Applications Open: African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme 2025

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are inviting applications for the fourth cohort of the African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme. This flagship initiative offers young African women a transformative one-year professional journey to contribute to global development efforts while advancing their own leadership potential.

About the Fellowship

The AfYWL Fellowship provides a unique 12-month opportunity to work with UNDP teams either at Headquarters in New York or in regional/country offices across the globe (excluding hardship locations). Fellows will contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, while gaining first-hand experience in development programming, strategic communications, policy implementation, and partnerships.

This programme is part of the AUC Chairperson’s 1 Million Next Level Initiative, aimed at providing African youth with opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

As a fellow, you may support work in the following areas:

• Research and analysis on SDGs and Agenda 2063

• Innovation in UNDP’s six strategic impact areas

• Drafting reports, presentations, and internal documentation

• Assisting with implementation of programmes related to gender, youth, climate, and security

• Liaising with government and development stakeholders

• Participating in field missions and conferences

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

• Be female and a citizen of an African Union Member State

• Be no older than 30 years at the time of application

• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Development, Economics, International Relations, Political Science, Business, Law, Communications, etc.)

• Have a maximum of two years of relevant professional experience

• Demonstrate strong English skills; knowledge of another AU language (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish) is an advantage

• Be available to relocate to their assigned UNDP duty station

• Show interest in sustainable development, gender equality, and youth empowerment

Fellowship Conditions

• A monthly stipend is provided to support accommodation and basic living costs

• Expenses for relocation, travel, and medical insurance are covered

• Fellows receive paid leave, a dedicated learning budget, and participate in induction and leadership training

• Remote assignments are not allowed

• No family allowances or dependents’ benefits are covered

Learning and Supervision

Fellows will benefit from:

• A joint induction training with AUC and UNDP

• Regular mentoring and supervision

• Participation in team meetings and development activities

• Access to UNDP’s professional development resources

• Tailored learning opportunities and peer exchanges

Competencies

UNDP seeks candidates who are:

• Innovative and open to creative solutions

• Detail-oriented and results-driven

• Strong communicators and collaborators

• Resilient, adaptable, and self-motivated

Application Process

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

• A valid passport or national ID

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates

• Responses to competency and cognitive tests (if shortlisted)

• A self-recorded video presentation and interview (if shortlisted)

The application and selection process includes multiple stages, with the final cohort expected to be selected by October 2025. Selected fellows will begin onboarding in late 2025.

The selection process consists of the following stages:

1. Initial screening for eligibility and documentation

2. Online cognitive and technical assessment

3. Self-recorded video interview and language skills assessment

4. Final evaluation by the UNDP panel

5. Matching of selected candidates with duty stations

6. Final interview with the assigned UNDP office

7. Fellowship offer and onboarding

Apply Now

To begin your application, visit the official AfYWL Fellowship Programme application portal. All documents must be submitted by 1 June 2025 at 00:00 GMT+3 (Cairo Time). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.