The Office of the African Union Chairpersons’ Youth Envoy is mandated to champion and facilitate the advancement of youth development in Africa at a political level through the advocacy of African Youth Development policies for mainstreaming implementation of progressive policies and meaningful actions that promote youth participation, engagement, and leadership toward the realization of the African Union Youth Charter and Agenda 2063.
In ensuring the realization of Article 19 of the African Union Youth Charter which calls for “the participation of Young people in sustainable development and protection of the environment” and Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063, the Office of the African Union Youth Envoy in partnership with the London School of Economics Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa is seeking to engage an Intern who will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Lead within the Climate Change Portfolio (OYE) in cooperation with African Union Youth Envoy and LSE.
Moreover, the Intern will support the OYE activities as guided by the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022 – 2032); as well as the Sharm El – Sheikh Implementation Plan (COP 27). These frameworks
recognize the urgent need to engage the unique position of Youth in addressing the complex challenges posed by Climate Change; and further advocate for an inclusive approach that reflects the richness and diversity of voices and perspectives of Young people in decision-making processes to reimagine a common, prosperous future on a healthy planet.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements at the time of application:
- Candidate must be a citizen of an African Union Member State
- Completed university studies/ Enrolled in a graduate programme in social and human sciences or natural sciences or its equivalent.
- Be aged between 22 and 38
- Demonstrated knowledge, interest or action in issues related to the environment and/or climate change
- Excellent command, both written and spoken in at least one of the African Union Working Languages, especially in English. Knowledge of French is desirable but not required.
- Demonstrated interest in AU Agenda 2063 or the UN SDGs.
- Possess a Valid Passport (Not less than six months to expiration)
Desirable Qualifications
- Interest in youth engagement with some experience of either engaging youth or being engaged as a Youth in a social change project or initiative in Africa.
- Experience in conducting research
- Good knowledge of computer systems and office-related software, desirably in creating and/or managing a database
- Able to work well in a team and adapt to an international working environment
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, desirably in coordinating a group of people.
Core Competencies
- Teamwork & Accountability
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Innovation
- Planning and Organizing
- Results – Oriented
Offered Benefits
The intern, shall perform the following tasks:
- Assist OYE team in implementation of the it’s annual plan, including but not limited to organizing youth climate action consultations, capacity building sessions, creating Youth-focused communication materials, etc.
- Support the team with preparation for the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023 and COP28 in November 2023
- Help coordinate regional Youth consultations on topics related to climate action and assist in building a strategic network with key youth organizations in Africa
- Identify institutions/platforms for dialogue with the Youth, and as a policy sounding board for OYE Climate programs
- Support development of knowledge products such as opinion pieces and publications on gaps on Youth engagement in climate action/finance, with input from LSE and its academic community.
- Support the Speech Writing Team with researched points on climate change as and when needed for high level engagements.
- Support to deliver concepts notes and studies in line with relevant African Union/UNFCCC Frameworks
- Draft relevant presentation documents, materials and reports as needed.
- Support, when needed, partnership engagements on behalf of the OYE.
- Contribute to other Youth and Climate activities as may be required.
- Travel for high-level engagements as part of the Youth Envoy’s Delegation when required and subject to event travel sponsorship basis.
- Write a piece for the Africa at LSE blog on climate issues
- Deliver a final summary report on the internship upon completion
