Careers

About the Association of African Universities

Established in 1967 and headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the Association of African Universities is the apex body and voice of higher education in Africa. With a membership of more than 450 higher education institutions, the AAU promotes collaboration, quality higher education, research, innovation, and institutional development across the continent. The AAU also serves as a platform for dialogue, partnership-building, and collective action on issues shaping the future of higher education in Africa.

AAU is the designated lead institution for the Higher Education, Research and Innovation (HERI) Cluster of the African Union’s Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2026–2035). We work with our partners to advance Africa’s transformation through knowledge, innovation, and skills development.

WORKING WITH US

Working with the AAU means joining a community of high-calibre experts and thought leaders who are collectively redefining the landscape of African higher education. Our institutional culture is defined by intellectual rigour, strategic foresight, and a deep-seated commitment to continental progress. We foster a dynamic environment where evidence-based decision-making, innovative problem-solving, and cross-border collaboration thrive. Here, you are not merely an employee; you are a key contributor to a Pan-African brain trust, engaging in high-level discourse with university leaders and students, policymakers, and global partners. We champion a culture of excellence that respects diverse epistemologies and experiences, empowering our team to pioneer transformative solutions that unlock higher education's full potential as a primary engine of Africa's sustainable development and global competitiveness.

WHY WORK WITH US

At the AAU, you will work at a strategic level on African educational policy and institutional development. As the designated lead for the African Union’s CESA HERI Cluster, we offer a unique opportunity to help shape continental strategies and influence the trajectory of higher education across the continent. This is a chance to translate high-level policy into tangible, on-the-ground impact - whether that means strengthening research ecosystems, advancing digital transformation, or building institutional capacity across our network of over 450 member universities. Your contributions will go beyond routine deliverables; they will help build a more resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive African higher education sector. If you are motivated by scholarly excellence and a genuine commitment to Africa's advancement, the AAU offers a compelling platform to turn that commitment into meaningful, lasting change.