The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union has officially opened applications for the prestigious Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme 2026, a unique career development opportunity designed to equip young Zambian graduates with practical experience in international governance, policy research, diplomacy, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
Named in honor of Zambia’s founding President and renowned Pan-African statesman, Kenneth Kaunda, this highly competitive programme offers selected graduates the opportunity to work directly within the ECOSOCC Secretariat in Lusaka, Zambia, for a period of nine months. Participants will gain first-hand experience of how an African Union institution operates while contributing to meaningful projects that support Africa’s development agenda.
The programme forms part of the ECOSOCC University Outreach Initiative and is implemented in collaboration with universities and research institutions across Zambia. It aims to nurture the next generation of African professionals while strengthening youth participation in continental governance and policy processes.
About the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC)
The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) is the advisory organ of the African Union responsible for promoting and facilitating the active participation of African civil society organizations in the development and implementation of policies and programmes across the continent.
Established in 2004 under Articles 5(i) and 22 of the African Union Constitutive Act, ECOSOCC serves as a bridge between the African Union and civil society organizations operating throughout Africa and the African Diaspora.
Through its initiatives and programmes, ECOSOCC seeks to ensure that citizens, youth, academia, and civil society stakeholders contribute meaningfully to shaping Africa’s future.
What is the Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme?
The Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme is a professional training and work-placement initiative that provides recent graduates with direct exposure to the operations of an African Union institution.
Participants are embedded within the ECOSOCC Secretariat, where they actively contribute to organizational activities and strategic initiatives while developing valuable professional competencies.
Rather than serving as observers, trainees are entrusted with real responsibilities and are expected to contribute meaningfully to the Secretariat’s daily operations and long-term objectives.
The programme seeks to:
- Build a pool of highly skilled Zambian professionals familiar with African Union systems and processes.
- Strengthen youth engagement in governance and development.
- Enhance the employability and leadership potential of young graduates.
- Promote knowledge sharing between academia and continental institutions.
- Develop future policy experts, researchers, diplomats, and development practitioners.
Areas of Work and Learning
Selected participants will be involved in a variety of professional assignments and activities, including:
1. Policy Research
Trainees will support evidence-based policy development through:
- Conducting research and analysis.
- Reviewing policy documents.
- Preparing reports and briefing papers.
- Supporting policy formulation initiatives.
2. Project Coordination
Participants will gain hands-on experience in:
- Programme planning.
- Project implementation.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
- Administrative coordination.
- Event management.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Trainees will work closely with various stakeholders including:
- Civil society organizations.
- Government institutions.
- Academic institutions.
- Development partners.
- African Union bodies.
4. Secretariat Programme Support
Participants will contribute to:
- Organizational planning.
- Strategic initiatives.
- Communication activities.
- Research projects.
- Continental engagement programmes.
Benefits of the ECOSOCC Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme 2026
The programme offers extensive professional and career development benefits, including:
Practical Professional Experience
Participants gain valuable hands-on experience in:
- International governance.
- Policy development.
- Programme implementation.
- Research and analysis.
- Institutional operations.
Specialized Training
Selected graduates will receive training in:
- Diplomacy.
- Research methodologies.
- Advocacy.
- Project management.
- Policy processes.
Mentorship Opportunities
Participants will benefit from mentorship and guidance provided by:
- Senior ECOSOCC personnel.
- African Union experts.
- Experienced professionals in governance and development.
Exposure to High-Level Meetings
Trainees may participate in:
- African Union meetings.
- Policy dialogues.
- International conferences.
- Stakeholder consultations.
- Regional and continental engagements.
Professional Networking
The programme provides access to a broad professional network across:
- African Union institutions.
- Pan-African organizations.
- Academic institutions.
- Civil society organizations.
- Development partners.
Official Recommendation
Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive an official recommendation that can significantly strengthen future academic and professional applications.
Monthly Transport Stipend
Although the programme does not provide a salary, successful participants receive:
- A monthly transport stipend.
- Logistical support from ECOSOCC.
- Transportation assistance to and from the Secretariat office.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Be a Zambian national.
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Have obtained their degree within the last five years.
- Have graduated with Distinction or Merit.
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills.
- Demonstrate excellent research abilities.
- Possess strong writing and communication skills.
- Be fluent in English.
Additional language proficiency in French or another African Union working language will be considered an advantage.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
1. Letter of Motivation
The motivation letter should:
- Be written in English.
- Not exceed one page.
- Use font size 12.
- Explain interest in the programme.
- Outline career aspirations.
- Demonstrate suitability for the programme.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Applicants should provide a current and detailed CV highlighting academic achievements, skills, and relevant experiences.
3. Certified Degree Certificates
Applicants must submit university-certified copies of all relevant degree certificates.
4. Certified Academic Transcripts
Official university-certified transcripts must be included.
5. Recommendation Letters
Applicants must provide:
- Two signed recommendation letters.
Programme Duration and Location
Duration
- Nine months.
- May be extended up to one year.
Duty Station
ECOSOCC Secretariat
Lusaka, Zambia
Programme Commencement Date
- 1 August 2026
Supervision and Performance Assessment
Participants will:
- Report directly to the Head of Programmes at ECOSOCC.
- Participate in regular performance reviews.
- Submit progress reports throughout the programme period.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages:
Stage One: Written Assessment
Applicants will complete a written assessment evaluating their competencies and suitability.
Stage Two: Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews conducted:
- In person, or
- Via video conference.
Candidates must present original academic certificates and supporting documents during the verification process.
Important Deadline
Application Deadline: 26 June 2026 at 23:59 Central African Time (CAT).
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Successful candidates will be notified after the interview process.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible applicants should submit their applications before the deadline through the official ECOSOCC application portal.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare all required documents early and ensure that submissions are complete and accurate.
Enquiries
All enquiries regarding the programme should be directed to the ECOSOCC Secretariat through:
Email: recruitment@ecosocc.au.int
Address:
ECOSOCC Secretariat
8658 Kudu Road
Kabulonga
Lusaka, Zambia
This graduate immersion programme represents an exceptional opportunity for ambitious young Zambian graduates seeking practical experience within the African Union system while building careers in governance, policy, diplomacy, development, and international cooperation.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
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