The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially opened applications for its newly established African Youth Co-Creators Council, a continental advisory body that will empower young African leaders to directly influence youth-focused development policies and programmes across the continent. The initiative, led by the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), will bring together 11 outstanding young leaders from Africa’s five regions and the diaspora to serve a two-year term. Council members will work closely with UNDP regional teams and country offices to co-create innovative solutions that respond to the priorities, challenges, and aspirations of Africa’s rapidly growing youth population. Applications are open until 31 July 2026. A Platform for Africa’s Young Leaders Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with more than 60 percent of its people under the age of 25. Across the continent, millions of young people are already driving social change by launching businesses, developing technology, advocating for better governance, and creating innovative solutions to local and global challenges. Recognizing this immense potential, UNDP has established the African Youth Co-Creators Council to ensure that young Africans actively contribute to shaping development strategies rather than simply benefiting from them. The Council will collaborate with UNDP teams based in: Addis Ababa Dakar Nairobi Pretoria Members will also engage with UNDP Country Offices operating across 46 African countries, providing youth perspectives that strengthen programme design, implementation, monitoring, and learning. Purpose of the African Youth Co-Creators Council The Council will play a central role in supporting the development of UNDP’s new Africa Youth Portfolio, ensuring that youth voices remain at the heart of regional development initiatives. Its work is built around a Triple-A Strategy: Advise Council members will: Provide strategic guidance on UNDP programmes and flagship initiatives Contribute to project design and implementation Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes Recommend practical solutions to improve programme effectiveness Anticipate Members will identify: Emerging youth trends Future development opportunities Risks affecting young Africans Innovative policy recommendations to address evolving challenges Amplify The Council will strengthen members’ own leadership capacities through: Professional development opportunities Capacity-building activities Regional collaboration Knowledge-sharing experiences Participants will also transfer newly acquired skills back to their communities, helping strengthen youth leadership across Africa. Key Responsibilities Throughout the two-year mandate, Council members will participate in a variety of strategic activities, including: Engaging in regional consultations and policy discussions Identifying and documenting scalable youth-led innovations Collaborating with UNDP Country Offices Working alongside UN country-level youth structures Participating in dialogues with institutions such as the African Union Commission and Regional Economic Communities Contributing to a final continental report highlighting youth priorities and emerging development trends across Africa The report produced at the end of the Council’s term will serve as an important resource for UNDP and other development partners working to strengthen youth inclusion. Participation and Commitment Most Council meetings will be conducted virtually, providing flexibility for members across different countries. However, selected participants will also attend several in-person events, including: Council onboarding Mid-term review meeting Closing ceremony Members are expected to participate in at least 75 percent of all Council activities. While participation is voluntary, UNDP will cover reasonable costs associated with official Council activities, including: Travel Accommodation Meals Digital communication expenses Who Can Apply? UNDP encourages applications from passionate young Africans who are committed to driving inclusive development across the continent. Applicants must: Be African nationals aged 18–34 years at the time of selection Reside either in Africa or within the African diaspora Demonstrate leadership, innovation, or community engagement experience Be committed to youth empowerment and inclusive development Have strong written and spoken English language skills Be available for regular virtual meetings and occasional in-person engagements Serve in a personal, independent, and non-political capacity Applicants may apply individually or while affiliated with a youth organization. However, successful candidates will serve as independent members rather than representatives of their organizations. Areas of Experience UNDP is seeking applicants with experience in one or more of the following fields: Systems thinking Governance Political transitions Peacebuilding Climate action Mental health Gender equality Poverty reduction Communication Digital innovation Green economy Blue economy Orange economy To encourage fresh perspectives, applicants who have previously served on a UN Youth Advisory Council, Youth Sounding Board, or similar advisory body established by another development partner are not eligible. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion The selection process will prioritize diversity to ensure broad representation across the continent. UNDP aims to achieve: Gender balance Regional representation Inclusion of persons with disabilities Representation of young people from rural and remote communities Linguistic diversity Participation from the African diaspora, with up to two Council seats reserved Selection Process Applications will remain open until 31 July 2026. The recruitment process will include: Compilation of a longlist by UNDP Country Offices Shortlisting by the Regional Service Centre for Africa Interviews conducted by a panel comprising RSCA representatives, Country Offices, and development partners Selection using a transparent scoring matrix Formal notification of successful candidates Applications may be submitted in either English or French. Why Apply? The African Youth Co-Creators Council offers emerging leaders a unique opportunity to influence regional development policy while collaborating with one of the world’s leading international development organizations. Through direct engagement with policymakers, development practitioners, and fellow youth leaders, participants will strengthen their leadership skills, expand professional networks, and help shape solutions that improve opportunities for millions of young Africans across the continent. Young innovators, advocates, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are passionate about Africa’s future are encouraged to submit their applications before the 31 July 2026 deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.