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The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is inviting applications from young professionals across West Africa for its fully funded Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) scheduled to run from July to December 2026.
This opportunity is open to applicants from Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, and Togo, with selected candidates receiving a monthly stipend and full programme support.
About the Programme
The Next Generation Internship Programme was introduced by WACSI in January 2008 to address the growing need for structured, practical capacity development among young West Africans. It is designed to nurture the next generation of African scholars and development practitioners.
The programme targets fresh graduates and early-career professionals seeking hands-on experience in civil society and non-profit management. Over a six-month period, interns will be fully engaged in WACSI’s core activities, gaining exposure to leadership development, programme management, and critical development issues affecting the region.
Programme Structure and Location
Successful applicants from Guinea, Niger, and Togo will be based in Accra, Ghana, where accommodation will be provided. However, Nigerian applicants will be based in Abuja and must already reside there, as accommodation is not included.
What Interns Will Gain
Participants will gain practical experience in:
- Capacity development and institutional strengthening
- Policy influencing, advocacy, and legislative research
- Knowledge management and programme implementation
- Development of training tools, reports, and policy briefs
Interns will also benefit from mentorship, exposure to regional development networks, and direct involvement in impactful projects.
Key Responsibilities
Interns will be expected to:
- Support the design and implementation of training and technical support tools
- Participate in programme planning and proposal development
- Provide administrative and operational support for projects
- Assist in organising training sessions and workshops
- Conduct research and develop reports, concept notes, and policy documents
- Support policy meetings and advocacy initiatives
- Liaise with partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries
- Contribute to the development of training resources and toolkits
- Perform other assigned tasks within the unit
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a minimum of a first degree in international affairs, political science, public policy, law, development studies, or related fields
- Be a fresh graduate or early-career professional
- Demonstrate strong interest in civil society and non-profit management
- Possess strong research, writing, and communication skills
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office and internet research
Additional Skills
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Are bilingual (English and French or Portuguese)
- Have strong interpersonal skills
- Can work effectively under pressure in multicultural environments
- Show initiative and willingness to learn
Important Notes
- The internship duration is strictly six months (July–December 2026)
- Interns who fail to complete the programme will be required to refund the full cost of the internship
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Benefits
WACSI will fully support selected interns with:
- Return flight tickets
- Furnished accommodation (for non-Nigerian interns)
- Daily lunch during working days
- Monthly stipend
Application Deadline
Applications close on Friday, May 1, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send their motivation letter and CV to: recruitment@wacsi.org
WACSI is an equal opportunity employer, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Read also: EU Delegation to Nigeria Funded Traineeship 2026 for Graduates (Paid Internship)
