Apply for the Fully Funded WACSI Internship Programme 2027

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is inviting applications for its 2027 Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP).

It offers young graduates and early-career professionals an opportunity to gain practical experience in civil society development, policy advocacy, research and communications.

The six-month programme will run from January to July 2027 and is open to eligible applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Mali, Cameroon and Chad. Selected interns will work within WACSI’s operational areas, contributing to projects and activities aimed at strengthening civil society and promoting sustainable development across West Africa.

What the WACSI Internship Offers

The internship is fully funded, with support that includes a monthly stipend, lunch on working days, and travel and accommodation assistance where applicable.

Participants will gain hands-on professional experience, develop their research and communication skills, and build their capacity in programme management, policy development, advocacy and other areas of civil society practice.

The programme is designed to strengthen the professional abilities of emerging African development practitioners while exposing them to the challenges and opportunities facing civil society organisations across the region.

Available Internship Positions

WACSI is recruiting interns across six areas:

• Capacity Development: Supporting initiatives that strengthen the institutional capacity of civil society organisations.
• Knowledge Management: Conducting research, documenting lessons and helping disseminate knowledge.
• Policy Influencing and Advocacy: Supporting policy research, advocacy initiatives and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
• WACSI Node Nigeria: Assisting the institute’s Nigeria-based activities and programmes.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): Supporting data collection, programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Communications: Creating content, supporting digital communications, preparing publications and promoting the institute’s activities.

Applicants should select the position that best matches their academic qualifications, interests and professional skills.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme is open to citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Mali, Cameroon and Chad who are interested in civil society development and nonprofit organisation management.

Applicants must possess at least a first degree in a relevant field. The specific academic requirements depend on the position.

For Capacity Development, Knowledge Management, Policy Influencing and Advocacy, and the WACSI Node Nigeria position, relevant fields include International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Mass Communication and related disciplines.

Candidates applying for the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning position should have a background in Statistics, Data Management, Mathematics, Data Science and Analytics, Project Management, Economics or a related field.

For the Communications position, suitable qualifications include Mass Communication, Development Communication, International Relations, Social Psychology, Graphic Design, Marketing and related disciplines.

Applicants should also demonstrate strong research, writing and verbal communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, internet research skills, initiative and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Proficiency in English, French or Portuguese, alongside working knowledge of another of these languages, is an advantage.

Internship Locations

Successful applicants from Ghana, Benin, Mali and Chad will spend a substantial part of the programme at WACSI’s office in Accra, Ghana.

The successful Nigerian applicant will be based at the institute’s Nigeria Node Office in Abuja. Applicants for the Nigeria-based position must already reside in Abuja, as accommodation is not provided for this placement.

How to Apply for the WACSI Internship Programme 2027

Interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps:

1. Review the application guidelines: Visit the official WACSI website and read the programme announcement and terms of reference to understand the responsibilities and requirements of each position.
2. Prepare your CV: Update your curriculum vitae with your academic qualifications, relevant experience, skills and professional achievements.
3. Write a motivation letter: Explain why you want to join the programme, identify your preferred position and demonstrate how your background aligns with the role.
4. Submit your application by email: Send your CV and motivation letter to recruitment@wacsi.org.
5. Use the correct email subject: Include the programme name and your preferred position. For example, NGIP – Communications, NGIP – Knowledge Management or NGIP – WACSI Node.

Applicants should review all instructions in the official announcement before submitting their documents. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027 is November 8, 2026.

The internship will run from January to July 2027. Candidates should also note that the programme requires a six-month commitment, and interns who cannot complete the placement may be required to refund the total cost of the internship package under the stated programme conditions.

Young professionals interested in civil society development, governance, advocacy, research and communications are encouraged to review the requirements and apply before the deadline.

Official application announcement: WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027

Download the terms of reference: 2027 Internship Programme Guidelines (PDF)