The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is inviting applications from eligible young graduates and early-career professionals for its Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) 2027. The six-month programme offers participants an opportunity to gain practical work experience, develop professional skills and contribute to civil society and development initiatives across West Africa.
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme is open to eligible applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Mali, Cameroon and Chad. Selected interns will work in areas such as capacity development, knowledge management, policy influencing and advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, and communications.
The programme is scheduled to run from January to July 2027. Successful applicants will receive financial and logistical support, including a monthly stipend, lunch on working days, and travel and accommodation support according to the programme’s terms.
Interested candidates should review the eligibility requirements, choose a suitable internship role and submit their CV and motivation letter before the application deadline of 8 November 2026.
WACSI Internship Programme 2027: Overview
- Programme: Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) 2027
- Host Organisation: West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
- Programme Type: Fully Funded Internship
- Duration: Six months
- Internship Period: January to July 2027
- Locations: Accra, Ghana, and Abuja, Nigeria
- Eligible Countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Mali, Cameroon and Chad
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, lunch on working days, and eligible travel and accommodation support
- Required Documents: CV or résumé and motivation letter
- Application Method: Email
- Application Email: recruitment@wacsi.org
- Application Deadline: 8 November 2026
Available Internship Positions
Applicants should select the position that best matches their academic background, skills and career interests. The programme offers opportunities in the following areas:
- Capacity Development Intern: Supports activities designed to strengthen the skills, knowledge and organisational capacity of civil society organisations.
- Knowledge Management Intern: Assists with research, documentation, information management and the production of knowledge resources.
- Policy Influencing and Advocacy Intern: Supports policy research, advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement and the development of advocacy materials.
- WACSI Node Nigeria Intern: Supports activities connected with WACSI’s Nigeria office in Abuja.
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Intern: Assists with data collection, analysis, monitoring, reporting and documenting programme results.
- Communications Intern: Supports communication activities, content development, digital platforms and organisational visibility.
Applicants should consult the official terms of reference to confirm the duties and specific academic requirements for each position before applying.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027, applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility criteria.
- Eligible nationality: Applicants must be from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Mali, Cameroon or Chad.
- Educational qualification: Applicants must hold at least a first degree in a field relevant to their preferred internship position.
- Interest in civil society: Candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in civil society, nonprofit organisation management and development-related work.
- Research and writing skills: Applicants should have strong research, writing and information-gathering abilities.
- Communication skills: Candidates should demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills.
- Computer skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and internet research is beneficial and may be required for the selected role.
- Interpersonal skills: Applicants should be willing to learn, work collaboratively and operate effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Language skills: Proficiency in English, French or Portuguese, together with working knowledge of another relevant language, is an advantage. Applicants should check the specific language requirements in the official guidelines.
Important location requirement for Nigerians: The successful Nigerian applicant will be based at the WACSI Node Office in Abuja. Applicants for this placement must already reside in Abuja because accommodation is not provided for the Nigeria-based position.
Benefits of the WACSI Internship Programme
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme provides selected participants with practical professional experience and financial support during the internship period.
- Monthly stipend: Selected interns will receive a stipend during the programme. The exact amount should be confirmed in the official programme documents.
- Return flight: Travel support is provided for eligible placements in accordance with the programme’s terms.
- Accommodation: Furnished accommodation is available for eligible interns undertaking the placement in Ghana.
- Lunch on working days: The programme provides lunch during working days.
- Practical work experience: Interns will gain hands-on experience in civil society activities, research, advocacy, communications, programme management or other relevant areas.
- Professional development: Participants can develop workplace skills, build professional relationships and gain exposure to development-related work across West Africa.
Applicants should carefully review the programme’s financial and logistical conditions. WACSI states that interns who are unable to complete the six-month internship may be required to refund the total cost of the internship package. Consider this condition before accepting an offer.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to prepare the following documents for their application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé: Provide an updated document outlining your educational qualifications, relevant experience, skills and achievements.
- Motivation letter: Explain why you are interested in the programme, your preferred internship role, your relevant qualifications and how the opportunity aligns with your career goals.
Ensure that both documents are accurate, well organised and tailored to the position you intend to apply for.
How to Apply for the WACSI Internship Programme 2027
Interested and qualified candidates should follow the steps below to submit their applications.
- Visit the official WACSI announcement and read the complete programme guidelines and terms of reference.
- Review the available internship positions and select the role that best matches your qualifications and interests.
- Prepare your updated CV or résumé and a motivation letter explaining your suitability for the selected position.
- Send both documents by email to recruitment@wacsi.org.
- Use the required email subject format: NGIP – [Role Name]. For example, use NGIP – Knowledge Management or NGIP – WACSI Node, depending on your preferred position.
- Review your email, attachments and subject line before sending your application.
Application Email: recruitment@wacsi.org
Application Deadline: 8 November 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, according to the programme announcement. Applicants are encouraged to submit their documents before the deadline and follow the instructions provided by WACSI.
Final Advice for Applicants
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027 is an opportunity for eligible West African graduates who want to build experience in civil society, nonprofit management, policy advocacy, research, communications and development work.
Before applying, confirm that you meet the nationality and educational requirements, select the appropriate internship role and read the complete terms of reference. Nigerian applicants should pay particular attention to the Abuja residency requirement for the WACSI Node placement.
Submit your CV and motivation letter to the official application email before 8 November 2026. Use the correct subject line and ensure that your documents clearly demonstrate your suitability for the position.