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Applications are now open for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) African Union Internship Programme 2024
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the largest free trade area in the world, uniting the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
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Its main goal is to create a single continental market with a population of about 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately US$ 3.4 trillion.
The AfCFTA aims to enable the free flow of goods and services across Africa and strengthen the continent’s position in the global market.
The AfCFTA Internship Program is designed to attract highly qualified and motivated students from diverse backgrounds to work on projects related to the Secretariat’s strategic goals.
The program aims to provide interns with the opportunity to enhance their analytical and technical skills in an international setting. The internship is primarily educational, offering participants exposure to the operations of the AfCFTA and hands-on experience in various fields within a multicultural environment.
Internship Roles
Interns will assist in providing administrative and technical support for the effective implementation of AfCFTA programs and activities across various departments and directorates, including:
- Office of the Secretary-General
- Protocol Division
- Communications Division
- Conferences and Languages Division
- Directorate of Trade in Goods and Competition
- Directorate of Customs
- Directorate of Trade in Services, Investment, IPR, and Digital Trade
- Directorate of Dispute Settlement and Legal Affairs
- Directorate of Administration of Human Resources Management/IT Unit
- Directorate of Finance
- Directorate of Institutional Matters & Programme Coordination
Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Must be a national of an African Union Member State and residing in Ghana.
- Education: Must be a final-year student enrolled full-time in a fully accredited degree program at a recognized public or private institution in fields such as Project/Program Management, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), Business Administration, Management, or related areas.
- Availability: Must be available for a minimum of three months, the duration of the internship program.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in one of the AU’s official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic, Kiswahili, Spanish) is required, and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.
- Skills: Must have strong quantitative, IT, and Microsoft Office skills.
- Teamwork: Must be capable and willing to work in a multicultural and international team environment.
- Commitment: Must be committed to upholding and adhering to the rules and values of the Institution during the program.
- Diversity: Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Selection Process
The selection process includes four main stages:
- Pre-screening: All applications are reviewed, and suitable candidates are shortlisted and made available to AfCFTA Secretariat Directorates.
- Interview and/or Written Test: Selected candidates may be invited to complete a telephone interview and/or a written test.
- Offer Letter: Successful candidates will receive an internship offer letter via email from the AHRM Directorate.
References: Verifiable references may be required.
Terms and Conditions
- Financial Obligation: The AfCFTA Secretariat will have no financial obligation towards interns; travel arrangements, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns.
- Travel Compensation: Interns will not receive compensation for travel expenses.
- Internship Duration: The internship is initially authorized for three months, with the possibility of a one-time renewal based on business needs.
Method of Application
Submit Application Online: Applications must be submitted online through the AfCFTA Secretariat’s registration system.
Registration: First-time users need to register before logging in.
Provide Information: Applicants are encouraged to provide as much relevant information as possible.
Supporting Documents: The following documents must be submitted with the online application:
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- A motivation letter addressed to the Administration and Human Resources Directorate, outlining what the applicant hopes to gain from the internship.
- A copy of a valid passport or identity card.
- A current curriculum vitae (CV).
Confirmation: Upon successful submission, applicants will receive an email confirmation that their application has been received.
Application Deadline: August 15, 2024 11h59 p.m. UTC.
