Deadline: 31 July 2026
Applications are now open for the UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council 2026, a two-year continental leadership opportunity that will bring together 11 exceptional young leaders from Africa and the African diaspora to help shape the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) youth agenda across the continent.
The Council serves as an advisory body to the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, ensuring that young people actively contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of programmes that affect their lives. Members will collaborate with UNDP teams, engage with policymakers and development partners, and champion youth-led solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Council Responsibilities
Council members will support UNDP through three core functions:
- Advise: Provide recommendations on UNDP programmes, projects, and youth-focused initiatives.
- Anticipate: Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges affecting young Africans and propose innovative policy responses.
- Amplify: Strengthen youth leadership by promoting successful youth-led initiatives and sharing knowledge across communities.
Members will also participate in policy dialogues, document innovative youth solutions, engage with UNDP Country Offices, collaborate with the African Union and Regional Economic Communities, and contribute to a final report on youth priorities across Africa.
Benefits
Selected members will receive:
- A two-year opportunity to influence UNDP’s youth agenda across Africa;
- Leadership development and capacity-building opportunities;
- Access to regional policy dialogues and high-level development networks;
- Opportunities to engage with UNDP Country Offices and regional institutions;
- Travel, accommodation, meals, and communication costs covered for approved Council activities requiring in-person participation. Participation is voluntary.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 18 to 34 years old at the time of selection;
- Be African nationals living on the continent or in the diaspora (up to two positions are reserved for diaspora candidates);
- Demonstrate leadership, innovation, or community engagement experience in areas such as governance, peacebuilding, climate action, gender equality, mental health, digital innovation, systems thinking, communications, or the green, blue, or orange economy;
- Be committed to youth empowerment and inclusive development;
- Have strong written and spoken English;
- Be available to participate in regular virtual meetings and occasional in-person engagements;
- Not have previously served on a UN or development partner Youth Advisory Council or similar advisory mechanism.
UNDP encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, young people from rural and remote communities, and candidates representing Africa’s linguistic and regional diversity.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the official ONLINE APPLICATION FORM before 31 July 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed before the final selection of the 11 Council members. Early applications are encouraged.
