UNDP Agenda 2063 in Power Spaces Cohort 3: 7-Week Online Leadership and African Development Opportunity

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for Agenda 2063 in Power Spaces – Cohort 3, a seven-week online learning and volunteer opportunity designed to help participants strengthen their leadership capacity and identify how they can contribute to achieving Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

The programme provides participants with practical tools to move beyond simply understanding Agenda 2063 and instead identify the influence, opportunities and responsibilities they have within their own “Power Spaces” — including governments, businesses, universities, communities, schools, development organizations, families and professional networks.

The opportunity is conducted entirely online and requires approximately 11–15 hours per week.

About the Agenda 2063 in Power Spaces Programme

Agenda 2063 represents Africa’s long-term development vision and focuses on building The Africa We Want. However, achieving this vision requires more than awareness of continental development frameworks.

The UNDP-led programme focuses on helping participants recognize that meaningful transformation can take place through the everyday environments where people make decisions, influence others, and create value.

These environments are referred to as “Power Spaces.”

The programme therefore encourages participants to ask:

• What contribution can I make to Africa’s transformation?
• What future am I committed to creating?
• What needs to change to achieve that future?
• What leadership values do I need?
• What actions should I consistently take?
• What would success look like?
• How can I continue improving after the programme?

What Participants Will Learn

During the seven-week journey, participants will develop seven practical leadership tools:

1. Contribution Statement

Participants identify the value they currently create through their Power Space and consider how their work, activities or influence can contribute to Africa’s transformation.

2. Moonshot

Participants define an ambitious and meaningful future they are committed to helping create rather than simply accepting current circumstances.

3. Delivery

Participants identify the important changes required to move from their current situation toward their desired future.

4. Leadership Values

Participants explore the values they need to guide important decisions and actions throughout their leadership journey.

5. Leadership Routines

Participants translate their intentions into practical and repeatable behaviours that can gradually produce meaningful results.

6. Letter from the Future

Participants imagine their desired future as if it has already been achieved and use that perspective to reconsider the choices they are making today.

7. Future Review

Participants learn a continuous improvement approach based on:

Return → Review → Revise → Recommit

This enables them to continue using the programme’s leadership tools after the formal seven-week experience has ended.

What Will Online Volunteers Do?

Selected Online Volunteers will participate in the learning experience while also supporting the delivery and improvement of the cohort.

Their responsibilities will include:

• Studying the Agenda 2063 in Power Spaces Reader and related learning materials.
• Supporting participant engagement throughout the seven-week programme.
• Becoming familiar with weekly concepts, questions and exercises.
• Participating in small-group learning conversations where assigned.
• Helping participants connect the leadership tools to their own Power Spaces and circumstances.
• Providing constructive and concise feedback.
• Contributing to the end-of-cohort review.
• Identifying what worked well and suggesting areas that could improve future cohorts.

Importantly, applicants do not need to be experts on every aspect of Agenda 2063. The programme emphasizes curiosity, disciplined engagement with the provided materials and the willingness to help others apply the concepts to their own contexts.

Programme Format and Time Commitment

This is a fully online opportunity, meaning volunteers can participate remotely.

Duration: 7 weeks
Modality: Online
Time commitment: 11–15 hours per week
Host organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Assignment country: Ethiopia
Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Recruitment: Competitive

The assignment focuses on learning, participant engagement, leadership development and contributing to the improvement of future cohorts.

Who Should Apply?

The opportunity is particularly suitable for people who have a strong interest in areas such as:

• Agenda 2063 and Africa’s development
• Leadership and development practice
• Public policy
• Business and entrepreneurship
• Education
• Community development
• Social impact
• African transformation

Applicants may come from different professional and educational backgrounds. The programme specifically welcomes:

• Professionals
• Development practitioners
• Researchers
• Entrepreneurs
• Educators
• Students
• Community leaders

Applicants should also demonstrate strong written and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to engage critically with learning materials.

Required Skills and Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

1. Strong interest in African development and Agenda 2063 or related areas.
2. Critical reading skills and the ability to engage meaningfully with learning materials.
3. Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
4. Ability to provide concise and constructive feedback.
5. Commitment to completing the assignment throughout the seven-week Cohort 3 period.

Language Requirement

English: Fluent level is desirable.

Important Application Information

The recruitment is competitive, and applicants should be prepared to commit to the full duration of the assignment.

Application deadline: 4 September 2026 at 03:00.

The programme is expected to run for seven weeks, with participants working remotely and contributing approximately 11–15 hours per week.

Click HERE to read more and apply.

Why This Opportunity Is Valuable

The Agenda 2063 in Power Spaces programme can provide participants with an opportunity to:

• Develop practical leadership skills.
• Better understand their potential contribution to Africa’s long-term development.
• Connect personal leadership with Agenda 2063.
• Strengthen communication and collaboration skills.
• Learn how to turn ideas into practical action.
• Engage with people working across different sectors and Power Spaces.
• Develop a personal leadership portfolio and future-oriented leadership practice.
• Contribute feedback that can help improve future cohorts.

The programme is particularly relevant for individuals who want to connect their career, community involvement, education, entrepreneurship or professional influence with broader African development goals.

Conclusion

The UNDP Agenda 2063 in Power Spaces – Cohort 3 offers a structured seven-week online leadership journey for individuals interested in contributing to Africa’s transformation. Rather than focusing only on theoretical knowledge of Agenda 2063, the programme encourages participants to identify their own areas of influence and develop practical ways to create value within them.

With a commitment of 11–15 hours per week and a deadline of 4 September 2026, interested applicants should review the requirements carefully and submit their applications before the recruitment period closes.

Click HERE for more volunteering opportunities.