Unlocking Potential: Call for Applications for the 3rd Cohort of African Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP)
The Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS) introduced the groundbreaking Youth for Peace (Africa) Program (Y4P) in September 2018. This initiative is poised to transform the African youth into influential champions of peace and security, steering them away from violence and towards active engagement in shaping the continent’s future.
3rd Cohort of African Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP)
The Genesis of Y4P
The central aim of the Y4P is to enable African youth to actively participate in the entire spectrum of peace and security. This objective is underpinned by a strong commitment to discourage youth involvement in violence and conflict.
To bolster the involvement of young Africans in advancing peace and security across the continent, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) during its 807th meeting made a pivotal request to the AU Commission.
They asked the Commission to appoint five regional African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) who would collaborate with the AU Youth Envoy in spearheading the cause of peace and security in Africa.
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AYAP Role and Responsibilities
The role of the AYAPs is to be the vanguards of youth participation in peace and security issues at the regional level and beyond. They are tasked with promoting the realization of the five priorities outlined in the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace, and Security (CFYPS). This framework is guided by Article 17 of the AU Youth Charter (2006) and the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018), and 2535 (2020). Key responsibilities include:
- Advocating for the rights of young people in their respective regions.
- Raising awareness about the AU Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-Year Implementation Plan.
- Encouraging and assisting AU Member States in the coordination of the Y4P program, thereby bolstering the development of National Action Plans and their regional implementation.
- Executing regional youth activities encompassing the five priority areas of the CFYPS.
- Representing the AU PAPS in meetings, training sessions, and workshops as required.
Eligibility Criteria for AYAP Applicants
To qualify for this influential role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged between 15 and 35, in alignment with AU Youth age requirements.
- Hold a university degree in International Relations, Peace and Conflict, Political Science, Law, or related fields.
- A master’s degree is an advantage.
- Demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience in peace and security, with a proven ability for advocacy in youth, peace, and security matters, as well as resource mobilization.
- Possess experience in promoting and supporting peace processes, particularly in initiating and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and mediation efforts.
- Exhibit strong communication and advocacy skills.
- Fluency in one of the AU working languages (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili, and Spanish) is mandatory, with knowledge of additional AU languages considered an asset.
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How to Apply for AYAP Positions
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications to the email address Youth4PeaceAfrica@africa-union.org. The application deadline is set for October 31, 2023.
Applications should include:
- An updated CV/resume.
- A concise essay (not exceeding 2 pages) outlining the candidate’s qualifications and their envisioned impact on the peace and stability of the continent.
- Copies of educational and training certificates.
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