Application Deadline: March 16, 2025, 23:59 hrs (CAT)

Applications are now open for the 2025 ECOSOCC Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme. The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) is proud to introduce the Kenneth Kaunda Youth ECOSOCC Graduate Programme, a prestigious initiative dedicated to shaping the next generation of Zambian leaders. Named in honor of Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s founding president, and a pioneer of Pan-Africanism, this programme embodies his legacy of unity, self-determination, and youth empowerment while focusing on building the capacity of young professionals to contribute meaningfully to national and continental development.

This initiative provides recent Zambian graduates with hands-on experience in policy development and program implementation within an intergovernmental and multilateral context, familiarizing them with the day-to-day operations of an African Union organ. Through direct engagement in ECOSOCC’s programmatic and non-programmatic functions, participants will enhance their professional competencies, develop leadership potential, and gain a deeper understanding of regional integration, continental development, and the African Union, while ensuring meaningful participation in these processes.

As a key component of the ECOSOCC University Outreach Initiative, the programme partners with universities and research institutions in Zambia to maintain a flow of highly skilled candidates while fostering a long-term network of young professionals through alumni engagement. By embedding Pan-African values and reinforcing participatory governance, the ECOSOCC Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme aim to promote youth employability and prepare future leaders to champion the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent.

Eligibility Requirements

As a youth-focused programme, eligible candidates must meet the youth status criteria outlined by the African Union, specifically, be under 35 years of age at the time of application.

Additional requirements include:

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in social sciences or a relevant discipline, awarded within the last five years.
• Demonstrated academic excellence, having graduated with Distinction or Merit.
• Strong analytical, research, and communication skills.

Program Strucure and Benefits

• Duration: Nine (9) months, with a possibility of extension to one (1) year.
• Experiential Learning: Active involvement in policy research, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and organizational operations within ECOSOCC.
• Trainees will attend at least one international African Union (AU) convening or meeting to gain exposure to high-level decision-making processes.
• Mentorship and Training: Structured training in research, diplomacy, programme, project management, and international relations facilitated by senior professionals and AU experts.
• Career Advancement: An official recommendation upon successful completion will be provided to enhance career prospects within international organizations.
• Networking Opportunities: Access to AU bodies, Pan-African institutions, and key stakeholders in international development.
• Financial support: While the programme does not offer salaried remuneration, trainees will receive a monthly transport stipend to support their participation.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Interested candidates must submit the following documents as part of their application:

1. Letter of Motivation – A maximum of one page, font size 12, written in English, outlining their interest in the program, career aspirations, and their fit for the program.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. University-Certified Bachelor’s/master’s Certificates
4. University-Certified Transcripts of Academic Records
5. Two (2) Signed Letters of Recommendation

Application Process

The selection process for the ECOSOCC Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme will be carried out in two stages: a written assessment and an interview.

1. All applications must be submitted by March 16, 2025
2. Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email and will undergo a comprehensive screening process, which includes written assessments and interviews.
3. Applicants will be assessed based on their leadership potential, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills, among other competencies relevant to the role.
4. The interviews will be conducted either in person or via video conferencing.
5. Candidates must bring their original certificates and other necessary documents to the interview for verification purposes.
6. The Graduate Trainee Programme will commence on April 1, 2025.
7. Successful applicants will be notified post-interview and are expected to fully commit to completing the entire duration of the programme.
8. All candidates are encouraged to carefully prepare for the assessment and interview stages to demonstrate their skills and qualifications.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the ECOSOCC Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme