Young professionals across West Africa now have a new opportunity to gain hands-on experience in civil society and non-profit management, as the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) officially opens applications for its 2026 Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP).
The six-month, fully funded internship—scheduled to run from July to December 2026—is designed to equip fresh graduates and early-career professionals with practical skills in capacity development, policy advocacy, and knowledge management.
Applications must be sent to: recruitment@wacsi.org
A Regional Programme Building Future Civil Society Leaders
Established in 2008, WACSI’s NGIP was created to address the growing need for structured, practical training for young West Africans interested in development work.
Over the years, the programme has evolved into a key pipeline for nurturing future leaders in the civil society space.
Selected interns will be fully immersed in WACSI’s core operations, gaining exposure to real-world projects and strengthening their understanding of critical development issues across the region.
Who Can Apply?
WACSI is inviting applications from candidates in:
- Nigeria
- Guinea
- Niger
- Togo
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in fields such as international affairs, political science, public policy, law, development studies, or related disciplines
- Demonstrate a strong interest in civil society and non-profit management
- Possess strong research, writing, and communication skills
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office and internet research
Preferred candidates will have bilingual capabilities (English, French, or Portuguese) and a working knowledge of an additional language.
Internship Structure and Locations
The programme offers a blend of fieldwork and institutional exposure:
- Interns from Guinea, Niger, and Togo will spend a significant portion of the programme at WACSI’s headquarters in Accra, Ghana
- The Nigerian intern will be based at the WACSI Node Office in Abuja
Note: Nigerian applicants must already reside in Abuja, as accommodation will not be provided locally.
What Interns Will Gain
Participants will develop practical expertise across multiple areas, including:
- Research and policy analysis
- Advocacy and programme planning
- Training development and facilitation
- Report writing and documentation
- Project and stakeholder management
Interns will also contribute directly to ongoing projects—supporting training sessions, drafting policy briefs, assisting in workshops, and collaborating with partners across the region.
Fully Funded Benefits
WACSI provides a comprehensive support package for selected candidates, including:
- Return flights (for non-Nigerian interns)
- Furnished accommodation (where applicable)
- Daily lunch during working days
- Monthly stipend
Key Responsibilities
Interns will be actively involved in:
- Designing and implementing training and assessment tools
- Supporting programme planning and proposal development
- Conducting research on policy and legislative issues
- Assisting in workshops, meetings, and advocacy initiatives
- Drafting reports, concept notes, and training materials
- Providing administrative and operational support
Skills That Will Set You Apart
Must-have:
- Strong communication and writing skills
- Research and analytical ability
- Interest in civil society development
Good-to-have:
- Interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Proactiveness and willingness to learn
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A motivation letter
- A CV or résumé
Applications must be sent to: recruitment@wacsi.org
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by Friday, May 1, 2026.
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
WACSI maintains an equal opportunity policy and encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
This internship offers more than just experience—it provides a direct pathway into the heart of civil society work in West Africa, equipping participants with the tools to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
