WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 (Fully Funded)

The West Africa Civil Society Institute Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 offers a fully funded 6-month internship in Accra, Ghana, covering travel, accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend for young West African graduates interested in civil society, governance, and development work.

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) created the Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) to build the capacity of young professionals in West Africa’s civil society sector.

This internship provides practical, hands-on experience in how NGOs and development institutions operate, with a strong focus on governance, advocacy, and policy engagement.

• Location: Accra, Ghana
• Duration: 6 months (typically January–June or July–December)
• Type: Fully funded, full-time, in-person
• Deadline: Around May 2026 (varies slightly by cohort)

Interns are embedded within WACSI teams and actively contribute to real projects across the region.

Tasks

Participants will work on key development initiatives, including:

• Supporting programme design and implementation
• Conducting research on governance and policy issues
• Writing reports, policy briefs, and knowledge materials
• Assisting with advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagement
• Participating in training workshops and capacity-building sessions
• Supporting administrative and operational activities

The internship is highly practical, ensuring interns gain real-world experience in civil society work.

Key Focus Areas

Interns are exposed to WACSI’s core programme areas:

• Capacity Development: Strengthening civil society organisations
• Policy Influencing & Advocacy: Supporting governance and reform initiatives
• Knowledge Management: Research, documentation, and dissemination of development insights

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Public Policy
  • Law
  • Development Studies
  • Or related fields

Experience

• Open to fresh graduates or early-career professionals
• Strong interest in civil society and non-profit work required

Skills

• Strong research and writing skills
• Good communication abilities
• Teamwork and adaptability
• Basic computer and research skills

Language

• Proficiency in English, French, or Portuguese
• Bilingual skills are an advantage

Additional Information

Eligibility

• Open to selected West African countries (varies per cohort)
• Typically includes countries like:
  • Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, Togo
  • Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau

Funding & Benefits

The programme is fully funded and includes:

• Monthly stipend
• Round-trip flight tickets
• Furnished accommodation
• Daily lunch during working days

Summary

The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 is a top-tier fully funded opportunity for young West Africans looking to build careers in development, governance, and civil society.

It combines:

• Hands-on professional experience
• Regional policy exposure
• Financial support
• Strong networking opportunities

This internship is ideal for candidates who want to work in NGOs, international development organisations, or public policy roles across Africa.

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