The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) 2027 is open to eligible young graduates and early-career professionals from Nigeria and five other West African countries. The six-month programme offers an opportunity to gain practical work experience, develop professional skills and contribute to projects focused on civil society and development.
Selected interns will receive financial and logistical support, including a monthly stipend, lunch on working days and other benefits, subject to the programme's terms. The internship will run from January to July 2027.
Applications are open to eligible candidates from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Mali, Cameroon and Chad. Interested applicants should review the requirements carefully and submit their applications before the deadline.
Here are the important details about the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme.
Programme name: Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) 2027
Host organisation: West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
Programme duration: Six months
Internship period: January–July 2027
Eligible countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Mali, Cameroon and Chad
Internship locations: Accra, Ghana, and Abuja, Nigeria
Funding: Fully funded, subject to the programme's terms
Benefits: Monthly stipend, lunch on working days, and accommodation and travel support where applicable
Application opening date: 23 October 2026, according to WACSI's official announcement
Application deadline: 8 November 2026
Application method: Email application
Application fee: No application fee is stated in the official call
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme is a professional development initiative designed to prepare emerging professionals for careers in civil society organisations, non-profit management and development-related work.
The programme gives selected candidates an opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to the institute's activities. It also aims to strengthen participants' research, communication, organisational and professional skills.
For graduates who want to build a career in public policy, advocacy, communications, research, programme management or international development, the internship may provide useful exposure to the work of a regional civil society organisation.
One of the major attractions of the NGIP 2027 is the financial and professional support available to successful applicants.
Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend during the programme. This financial support can help participants manage some of their expenses while gaining practical work experience.
However, WACSI has not specified the exact stipend amount in its published call.
Travel support is available for eligible interns, including flight tickets to and from their home country where applicable.
Applicants should confirm the specific travel arrangements that apply to their placement.
The programme provides furnished accommodation for eligible interns.
Important for Nigerian applicants: The Nigerian placement is based at the WACSI Node Office in Abuja. Applicants for this position must already reside in Abuja because accommodation is not provided for the Nigerian placement.
Candidates living in other parts of Nigeria should consider this requirement before applying.
Selected interns will receive lunch on working days throughout the programme, according to the published announcement.
The internship provides exposure to real work in civil society, advocacy, research, communications and organisational development.
This experience may help participants strengthen their CVs, build professional networks and develop skills relevant to future employment opportunities.
WACSI is inviting applications for six internship positions under the 2027 programme.
This role is suited to graduates interested in professional development, training, organisational capacity-building and supporting civil society organisations.
Applicants should have at least a first degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Mass Communication or a related field.
This position may suit candidates interested in research, information management, documentation and sharing knowledge.
Applicants should have at least a first degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Mass Communication or a related field.
This role is relevant to graduates interested in public policy, advocacy, governance, research and development issues.
Applicants should have at least a first degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Mass Communication or a related field.
This position is based at the WACSI Node Office in Abuja and may appeal to graduates interested in civil society development and organisational activities in Nigeria.
Applicants should have at least a first degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Mass Communication or a related field.
Candidates must already reside in Abuja because accommodation is not provided for this placement.
This role is designed for candidates interested in project monitoring, data analysis, performance measurement and evaluating development programmes.
Applicants should have at least a first degree in Statistics, Data Management, Mathematics, Data Science and Analytics, Project Management, Economics or a related field.
This position may suit graduates interested in media, communications, content development, public relations and communicating development-related information.
Applicants should have at least a first degree in Mass Communication, Development Communication, International Relations, Social Psychology, Graphic Design, Marketing or a related field.
Applicants should select the position that best matches their academic qualifications, skills and career interests.
The programme is open to eligible applicants from the following countries:
Nigeria
Ghana
Benin
Mali
Cameroon
Chad
Applicants must have at least a first degree in a field relevant to their preferred internship position. The specific academic requirements depend on the role.
Candidates should also demonstrate the following skills and qualities:
An interest in civil society and non-profit organisation management.
Strong research and writing skills.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
The ability to conduct internet research.
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with others.
Initiative, a willingness to learn and the ability to work under pressure.
The ability to work with minimal supervision in a multicultural environment.
Language ability is also relevant. Applicants should review the official terms of reference for the precise language requirements for their preferred position.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026.
The internship locations depend on the applicant's country and assigned position.
Accra, Ghana: Interns from Benin, Mali, Cameroon, Chad and Ghana will spend a substantial part of the programme at WACSI's office in Accra.
Abuja, Nigeria: The successful Nigerian intern will be based at the WACSI Node Office in Abuja. Applicants for this placement must already live in Abuja, as accommodation is not provided.
Before applying, candidates should consider the location, travel arrangements and personal expenses associated with their preferred placement.
Interested and qualified applicants should follow these steps to submit an application.
Step 1: Review the available positions
Read the official application guidelines and identify the internship role that matches your academic background and interests.
Step 2: Prepare your CV
Update your curriculum vitae (CV) with your educational qualifications, relevant skills, work experience and other information that supports your application.
Step 3: Write a motivation letter
Prepare a motivation letter explaining why you are interested in the programme, the position you wish to apply for and how your qualifications relate to the role.
Step 4: Send your application by email
Email your CV or résumé and motivation letter to:
Application email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Step 5: Use the correct email subject
Include the programme name and your preferred internship position in the subject line.
Examples include:
NGIP – Knowledge Management
NGIP – WACSI Node
Check your documents and email details before sending your application.
To access the official announcement, terms of reference and application guidelines, visit:
Apply for the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027
Applicants should follow the instructions provided by WACSI and submit their applications by 8 November 2026.
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Before submitting an application, keep the following points in mind:
The internship is scheduled to run from January to July 2027.
The programme lasts six months.
Applicants must be from one of the six eligible countries.
A relevant first degree is required, with qualifications depending on the selected role.
The exact monthly stipend amount has not been stated in the published announcement.
Accommodation is not provided for the Nigerian placement in Abuja.
Interns who cannot complete the six-month programme may be required to refund the total cost of the internship package under WACSI's stated terms. Review the official guidelines carefully before accepting a placement.
Applicants should use the official application instructions rather than relying solely on third-party summaries.
WACSI describes the programme as fully funded. Published benefits include a monthly stipend, lunch on working days, and flight and accommodation support where applicable. The precise arrangements depend on the placement and programme terms.
The exact monthly stipend amount has not been disclosed in the published announcement. Applicants should consult WACSI's official guidelines for any additional information.
Yes. Nigeria is one of the eligible countries. However, the successful Nigerian intern will be based in Abuja, and applicants for that position must already reside there.
The programme is scheduled to run for six months, from January to July 2027.
Applicants should submit a CV or résumé and a motivation letter by email, following the official application guidelines.
The application deadline is 8 November 2026.
The published announcement directs applicants to submit their documents by email. Applicants should use the official WACSI announcement and its linked guidelines for the correct procedure.
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027 offers eligible graduates and early-career professionals an opportunity to gain practical experience in civil society, policy advocacy, research, communications and development work.
In addition to professional exposure, the programme offers a monthly stipend and other forms of support, subject to the applicable terms and placement requirements.
If your qualifications match one of the available positions, review the official guidelines, prepare your CV and motivation letter, and submit your application before 8 November 2026.
Official application link: https://wacsi.org/call-for-applications-next-generation-internship-programme-5/
Disclaimer: Youth Empowerment Nigeria shares grant, scholarship, internship and other opportunity announcements to help readers find relevant opportunities. Applicants should verify all requirements and conditions with the organising institution. Selection decisions are made by WACSI, and publication of this opportunity does not guarantee selection or funding.