WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027 – Fully Funded

About the Programme

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is inviting applications from young graduates and early-career professionals for its 2027 Next Generation Internship Programme (NGI

P).

The programme is designed to strengthen the civic consciousness, professional capacity and practical experience of young West Africans interested in civil society, development and non-profit organisation management.

Selected interns will work closely with WACSI’s teams and participate in the Institute’s activities while developing skills in leadership, programme management, research, advocacy and other areas of professional practice.

Available Internship Positions

Applicants can apply for internship placements in the following areas:

1. Capacity Development: Support training programmes, develop learning materials, coordinate workshops and assist with programme documentation.
2. Knowledge Management: Conduct research, contribute to publications, manage information and support knowledge-sharing activities.
3. Policy Influencing and Advocacy: Conduct policy research, prepare reports, support advocacy meetings and contribute to policy development activities.
4. WACSI Node Nigeria: Support policy research, advocacy activities, meetings and administrative tasks at the Nigeria office.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): Support programme data collection, analysis, monitoring, reporting and documentation.
6. Communications: Assist with content creation, social media, website management, event coverage and communication materials.

Benefits of the Internship

The programme is fully funded by WACSI. Selected interns will receive:

• Return flight to and from their home country, where applicable.
• Furnished accommodation for eligible placements.
• Lunch during working days throughout the internship.
• Monthly stipend.
• Practical professional experience and exposure to regional civil society work.
• Opportunities to strengthen research, leadership, communication and programme management skills.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of Benin, Mali, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana or Nigeria.
• Be fresh graduates or early-career professionals.
• Have an interest in civil society and non-profit organisation management.
• Demonstrate strong research, writing and communication skills.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office and internet research.
• Have good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrate initiative, willingness to learn and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Preference will be given to applicants with strong proficiency in English, French or Portuguese and working knowledge of at least one other language.

Academic Qualifications

• Capacity Development, Knowledge Management, Policy Influencing and Advocacy, and WACSI Node Nigeria: A minimum of a first degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Mass Communication or related fields, as applicable.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning: A minimum of a first degree in Statistics, Data Management, Mathematics, Data Science and Analytics, Project Management or Economics.
• Communications: A minimum of a first degree in Mass Communication, Development Communication, International Relations, Social Psychology, Graphic Design, Marketing or related fields.

Internship Location and Duration

The internship will run for six months, from January to July 2027.

• Successful interns from Benin, Mali, Cameroon, Chad and Ghana will spend a substantial part of the programme at WACSI’s office in Accra, Ghana.
• The successful Nigerian intern will be based at WACSI’s Node Office in Abuja, Nigeria. Applicants for this placement must already reside in Abuja, as accommodation is not provided.

Important: Interns are expected to complete the full six-month programme. Those unable to complete the internship will be required to refund the total cost of the internship package to WACSI.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare:

1. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
2. A motivation letter explaining their interest and suitability for the preferred internship role.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should send their CV and motivation letter by email to:

Email: recruitment@wacsi.org

Use the programme name and preferred internship position as the email subject.

Examples:

• NGIP – Knowledge Management
• NGIP – Communications
• NGIP – Capacity Development
• NGIP – WACSI Node

Applicants should carefully review the official Terms of Reference (TOR) and application guidelines before submitting their applications.

Application Deadline: 8 November 2026

Download the Full TOR and Application Guidelines:
https://wacsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2027-Next-Generation-Internship-Programme-Cohort-1.pdf

Official Opportunity Announcement:
https://wacsi.org/call-for-applications-next-generation-internship-programme-5/

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

Take advantage of this opportunity to gain practical experience, strengthen your professional skills and contribute to civil society development across West Africa.