Deadline: June 26, 2026
Applications are open for the ECOSOCC Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme 2026. The Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme is named after Zambia’s founding president and Pan-African statesman. It places recent Zambian graduates inside the ECOSOCC Secretariat for 9 months, giving them direct working experience of how an African Union organ runs day to day.
Trainees take part in policy research, project coordination, stakeholder engagement and the Secretariat’s wider programme work. The aim is to give graduates real responsibility early in their careers, and to build a pool of Zambian professionals familiar with the AU system.
The programme is part of the ECOSOCC University Outreach Initiative and runs in partnership with universities and research institutions in Zambia.
Benefits
The programme does not pay a salary. Trainees receive a monthly transport stipend, and ECOSOCC provides logistical support including transport to the office at 8658 Kudu Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka.
The programme offers:
- Practical experience in international governance, policy work and programme delivery.
- Training in diplomacy, research, advocacy and project management.
- Mentorship from senior ECOSOCC staff and AU experts.
- Exposure to AU meetings and international convenings.
- A working network across AU bodies and Pan-African institutions.
- An official recommendation on successful completion.
Eligibility
- You must be under 35 years of age at the time of application (AU youth-status criterion).
- You also need:
- a master’s or bachelor’s degree in social sciences, business administration, communication, law or a related field, awarded in the last five years;
- a graduating classification of Distinction or Merit;
- strong analytical, research and writing skills;
- fluency in English, written and spoken. French or another AU working language is an advantage.
Application
Selection has two stages: a written assessment and an interview. Shortlisted candidates are contacted by email. Interviews are held in person or by video conference. Bring original certificates and supporting documents to the interview for verification. Successful candidates are notified after the interview. The placement is full-time for the full 9 months.
For more information, visit ECOSOCC KKGIP.
