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 that promotes respect for diversity and teamwork, 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 careers 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 an internship with the
African Union Commission should kindly send the following document
- A
motivation letter indicating what they expect to gain out of the
internship program
- A copy
of a 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
Applicants will be required to create a profile on the 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 a 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 an 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 Ph.D.
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 on 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 be
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 at Internship@africa-union.org