African Union
JOB TITLE: Internship Program at African Union Commission
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Deadline: October 31, 2024
Organization: African Union
Organization Information
The African Union (AU), established as a unique Pan African continental body, is committed to spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the AU promotes unity, solidarity, and cooperation among African peoples and states, fostering a new partnership worldwide.
AU Values
- Respect for Diversity and Team Work
- Think Africa Above All
- Transparency and Accountability
- Integrity and Impartiality
- Efficiency and Professionalism
- Information and Knowledge Sharing
Purpose of the Internship
The African Union Internship Program offers individuals an opportunity to complement their educational experience and develop professional skills within a diverse and dynamic environment. As an organization dedicated to respecting diversity and teamwork, we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Interns will engage full-time, gaining exposure to AU operations and contributing to its mission.
Focus Area
Interns will provide administrative and technical support across various AU departments and directorates, including but not limited to:
- Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson
- Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment
- Economic Development, Trade, Industry, Mining
- Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Infrastructure and Energy
- Political Affairs, Peace, and Security
- Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development
- Human Resources Management
- Operations Support Services
- And many more.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the internship program, applicants must:
- Be actively enrolled in at least the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program OR possess a Bachelor’s or advanced/post-graduate (Masters) qualification in a related field.
- Be nationals of an African Union Member State.
- Be fluent in at least one AU working language (Arabic, English, French, or Portuguese).
- Be no more than thirty-two (32) years of age at the time of selection.
- Possess the highest standard of moral conduct and integrity.
Terms and Conditions
- The AU will not have any financial obligations towards interns.
- Travel arrangements, accommodation, and living expenses will be the responsibility of interns.
- Interns will not receive compensation for travel.
- Internship will be authorized for three (3) months, renewable once for any candidate.
- Interns must have individual insurance coverage throughout the duration of the internship.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Fluency in at least one AU official working language.
- Proficiency in additional AU languages is advantageous.
Core Competencies
- Clear communication skills.
- Concise writing ability.
- Commitment to work.
- Ability to thrive in a multi-cultural environment.
- Highest standards of moral conduct and integrity.
Applications
Interested applicants must submit their application online. First-time users need to register before logging in. Applicants should provide comprehensive information and submit the following documents:
- Motivation letter outlining expectations from the internship program.
- Copy of valid passport or national identity card.
- Certified copies of relevant academic certificates.
- Current curriculum vitae (CV).
- Recommendation letter for internship from their institution of learning.
Upon successful submission, applicants will receive email confirmation of their application.
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SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR AN INTERNSHIP POSITION
[Applicant’s Name]
[Applicant’s Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
African Union Commission
[Organization’s Address]
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Internship Program at the African Union Commission, as advertised. Currently pursuing my [Degree Program] at [University Name], I am eager to contribute to the AU’s mission of promoting unity, solidarity, and sustainable development across Africa.
My academic background in [Relevant Field] has equipped me with valuable skills in [Specific Skills], which I am keen to apply in a professional setting. I am particularly drawn to the AU’s commitment to diversity, teamwork, and transparency, values that resonate deeply with me.
Through this internship, I aim to gain hands-on experience in [Area of Interest], while also learning from the diverse perspectives within the AU. I am confident that my strong communication skills, coupled with my passion for [Field/Area], make me a suitable candidate for this position.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the African Union’s impactful work and look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with your organization’s needs. Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Warm regards,
[Applicant’s Name]
Possible Internship Program Interview Questions With Answers
- Can you tell us about yourself? Answer: Certainly. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in [Field] at [University Name]. Throughout my academic journey, I have been deeply involved in various extracurricular activities, such as [Activity], which have helped me develop strong leadership and communication skills.
- Why are you interested in this internship at the African Union? Answer: I am passionate about contributing to the development and unity of Africa, and I believe that the African Union plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. This internship presents a unique opportunity for me to gain practical experience while contributing to meaningful initiatives within the AU.
- What specific skills do you bring to this internship? Answer: I possess strong proficiency in MS Office applications, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages. Additionally, my academic background in [Field/Area] has equipped me with the necessary knowledge and analytical abilities to excel in this role.
- How do you handle working in a multicultural environment? Answer: Having grown up in a culturally diverse community, I have developed a deep appreciation for different perspectives and customs. I believe in fostering open communication and collaboration to bridge cultural gaps and create a harmonious working environment.
- Can you provide an example of a challenging situation you faced and how you resolved it? Answer: During my previous internship, I encountered a situation where conflicting priorities led to a breakdown in communication within the team. To address this, I organized a team meeting to openly discuss our concerns and establish clear objectives. Through effective communication and collaboration, we were able to overcome the challenges and successfully complete the project.
- How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively? Answer: I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, using tools such as to-do lists and calendars to stay organized. Additionally, I regularly assess my progress and make adjustments to ensure timely completion of projects.
- What do you hope to achieve during your internship at the African Union? Answer: During my internship, I aim to gain practical experience in [Area of Interest], deepen my understanding of AU operations, and contribute positively to ongoing projects. Ultimately, I hope to emerge from this experience with valuable skills and insights that will further my professional development.
- How do you handle constructive criticism? Answer: I view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement. I am open to feedback, and I actively seek out ways to incorporate suggestions into my work to enhance my performance.
- What motivates you to succeed in a challenging environment? Answer: I am motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact and contribute to positive change. In a challenging environment, I thrive on the opportunity to problem-solve, innovate, and overcome obstacles to achieve my goals.
- Where do you see yourself in five years? Answer: In five years, I envision myself in a leadership role where I can leverage my skills and experiences to drive positive change in my community and beyond. I am committed to continuous learning and growth, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Best wishes,
African Union Commission is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fees, whether refundable or not.
To apply for this job please visit jobs.au.int.