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LEAP Africa International Volunteer for Development (IV4D) Programme 2025

  • Writer: Omran Aburayya
    Omran Aburayya
  • Jul 27
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 27



If you are a passionate African changemaker – the IV4D Programme applications are now open!

LEAP Africa, a leading pan‑African leadership development organization, has launched applications for its 2025 International Volunteer for Development (IV4D) Programme. This flagship initiative engages students, young professionals, and experienced change‑makers in purposeful volunteer service across Africa—virtually, in‑person, or hybrid—to strengthen institutions and communities while building leadership, innovation and impact skills.



🎓 Programme Summary

  • Location: Virtual, in‑person or hybrid across Africa

  • Offered by: LEAP Africa (pan‑African youth leadership non‑profit)

  • Engagement Level: Students, mid‑level professionals, and experienced changemakers

  • Areas of Contribution: Programme implementation; MERL; ICT; e‑learning; finance; HR; communications; business development & grants; advocacy; administration 

  • Duration Options:

    • Short‑term: 1–3 months

    • Mid‑term: 4–12 months

    • Long‑term: 12+ months 

  • Start Period: Rolling — apply as soon as possible (no specific deadline stated; early closures possible) 

  • Eligibility: Open access—no strict qualifications required; strong advantage for those with backgrounds in social science, development, ICT, business, or related fields. Passion, commitment and readiness to learn are key. 




✨ Programme Overview

The IV4D Programme is designed to harness the skills of Africans at all professional stages to support LEAP Africa’s leadership and social innovation initiatives. Volunteers are placed within functional units and flagship projects, contributing meaningfully while gaining practical experience:

  • Core Activities:

    • Support programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation (MERL), research, and community engagement.

    • Assist with digital tools, platforms, e‑learning systems, finance, human resources, communications, and grants/advocacy tasks. 

    • Engage with flagship initiatives such as Social Innovators Programme (SIP), Youth Day of Service (YDoS), Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP), LEAD The Way, Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), Women’s Leadership Accelerator, and more. 

  • Flexible Formats & Duration:

    • Choose between virtual, in‑person, or hybrid placements according to availability and preference.

    • Engage for short (1–3 months), mid (4–12 months), or long (>12 months) terms. 



🎁 Benefits

  • Professional growth in areas such as leadership, project management, facilitation, data analysis, digital tools, communications, and social innovation.

  • Mentorship and recognition within a mission-driven and inclusive team. 

  • Networking opportunities as part of a Pan‑African community of change agents.

  • Support perks, such as data stipends for virtual volunteers, to enable participation. 

  • Letter of recommendation or certificate of completion, depending on role and performance. (Other volunteer-specific perks are detailed on LEAP Africa’s volunteer page.) 



✅ Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to students, young professionals, and experienced changemakers who are committed to social impact.

  • Formal degree not mandatory; relevant background in development, ICT, business or social sciences may be advantageous. 

  • Availability for the chosen term and ability to adapt to virtual or in‑person formats.

  • Passion for youth empowerment, institutional strengthening, and development innovation.



📝 Application Procedure

  1. Submit application online via LEAP Africa’s volunteer portal, indicating your:

    • Availability (duration and engagement mode)

    • Skills, interests, and areas of expertise

    • Preferred departments or flagship initiatives

  2. Selection & Matching:

    • LEAP Africa’s team reviews submissions and matches volunteers with appropriate roles.

    • Applicants are contacted for suitable placement and next steps. 


Applicants are advised to apply early, as the programme may close applications ahead of schedule due to high demand.


Why Join IV4D?

  • Contribute to tangible development and leadership initiatives across Africa.

  • Gain practical hands‑on experience while expanding your professional toolkit.

  • Collaborate within an inclusive, youth-focused network dedicated to sustainable impact.

  • Support and amplify Africa‑led leadership and innovation initiatives, building systemic change.




🔗 OFFICIAL LINK


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