The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is recruiting interns for its Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) 2027. It’s a fully funded six-month internship (January to July 2027) for young graduates and early-career professionals from Benin, Mali, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana and Nigeria. Most interns work at WACSI’s office in Accra, Ghana, and the Nigerian intern is based at the WACSI Node office in Abuja.
Applications close on 8 November 2026, and you apply by email.
At a Glance
| Organiser | West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) |
| Duration | 6 months, January to July 2027 |
| Location | Accra, Ghana (Abuja, Nigeria for the WACSI Node intern) |
| Eligible countries | Benin, Mali, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Nigeria |
| Funding | Fully funded: return flight, furnished accommodation, weekday lunch and a monthly stipend |
| Deadline | 8 November 2026 |
About the Programme
WACSI started the NGIP in January 2008 to give young West Africans structured, hands-on experience in the civil society sector. Interns are fully involved in WACSI’s work for six months. They build skills in leadership, knowledge and programme management, and development issues affecting West Africa.
Available Internship Positions
1. Knowledge Management Intern
- Research and analyse topical issues
- Help compile the weekly Civil Society Situation Report and the quarterly WACSeries publications
- Manage content for the Civil Society Knowledge Hub
- Edit and review manuscripts for publication
- Represent WACSI at partner meetings
2. Policy Influencing and Advocacy Intern
- Do desk research on policy and legislative issues
- Gather information and write reports for policy meetings
- Help prepare meetings and workshops
- Help develop a policy advocacy training tool
- Help generate, analyse and manage data
3. WACSI Node Nigeria Intern (Abuja)
The duties are the same as for the Policy Influencing and Advocacy role, but you’ll be based at the WACSI Node office in Abuja.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Intern
- Collect, clean, analyse and document programme data and performance indicators
- Help prepare M&E reports, surveys, presentations and knowledge products
- Document lessons learned and programme outcomes
- Help staff use digital tools for data collection and reporting
5. Communications Intern
- Create and edit newsletters, social media posts, success stories and event highlights
- Help manage WACSI’s social media and website, and track engagement
- Support communications at events, including photography, report writing and media coverage
Some listings also mention a Capacity Development Intern. WACSI’s official terms of reference describe only the five roles above, so check the call before applying for that role.
Eligibility
- You must be from Benin, Mali, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana or Nigeria.
- You must be a young graduate or early-career professional with at least a first degree in a relevant field:
- Knowledge Management, Policy and Advocacy, and WACSI Node: international affairs, political science, public policy, law, development studies, mass communication or a related field
- MEL: statistics, data management, mathematics, data science and analytics, project management or economics
- Communications: mass communication, development communication, international relations, social psychology, graphic design or marketing
- You need an interest in civil society and non-profit management.
- You need strong research, writing and communication skills, and good Microsoft Office and online research skills.
- Languages: preference goes to applicants with high proficiency in English, French or Portuguese and a working knowledge of one other. Being bilingual (French and English, or English and Portuguese) is a strong advantage.
- Nigerian applicants for the WACSI Node role must already live in Abuja, as accommodation isn’t provided for that role.
- You must be able to commit to the full six months. Interns who leave early must refund the full cost of the internship package.
Benefits
- Return flight between your home country and Accra
- Furnished accommodation
- Lunch on working days
- A monthly stipend
- Hands-on experience at a leading regional civil society institute
- A network across West African civil society, donors and policy institutions
The flight and accommodation are for interns who relocate to Accra. The Abuja-based intern must already live in Abuja.
How to Apply
- Choose one role that matches your degree and experience.
- Prepare your CV and a motivation letter explaining your interest in civil society and the role.
- Email both to [email protected].
- Use the subject line format “NGIP – [Role]”, for example NGIP – Knowledge Management, NGIP – MEL or NGIP – WACSI Node.
- Send it before 8 November 2026.
Only successful applicants will be contacted for interviews.
Official WACSI call for applications · Terms of reference (PDF)
Tips for a Strong Application
- Tailor your motivation letter to one role. Explain how your degree and experience fit it.
- Show your civil society involvement. Mention volunteering, student associations, NGO work or community projects.
- Highlight your languages. If you speak French or Portuguese, say so clearly and give your level.
- Attach evidence. MEL applicants can mention tools such as Excel, SPSS, Stata, R or KoboToolbox. Communications applicants can link to a portfolio.
- Get the subject line exactly right so your email reaches the right shortlist.
To understand the conditions interns sign up to, read our guide to the WACSI NGIP terms of service.
