The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027 for young graduates and early-Career professionals (Fully Funded)

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Application Deadline: November 8, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme. WACSI is seeking interns from Benin, Mali, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, and Nigeria who want to strengthen their civic consciousness and build their professional capacity. They will be embedded in WACSI’s operational areas of work, i.e. Capacity Development, Policy Influencing and Advocacy, Knowledge Management, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) and Communications.

IIn response to an identified need for structured practical capacity enhancement for young West Africans, WACSI introduced a Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) in January 2008 aimed at developing the next generation of African scholars and practitioners. The programme primarily targets young West Africans, either fresh graduates or early career professionals, seeking work experience in WACSI’s areas of work. Interns are expected to commit to WACSI for six months during which time they will be fully involved in all WACSI activities and enhance their knowledge and capacities for leadership, knowledge and programme management, and critical development issues for West Africa, among other areas.

Must Have Skills for All Applicants

• Interest in civil society and non-profit organisation management
• Strong research, writing and communication (verbal and written) skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong internet research skills
• Bilingual skills (French and English/ English and Portuguese) Good to have skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Works well under pressure with minimal supervision and in a multi-cultural environment
• Proactive, willing to learn and take initiative
NB: All applicants should also show an interest in civil society and non-profit organisation management.

Available Internship Positions:

1. Capacity Development Intern
2. Knowledge Management Intern
3. Policy Influencing and Advocacy Intern
4. WACSI Node Nigeria Intern
5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Intern
6. Communications Intern

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants must be young graduates or early-career professionals with at least a first degree in a relevant field.

• Capacity Development, Knowledge Management, Policy Influencing and Advocacy, and WACSI Node Nigeria: A degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Mass Communication or a related field.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): A degree in Statistics, Data Management, Mathematics, Data Science and Analytics, Project Management, Economics or a related field.
• Communications: A degree in Mass Communication, Development Communication, International Relations, Social Psychology, Graphic Design, Marketing or a related field.

Benefits

• This is a fully funded internship by WACSI. The institute will support interns fully with a flight to and from their home country, furnished accommodation, lunch during working days for the duration of the internship, and a monthly stipend.

Please note:
• Preference will be given to applicants with high proficiency in English, French or Portuguese and a working knowledge of one other.
• The successful interns from Benin, Mali, Cameroon, Chad and Ghana will spend a substantial part of her/his internship working at the WACSI office in Accra, Ghana.
• The successful Nigerian intern will be based in the WACSI Node Office in Abuja, Nigeria. Applicants must therefore be based in Abuja, Nigeria as there is no provision for accommodation

-The internship period is from January to July 2027. Interns who are unable to complete the six-months internship will refund the total cost of the internship package to WACSI.

How to apply

Interested applicants should send their CVs/Resumes and Motivation Letters to [email protected] with the name of the Programme and interested role as the Subject as shown here – NGIP – Knowledge Management, NGIP – WACSI Node, etc.

Closing date for submission of all applications is 8 November 2026. Please note: • Due to the volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted for interviews.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme