The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) 2027 provides young graduates and early-career professionals with an opportunity to gain practical experience in civil society leadership, policy advocacy, capacity development, and non-profit management.
The programme is designed to support the development of emerging leaders who want to contribute to social change and strengthen civil society across West Africa.
About WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme
The Next Generation Internship Programme is a professional development opportunity organised by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) for young professionals interested in the civil society and development sectors.
The programme provides interns with hands-on experience in:
- Capacity development
- Policy influencing
- Advocacy
- Knowledge management
- Civil society organisation management
The internship helps participants build practical skills while working in an environment focused on strengthening civil society institutions in Africa.
Internship Duration
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme is a six-month internship programme.
Previous programme cycles have included placements running from July to December, providing participants with an extended opportunity to develop professional skills and gain workplace experience.
Benefits of the WACSI Internship Programme
Selected interns receive support throughout the programme, including:
- Fully funded internship support
- Practical experience in civil society work
- Exposure to policy advocacy and development programmes
- Professional networking opportunities
- Skills development in non-profit management
- Experience working with a leading African civil society institute
Accommodation support is provided for interns from Guinea, Niger, and Togo during the programme period.
Eligible Countries
The programme invites applications from young professionals from:
- Nigeria
- Guinea
- Niger
- Togo
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should typically have:
- A background in international affairs
- Political science experience
- Public policy knowledge
- Law education or experience
- Development studies background
- Interest in civil society and non-profit management
The opportunity is aimed at fresh graduates and early-career professionals seeking to build careers in the development sector.
Internship Locations
Internship placements are based in:
Accra, Ghana
- Interns from Guinea, Niger, and Togo will be based in Accra.
Abuja, Nigeria
- Nigerian interns will be based in Abuja and applicants must already reside there, as accommodation is not provided.
Career Areas
The programme is suitable for applicants interested in careers related to:
- International development
- NGOs and non-profit organisations
- Public policy
- Governance
- Human rights
- Advocacy
- Social impact
- Civil society leadership
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official WACSI application process.
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV
- Academic qualifications
- Relevant professional experience
- Motivation for joining the programme
- Evidence of interest in civil society and development work
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the referenced programme cycle was:
Friday, May 1, 2026
Applicants should check the official WACSI website for announcements regarding the 2027 cohort.
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