UNDP African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship 2025 – Fully Funded 12-Month Fellowship
- Omran Aburayya
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you are a dynamic young African woman ready to lead change and contribute to Africa’s development on the global stage, the UNDP African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme 2025 is now accepting applications. This prestigious initiative, a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union Commission (AUC), offers a transformative 12-month placement for 40 emerging women leaders across UNDP’s global offices.
With placements at UNDP Headquarters in New York, regional hubs, or select country offices, the AfYWL Fellowship equips fellows with vital professional experience, leadership training, and global exposure to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.
🎓AfYWL Fellowship Summary
Location: UNDP HQ (New York), Regional Hubs, or Country Offices (excluding hardship duty stations)
Host Organization: UNDP in partnership with the African Union Commission
Academic Level: Postgraduate (Master’s)
Target Group: Young African women (female-only)
Focus Areas: Gender equality, youth empowerment, economic transformation, sustainable development, climate action, peace and security
Award Value:
Monthly stipend to cover basic living costs
Travel and medical insurance (for fellow only)
Paid leave
Learning and development budget
Duration: 12 months
Application Deadline: 1 June 2025
Start Date: Late 2025
Eligible to: African Union member state nationals, female, under 30
🌍 Fellowship Overview
The AfYWL Fellowship Programme offers young African women a platform to lead development projects across six key impact areas of UNDP’s Renewed Strategic Offer in Africa:
Natural Resource Governance
Youth and Women’s Employment and Empowerment
Structural Economic Transformation
Sustainable Energy
Climate Change
Peace and Security
This fellowship is part of the AUC’s 1 Million Next Level Initiative, which focuses on opportunities in Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement. Fellows are placed with UNDP offices around the world and are supported by a robust supervision framework, leadership mentoring, and structured learning opportunities.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Monthly stipend to support accommodation and daily expenses
Round-trip travel coverage to duty station
Medical insurance for the fellow
Paid leave
Learning and development funds for relevant trainings
Participation in an AUC–UNDP induction workshop
Career mentoring and guidance from UNDP supervisors and senior staff
Opportunity to work alongside UNDP professionals on high-impact projects
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be female and a national of an African Union member state
Be 30 years old or younger at the time of application
Hold a Master’s degree in Economics, International Development, Political Science, Law, Communications, Business Administration, Digitalization, or related fields
Have a maximum of two years of paid, relevant work experience
Be fluent in English; proficiency in other AU languages (French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish) is an asset
Be available for full-time relocation for the 12-month fellowship
Demonstrate commitment to gender equality, youth empowerment, and sustainable development
Be ready to live and work outside their country of residence
📄 Application Process
Applications must be submitted in English and include:
A complete application form
Copy of passport(s) or national ID
Academic degrees (Master’s and Bachelor’s certificates from accredited institutions)
🕵🏻 Selection Stages:
Initial screening based on eligibility
Online test evaluating competencies and cognitive ability
Video assessment including:
Presentation of a development problem
Competency-based interview
Language proficiency evaluation
Evaluation panel review and inclusion in final roster
Matching to duty stations based on skills and UNDP office needs
Follow-up interview with hosting office (if required)
Final selection and onboarding, expected by October 2025
Only complete applications meeting all eligibility and documentation requirements will proceed.
🧠 Learning and Development
Fellows benefit from:
A leadership training workshop hosted by AUC and UNDP
Participation in tailored learning programmes within their assigned offices
Access to mentorship and peer support networks
Engagement in community events, conferences, and policy platforms
💡 Why Apply?
Make real impact on key development goals in Africa and globally
Build professional and diplomatic skills in an international context
Join a growing alumni network of African women leaders
Receive mentorship from experienced professionals
Gain practical experience that accelerates your career path in development
📅 Important Dates
Applications Open: 19 May 2025
Application Deadline: 1 June 2025
Assessment and Selection Process: May – October 2025
Fellowship Start: Q4 2025 (Exact date to be confirmed)
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
