Paid Youth Technical Experts Opportunity 2026 ($1,000 Stipend) – African Youth Charter @20 | Apply by April 30

TERMS OF REFERENCE – YOUTH TECHNICAL EXPERTS

Call for Applications

APRM/DP/YTE/IC/04/2026: CALL FOR TWENTY (20) YOUTH TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO APPRAISE THE AFRICAN YOUTH CHARTER @20

The Technical proposal must be submitted via email to tender@aprm-au.org on or before 30 April 2026 at 12.00 (SAST). Proposals shall be opened on the 30 of April 2026 at 12.00 (SAST).

A collaborative initiative of the African Peer Review Mechanism Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development

1. Programme Background

In 2026, the African Youth Charter (AYC) marks its 20^th anniversary, a defining continental milestone that reaffirms Africa’s commitment to the socioeconomic inclusion of youth, democratic participation, and sustainable development. This anniversary presents a critical opportunity to reflect on progress achieved, assess implementation gaps, and redouble efforts to ensure meaningful youth empowerment across the continent.

As Africa navigates profound transformation in governance, peace, development, and justice, young people, who constitute more than 75% of the continent’s population, are the leaders of tomorrow and also active actors shaping Africa today. Against this backdrop, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa and Restless Development have launched the initiative: “Technical Experts on Youth Governance and Development: Consultations and Policy Briefs on the African Youth Charter @20”.

As part of this initiative, young Africans are invited to serve as Youth Technical Experts to assess and document how African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), National Youth Councils, Civil Society Organisations, Development Partners, Private Sector and governance frameworks are implementing the AYC and related continental and regional commitments. The appraisal’s findings will directly inform a consolidated continental policy brief to be launched during Africa Youth Day commemorations and will contribute to the APRM Africa Governance Report (AGR) 2027, focusing on Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity.

2. Aim of the Youth Technical Experts

Youth Technical Experts will lead participatory, evidence-based assessments of how African Union frameworks, including the AYC, Agenda 2063, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and the Africa Governance Architecture (AGA) Youth Engagement Strategy, are being implemented across the continent. Through a structured appraisal process, Youth Technical Experts will assess institutional responsiveness to youth needs and generate actionable, youth-informed recommendations and best practices to strengthen discourse on continental and regional governance.

3. Objectives of the Youth Technical Experts’ assessments

• Synthesise youth consultation outcomes from the APRM, YouLead Africa, and the Restless Development Youth Platform processes, capturing emerging perspectives on the implementation of the AYC and related AU frameworks.
• Analyse governance and participation trends, assessing how AU frameworks, including Agenda 2063, ACDEG, and the AGA Youth Engagement Strategy, have advanced youth inclusion.
• Identify implementation gaps and document barriers to youth participation at national, regional, and continental levels.
• Contribute to the consolidated continental policy brief with forward-looking recommendations to strengthen the implementation of the AYC and related AU frameworks.
• Amplify youth perspectives in continental policy dialogue and contribute to the drafting of the AGR 2027.
• Alongside the APRM Youth Unit, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development, coordinate consultation processes and ensure outputs align with the AYC @20 commemorations.

4. Thematic Areas of Focus

Youth Technical Experts will assess implementation across the following thematic areas:

• Youth, Governance and Democratic Transformation: Youth political representation, elections, constitutional reforms, and digital civic engagement.
• Peace, Security and Youth Agency: Youth inclusion within the AGA – African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), peacebuilding, and resilience in conflict contexts.
• Economic Justice, Development and Employment: Youth unemployment, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and entrepreneurship, innovation, digital finance, and gig economy.
• Pan-Africanism, Identity and Youth Mobilisation: Diaspora engagement with the AU, cultural activism, and Afrocentric education.
• Policy and Institutional Responsiveness: Evaluation of the AU 1 Million Next Level Initiative, youth-led monitoring of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the role of AU organs, RECs, and Member States.

5. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years of age at the time of application.
• Be a national of an African Union Member State.
• Be active in civil society, youth networks, youth-led organisations, academic institutions, or community-based organisations.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in youth governance, policy, civic engagement, accountability, or development.
• Be available to participate in the appraisal process for approximately 3-4 months (May- August 2026).
• Be proficient in written and spoken English and/or French. Fluency in Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili is an added advantage.
• Have prior experience in research, advocacy, community engagement, or policy analysis (preferred but not required; training will be provided).

6. Requirements

The APRM Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development seek individuals with demonstrated passion for fostering a youth-led, responsive Africa. Ideal candidates must:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the lives and experiences of diverse, intersectional, and marginalised youth across Africa.
• Be passionate about advocacy, governance, meaningful youth engagement, and collaborative movement building.
• Value inclusivity and be committed to intergenerational partnerships and the representation of underrepresented youth.
• Demonstrate alignment with the principles of the AYC, Agenda 2063, and AU governance frameworks.

This is an inclusive initiative. We strongly encourage often-excluded groups, including young women, youth with disabilities, and youth from rural and conflict-affected communities, to apply.

7. Incentives

Selected Youth Technical Experts will be afforded:

• Official recognition as a Youth Technical Expert under the AYC @20 Appraisal, co-convened by the APRM Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa and Restless Development.
• A personalised certificate of participation.
• The opportunity to attend an orientation and capacity-building workshop on the AYC, AU governance frameworks, and appraisal methodologies.
• Mentorship, well-being support, and a conducive professional development environment throughout the appraisal period.
• The opportunity to have appraisal findings published in the Consolidated Continental Policy Brief, launched during the International Youth Day commemorations.
• The opportunity to contribute to the Edited Policy Volume on Youth Governance in Africa (late 2026) and to inform the development of the AGR 2027.
• Continental networking with youth leaders, governance experts, policymakers, researchers, and civil society partners across Africa.

8. Time Commitment

Youth Technical Experts are expected to dedicate approximately 3–4 months (May–August 2026), 8 hours per week. This includes:

• Participation in the orientation and appraisal tool development sessions (late May 2026).
• Participation in structured virtual consultations convened through the APRM, YouLead Africa and Restless Development Youth Platforms (May–June 2026).
• Fieldwork and data collection in their national or regional context.
• Data analysis and drafting of structured appraisal reports (due on 17 July 2026).
• Participation in the International Youth Day Policy Launch Event.

9. Remuneration, payment schedule and deliverables

• 50% of the Draft report based on online consultation is due within 30 days of the start of the project.
• Successful candidates will receive a total stipend of USD 1000 for the duration of the assignment in addition to funding to cover assignment costs.

10. Project timelines

1. Application deadline: April 30, 2026
2. Notification of selected Youth Technical Experts: May 7, 2026
3. Virtual Orientation and Training Workshop: May 11, 2026
4. Continental Consultation and Appraisal Period: May–30 June 2026
5. Submission of Appraisal Reports: July 17, 2026
6. International Youth Day Policy Launch: August 12, 2026

11. Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews and additional assessments. Selection will follow a transparent and fair process anchored on diversity and inclusion, with attention paid to geographic representation across AU Member States, gender equity, and the inclusion of underrepresented youth. All applicants will be afforded the same treatment.

12. How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit:

• a letter of motivation and interest (maximum 500 words), outlining: (a) why they want to serve as a Youth Technical Expert; (b) their knowledge of or engagement with youth governance and the African Youth Charter; and (c) the thematic area(s) and country/region they will focus on;
• A short biography (maximum 150 words) stating their name, age, nationality, affiliation (if any), and contact details;
• A curriculum vitae; and
• Scanned copies of qualifications and relevant academic credentials to be submitted electronically via email to: tender@aprm-au.org.

The Technical proposal must be submitted via email to tender@aprm-au.org on or before 30 April 2026 at 12:00 (SAST). Proposals shall be opened on 30 April 2026 at 12.00 (SAST).

SUBMISSIONS MUST BE TITLED:APRM/DP/YTE/IC/04/2026: CALL FOR YOUTH TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO APPRAISE THE AFRICAN YOUTH CHARTER @20

All applications must be in writing and accompanied by the relevant documents as prescribed above.

African Peer Review Mechanism

Physical Address: 349 Witch-Hazel, Building F, Eco Origin office park.

Tel: +27 11 256 3400/01/29

Fax: +2711 256 3456

Submission Email: tender@aprm-au.org

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