About this opportunity
Bahir Dar University is inviting enthusiastic and responsible students to apply for an opportunity to serve as student volunteers during the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa.
The international forum will take place in Bahir Dar from 23 to 25 October 2026 and will bring together African leaders, government officials, policymakers, researchers, scholars, development partners and other distinguished participants.
For students, the volunteer opportunity offers practical exposure to the organization of a major international event while allowing them to develop professional skills, build connections and gain experience that can be valuable for future academic and career opportunities.
The Tana High-Level Forum is an annual platform for dialogue on peace and security in Africa. The 12th edition is being convened under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation.”
About the Tana High-Level Forum
The Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa is an annual African dialogue platform that brings together leaders and other stakeholders to discuss peace and security issues and explore African-led approaches to the continent’s challenges.
The Forum has been held annually since 2012 and is associated with the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) at Addis Ababa University, which serves as the Secretariat of the Tana Forum.
The 12th edition will take place in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, from 23–25 October 2026. According to the official Forum announcement, the 2026 discussions will focus on the overarching theme of economic sovereignty and geopolitical transformation, with sub-themes including resource sovereignty, digital transformation and inclusion, African institutions and capabilities, and regional integration and illicit economies. free training
What Is the Student Volunteer Opportunity?
Bahir Dar University is seeking students who can contribute to the organization and coordination of the Forum.
Selected volunteers may support different activities associated with hosting and managing the event, depending on the needs and assignments of the organizing team.
This may include responsibilities related to:
- Event organization and coordination
- Ushering and guest assistance
- Protocol-related activities
- Communication and information support
- Hospitality
- Registration and participant assistance
- Supporting university staff and event organizers
- Other activities assigned by the Forum’s organizing team
The exact duties may vary depending on the role assigned to each selected student.
Why Should Students Apply?
Participating as a volunteer can provide students with practical experience beyond the classroom.
1. Gain International Event Experience
Students can gain firsthand experience working at a major international forum involving participants from Ethiopia and other African countries.
This type of experience can help students understand how large conferences and high-level events are organized and coordinated.
2. Develop Professional Skills
Volunteers can strengthen skills that are useful in many academic and professional environments, including:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Customer and guest service
- Professional etiquette
- Event coordination
- Problem-solving
- Working under pressure
3. Build Professional Connections
The Forum is expected to bring together African leaders, senior government officials, diplomats, scholars, researchers, policymakers and development partners.
Working as part of the volunteer team can therefore provide students with opportunities to interact professionally with people from different backgrounds and institutions.
4. Strengthen Your CV
Volunteer experience at a high-level international event can be included in a CV as relevant extracurricular, leadership, event-support or professional experience.
Students can potentially demonstrate their ability to work in a team, communicate professionally, meet responsibilities and operate in a demanding event environment.
5. Gain Exposure to African Policy Discussions
Volunteers will have the opportunity to be around discussions concerning issues related to Africa’s peace, security, governance, development and broader regional affairs.
This exposure may be particularly relevant for students interested in areas such as:
- International relations
- Political science
- Governance
- Law
- Development studies
- Economics
- Peace and security
- Journalism and communication
- Public administration
- Social sciences
However, the opportunity is open to students from all fields of study.
6. Receive Volunteer Support
According to the announcement, selected student volunteers will receive per diem/support in accordance with the arrangements of the Forum.
Applicants should note that the announcement does not state a specific amount of payment. Students should therefore confirm the details of any available support with the organizers if selected.
Who Can Apply?
Bahir Dar University is looking for students who demonstrate professionalism, responsibility and good communication skills.
Applicants should generally be:
- Responsible and disciplined
- Punctual and dependable
- Confident and courteous when interacting with people
- Able to communicate effectively in English
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Able to work under pressure when necessary
- Available during the required Forum period
- Interested in contributing to the successful organization of the event
Students From All Fields Are Encouraged to Apply
The opportunity is not limited to one academic department.
Students from different fields of study and backgrounds are encouraged to register, and students of both sexes are welcome to apply.
English Language Requirement
Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in English.
This is an important requirement because the volunteer activities may involve interacting with international participants, guests, officials and other members of the Forum team.
Students should therefore be comfortable with basic professional communication in English, including speaking with guests, providing directions, answering routine questions and communicating with team members.
Availability Is Important
The Forum will be held from 23–25 October 2026.
Applicants should make sure they can be available during the period required by the organizers.
Because volunteer roles may involve event preparation and coordination, selected students may also be required to participate in activities outside the main Forum sessions. Applicants should therefore be prepared to follow the schedule provided by the organizing team.
How Will Students Be Selected?
Submitting the registration form does not guarantee selection.
According to the announcement, applicants who are shortlisted will be invited for an interview. Final selection will depend on the requirements of the different volunteer roles.
Students should therefore provide accurate information during registration and be prepared to demonstrate their communication skills, availability, responsibility and interest in the opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested students should complete the official registration form provided by Bahir Dar University.
Application Form
Applicants should carefully complete all required sections of the form and provide accurate information.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
Students interested in participating should submit their registration before the deadline.
Important Information for Applicants
Before applying, students should keep the following points in mind:
- Registration does not automatically mean selection.
- Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.
- Final selection will depend on the requirements of the available volunteer roles.
- Applicants should be available during the required period.
- Good English communication skills are important.
- Selected volunteers are expected to demonstrate professionalism, punctuality and responsibility.
- Any per diem or other support will be provided according to the Forum’s arrangements.
- Students should use the official registration form rather than submitting personal information to unofficial individuals or pages.
Contact Information
For questions regarding the volunteer opportunity, applicants can contact the External Relations and Partnership Directorate of Bahir Dar University through:
Email: bduexternalrelations@gmail.com
Email: fikirteadugna@gmail.com
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity | Student Volunteer Opportunity |
| Event | 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa |
| Organizer/Host | Bahir Dar University |
| Location | Bahir Dar, Ethiopia |
| Event dates | 23–25 October 2026 |
| Eligible applicants | Students from all fields |
| English | Required |
| Interview | Shortlisted applicants |
| Volunteer support | Per diem/support according to Forum arrangements |
| Application deadline | 8 October 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Application method | Online registration form |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Tana Forum student volunteer opportunity?
Students from all fields of study and backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the requirements and are available during the required period.
Do I need to study international relations or political science?
No. The opportunity is open to students from different academic fields.
Is English required?
Yes. Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in English because volunteer duties may involve interaction with guests and participants.
Does registration guarantee selection?
No. Registration does not guarantee selection. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview, after which final selection will be made according to the requirements of the available roles.
Will selected volunteers receive payment?
The announcement states that selected student volunteers will receive per diem/support according to the arrangements of the Forum. It does not specify a fixed amount in the announcement.
Where will the 12th Tana Forum take place?
The 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa is scheduled to take place in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, from 23–25 October 2026.
What can students gain from volunteering?
Students can gain practical experience in event organization, communication, protocol, ushering, coordination and hospitality, while developing professional skills and exposure to a major African policy forum.
Final Note
The Tana Forum student volunteer opportunity can provide students with practical experience in a professional, multicultural and high-level event environment. Interested students who meet the requirements should review the information carefully and complete the official registration form before the 8 October 2026, 5:00 PM deadline.
JOIN THE TEAM. GAIN EXPERIENCE. BUILD CONNECTIONS. REPRESENT BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY.
This article is prepared for informational purposes based on the student volunteer announcement and publicly available information about the 12th Tana High-Level Forum. Applicants should confirm any changes, selection details or additional requirements with the organizers.