Opportunities / Internship

WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027 for Young Graduates and Early‑Career Professionals at West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

Opportunity Details

**WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027 for Young Graduates and Early-Career Professionals**

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is inviting applications from young graduates and early-career professionals from Benin, Mali, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana and Nigeria for its 2027 Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP).

The six-month programme provides practical work experience for individuals interested in civil society, nonprofit management, policy advocacy and international development.

It aims to strengthen civic consciousness, build professional skills and prepare the next generation of African civil society leaders and practitioners.

The internship will run from January to July 2027. Selected interns will work in different areas of WACSI’s operations and gain hands-on experience in programme implementation, research, advocacy, communications, knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation.

**About the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme**

The Next Generation Internship Programme is a professional development initiative established by WACSI in 2008 to equip young Africans with the knowledge, practical skills and experience needed to contribute to civil society and development work.

Participants will be involved in the Institute’s activities, with opportunities to strengthen their leadership, research, programme management and professional communication skills.

**Available Internship Positions**

WACSI is recruiting interns for the following six positions:

* Capacity Development Intern: Support training preparation, development of learning materials, programme coordination and report writing.

* Knowledge Management Intern: Assist with research, publications, documentation, information management and knowledge-sharing activities.

* Policy Influencing and Advocacy Intern: Support policy research, legislative analysis, advocacy activities, policy meetings and report preparation.

* Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Intern: Assist with data collection, data analysis, programme monitoring, reporting and documentation of results.

* Communications Intern: Support content creation, social media and website management, newsletters, event coverage and digital communications.

* WACSI Node Nigeria Intern: Support policy research, advocacy activities, data management, meetings and programme implementation at the Nigeria office.

**Eligibility Requirements**

Applicants must meet the educational and professional requirements for their preferred position.

For the Capacity Development, Knowledge Management, Policy Influencing and Advocacy, and WACSI Node Nigeria positions, applicants must have at least a first degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Mass Communication or a related field.

For the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning position, applicants must have at least a first degree in Statistics, Data Management, Mathematics, Data Science and Analytics, Project Management or Economics.

For the Communications position, applicants must have at least a first degree in Mass Communication, Development Communication, International Relations, Social Psychology, Graphic Design, Marketing or a related field.

**Applicants should also demonstrate:**

* An interest in civil society and nonprofit organisation management.

* Strong research, writing and verbal communication skills.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet research.

* Good interpersonal skills, initiative and willingness to learn.

* The ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision in a multicultural environment.

Proficiency in English, French or Portuguese, together with working knowledge of another of these languages, is an advantage. WACSI states that preference will be given to applicants with strong language proficiency.

**Internship Benefits and Funding**

The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme is fully funded, with support that includes:

* A monthly stipend.

* Lunch on working days throughout the internship.

* Furnished accommodation for eligible interns.

* Flight support to and from their home country for eligible international interns.

Important location information: 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 the WACSI Node office in Abuja, Nigeria. Nigerian applicants must already reside in Abuja, as accommodation is not provided for this placement.

Applicants should also note that interns who cannot complete the six-month programme may be required to refund the total cost of the internship package to WACSI.

**How to Apply for the WACSI Internship Programme 2027**

Interested and qualified candidates should prepare the following documents:

* An updated CV or résumé.

* A motivation letter explaining their interest in the programme and preferred internship position.

Applicants should email both documents to [recruitment@wacsi.org](mailto:recruitment@wacsi.org).

Use the programme name and preferred position as the email subject. Examples include:

* NGIP – Knowledge Management

* NGIP – WACSI Node

* NGIP – Communications

Applicants should consult the official terms of reference and application guidelines for the complete role descriptions and requirements before submitting their applications.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2026.

Application Email: [recruitment@wacsi.org](mailto:recruitment@wacsi.org)

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

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