UNDP launches year-long African Young Women Leaders Fellowship to empower future female changemakers across Africa and at its New York headquarters
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UNDP launches year-long African Young Women Leaders Fellowship to empower future female changemakers across Africa and at its New York headquarters

Imagine spending a year contributing to real-world development projects through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), whether in bustling New York or in dynamic offices across Africa.

For young African women with ambition, passion, and a drive to lead change, the African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme is offering just that — a transformative 12-month experience that could shape your career and impact the continent.

A Vision to Empower the Next Generation of African Women Leaders

The AfYWL Fellowship is part of a larger vision by the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson’s “One Million Next Level Initiative.”

It’s not just about job placement — it’s a platform that supports young women in Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement.

The ultimate goal? To position African youth, especially women, at the heart of development work both within Africa and globally.

Through this collaboration with UNDP, the programme seeks to equip emerging leaders with hands-on experience in designing and implementing projects that align with both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063.

What You’ll Be Working On

The fellowship gives participants exposure to UNDP’s core development areas through assignments focused on:

  • Natural resource governance

  • Youth and women’s employment and empowerment

  • Economic transformation

  • Sustainable energy

  • Climate change

  • Peace and security

You’ll be immersed in a challenging and growth-oriented environment where you’ll learn, contribute, and innovate.

Who They’re Looking For

UNDP is looking to recruit up to 40 outstanding young African women for its fourth fellowship cohort.

As a selected fellow, you’ll be placed at either the UNDP headquarters, a regional hub, or a country office.

Be ready to embrace any location offered — though you won’t be sent to hardship locations.

This isn’t just a job — it’s a learning journey that demands flexibility, openness, and a commitment to contribute meaningfully to development initiatives.

Your Role as a Fellow

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • Collecting and analyzing research related to SDGs and Agenda 2063

  • Exploring new ideas and innovations within UNDP’s six key impact areas

  • Drafting reports, presentations, and research materials

  • Attending internal and external meetings or conferences

  • Assisting with project work in areas such as gender equality, youth empowerment, climate change, and peacebuilding

  • Participating in field visits

  • Collaborating with government agencies and various stakeholders

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is designed for young African women who meet the following criteria:

  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Economics, Political Science, International Development, Law, Communications, or similar

  • No more than two years of paid work experience (after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree) in project work, research, or program management

  • Fluent in English, with proficiency in at least one additional African Union working language (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish) seen as a bonus

  • Must be a national of an African Union member state

  • Aged 30 or younger at the time of application

  • Available for a 12-month full-time placement starting in late 2025

  • Willing to relocate and work outside their home country

  • Passionate about topics like poverty reduction, sustainable development, gender equality, and Africa’s transformation

Bonus points if you have experience in digital innovation, partnerships, communications, or strategic development.

Perks of Being a Fellow

This fellowship isn’t just rewarding in experience — it comes with a comprehensive support package:

  • A monthly stipend to help cover living costs

  • Paid leave and a dedicated learning budget for professional development

  • Travel costs and medical insurance (for fellows only, not dependents)

However, it’s important to note that the programme does not cover expenses for family members, such as travel, visa, accommodation, or schooling.

How to Apply

Ready to take the leap? Here’s what you’ll need to start your application:

  • A copy of your passport (or national ID if you don’t have one yet)

  • Scanned copies of your academic degrees (Bachelor’s and Master’s) from accredited institutions

Deadline to Apply

Make sure to submit your application by June 1, 2025.

This could be the start of an unforgettable chapter in your leadership journey — one where you get to work on projects that truly matter, while growing into the changemaker Africa needs.