
• Students enrolled in full-time undergraduate (in final year of study)/ postgraduate study or graduates from a recognized institution of learning;
• Fluent in one of the AU official working languages (Arabic, English, French or Portuguese, Kishwahili);
• Applicants must be aged between 22 and 32 at the time of application;
• Meet the requirements specified in the terms of reference.

Internship Program: How to apply

All internship applications MUST be submitted through the AU Careers portal at: https://careers.au.int

Welcome to the African Union Internship web page.

Candidates interested to apply for internship with the African Union Commission should kindly send the following document

1. A motivation letter indicating what they expect to gain out of the internship program
2. A copy of valid passport or national identity card
3. Certified copies of relevant academic certificates
4. Current curriculum vitae (CV)
5. Recommendation letter for internship from the institution of learning that they are attending

Applicants will be required to create a profile on AU Careers portal.

Applicants must submit the following  supporting documents with their online application:

• A motivation letter indicating what they expect to gain out of the internship program
• A copy of valid passport or national identity card
• Certified copies of relevant academic certificates
• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• Recommendation letter for internship from the institution of learning that they are attending

Upon successful submission of their application, applicants will receive an email confirmation that their application has been successfully received. 

FAQs

Q. How can I apply for an internship position at the African Union (AU)?

A. Apply through the AU career portal, create your personal profile and submit your application with supporting documents online.

Q. Who is eligible for internship at the AU?

A. Applicants from AU member States, including full-time students currently in their last year of their Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programs or graduates of Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and PhD.

Q. How will I know that my application was successfully submitted?

A. Receipt of online applications will be confirmed via the email address you have provided. The email is an official confirmation of your application.

Q. Will I hear about the status of my application?

A. You can monitor the progress of your application status through the AU career portal. Recruiters will contact you if your profile matches internship positions that are available in the organization.

Q. If I am accepted, what kind of work will I be doing?

A. This will depend on the needs of the host Department/Division/Unit to which you are assigned.

Q. How long is the AU Internship Program?

A. For the internship to be worthwhile and effective, interns will be accepted for a minimum of 3 months, with the possibility of extension for another 3 months depending the applicant’s performance and the willingness of the host Department/Division/Unit.

Q. Can I get financial support from the AU?

A. AU does not provide any financial support or cover any costs for living expenses during the assignment for interns. All successful applicants are expected to make their own arrangements for travel, lodging and living expenses during the internship period.

Q. Do I need to be at the AU Office full-time?

A. Internships at AU are full time and interns are expected to work Monday to Friday, 08:00 am to 5:00pm for the duration of the internship.

Q. Is an intern entitled to sick leave?

A: An intern is not expected to work if he/she is unwell but it is important that the supervisor be informed of any absences. Any expense relating to illness is the responsibility of the intern. Especially long periods of absence, through illness or for other reasons, should be recorded in the written performance evaluation prepared by the supervisor at the end of the assignment.

Q. Is an intern entitled to leave?

A. The minimum duration of an internship is 3 months and ideally should be uninterrupted. Leave may be exceptionally granted by the supervisor as long as the assignment is not adversely affected.

Q. Will travel expenses to and from the duty station by reimbursed by AU?

A. No, travel expenses are the responsibility of the intern.

Q. Is the intern entitled to a per Diem payment to cover expenses incurred during the internship?

A. No, interns are not entitled to a per Diem.

Q. Am I able to follow up by telephone to find out the status of my application?

A: Due to the high volume of online applications, it is not possible for us to discuss your internship application status by telephone. You can monitor the progress of your application status through the AU career portal.

Q. What should I do if I have technical problems completing my application?

A. Use the contact email information below to let us know about your problem. Be specific by telling us exactly what issue you have encountered.

For further inquiries, please email us on Internship@africa-union.org