Applications open for the Network of African Youth in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (WiseYouth Network).

Applications are now being accepted for the 1st Cohort of the Network of African Youth in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (WiseYouth Network). This initiative aims to highlight the crucial role of young people in promoting peace on the African continent. The WiseYouth Network, established under the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), serves as a subsidiary mechanism to the Panel of the Wise.

The Network seeks to engage youth in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue, with a focus on strategic and targeted involvement across Africa. It was endorsed by the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in February 2022.

The WiseYouth Network consists of twenty members, ensuring gender parity. Each of the five regions will be represented by four members, two male and two female. These members will possess expertise in thematic areas related to preventive diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue. They will also collaborate closely with the AU Youth Envoy and the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs) to ensure coordination and synergy in their efforts.

Requirements: Network of African Youth in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (WiseYouth Network).

1. The application process is open to all African youth who have demonstrated experience in conflict prevention, mediation, and dialogue at various levels. We particularly encourage applications from eligible youth, including young women, displaced persons, and individuals with disabilities, who meet the specified criteria.
2. Identity: Young African citizens residing in Africa;
3. Educational Requirements: Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree;
4. Professional Experience: Must have proven results or credible evidence of three (3) years of experience in conflict prevention, mediation, and dialogue, supported by 2-3 examples of concrete actions taken to promote peace processes or facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues;
5. Language: Proficiency in at least one official AU language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili, Spanish);
   Age: Between 18 and 35 throughout the entire tenure;
6. Availability: Willingness to be deployed and engage in various activities on behalf of the Network upon request;

TENURE: Network of African Youth in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (WiseYouth Network).

Each cohort of WiseYouth will serve for a non-renewable period of three (3) years to allow other young individuals with the necessary expertise to have the opportunity to aspire and contribute to the Network.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Membership in WiseYouth is voluntary and unpaid. Benefits of being a member of the WiseYouth network include:

i. Being part of a network of young peacebuilders in Africa involved in conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue, and other peace processes at all levels;

ii. Access to global youth networks engaged in Youth, Peace, and Security, with whom the Network will collaborate;

iii. Eligibility for advanced and specialized training and development opportunities;

iv. Eligibility for deployment in AU-led and supported preventive diplomacy, mediation, dialogue, and other peace processes;

v. Participation in Network activities;

vi. Mentorship and peer-coaching from experienced conflict prevention and mediation practitioners in Africa, including members of the Panel of the Wise (and its subsidiary mechanisms, PanWise and FemWise-Africa).

Application: Network of African Youth in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (WiseYouth Network).

1. Qualified candidates should submit their applications through the following link, on or before 14 June 2024:
2. A complete application will comprise the submission of the following documents:

• An abridged professional CV,
• A minimum of two references;
• A covering letter and;
• A biography not exceeding 700 words
• For details Visit the Official Webpage of the Network of African Youth in Conflict Prevention and Mediation