Are you a young West African graduate or early-career professional looking to build hands-on experience in civil society and development work? The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity designed to develop the next generation of civic leaders, policy advocates, and development practitioners.
This prestigious six-month internship provides an immersive experience in leadership, governance, policy advocacy, and knowledge management, empowering participants to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development across West Africa.
WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026
The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) launched the Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) in 2008 in response to the growing need for structured and practical capacity development among young West Africans. Since its inception, the program has served as a platform for nurturing skilled professionals who are passionate about civil society and governance.
The 2026 WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme aims to deepen the civic consciousness of young leaders while equipping them with the necessary tools to address West Africa’s development challenges. Interns will work directly with WACSI’s core teams in Accra, Ghana, contributing to projects in capacity development, policy influencing and advocacy, and knowledge management.
This opportunity is fully funded and includes travel, accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend, ensuring that interns can focus entirely on their personal and professional growth.
WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Organization | West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) |
| Internship Location | Accra, Ghana |
| Program Duration | January – June 2026 (6 months) |
| Eligible Applicants | Young Graduates and Early-Career Professionals from West Africa |
| Focus Countries (2026) | Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone |
| Academic Requirement | Minimum of a first degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, Development Studies, or related fields |
| Language Requirement | Proficiency in English, French, or Portuguese (working knowledge of another language is an advantage) |
| Internship Type | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | October 26, 2025 |
What Is the WACSI Next Generation Internship All About?
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 is a professional development initiative designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of young West Africans who aspire to work in the fields of civil society, governance, and sustainable development.
Through the internship, participants gain firsthand exposure to WACSI’s operations, which focus on three key areas:
- Capacity Development: enhancing the institutional effectiveness of civil society organizations (CSOs).
- Policy Influencing and Advocacy: promoting citizen engagement and democratic governance.
- Knowledge Management: fostering research, documentation, and dissemination of civil society practices.
Interns will not only support these activities but also learn how to develop, implement, and evaluate projects that address pressing social and political challenges in the region.
The internship represents more than a learning experience; it is a launching pad for future leaders who are committed to creating lasting impact in their communities.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a citizen of the Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, or Sierra Leone.
- Must hold a minimum of a first degree in a relevant discipline such as international affairs, political science, law, development studies, or public policy.
- Must show interest in civil society, governance, and nonprofit organization management.
- Preference will be given to candidates who are proficient in English, French, or Portuguese, with working knowledge of at least one other language.
- Must demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Must be willing to commit full-time to the six-month internship in Accra, Ghana.
This program is ideal for fresh graduates and early-career professionals seeking to strengthen their practical experience while engaging in real-time civil society work.
Responsibilities for Interns
Selected interns will play an active role in supporting WACSI’s mission and day-to-day operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the design and implementation of institutional assessment tools, training programs, and technical assistance activities.
- Participating in program and project planning, proposal development, and budget monitoring.
- Providing administrative and logistical support during meetings, workshops, and events.
- Assisting in the creation and organization of training materials, toolkits, and indigenous learning resources.
- Conducting desktop research on policy, governance, and legislative issues relevant to civil society.
- Drafting project documents, including concept notes, reports, fact sheets, and presentations.
- Liaising with partners, associates, and resource persons on behalf of WACSI.
- Contributing to knowledge management by helping with documentation, publications, and the dissemination of learning materials.
- Supporting advocacy and communication efforts across various WACSI initiatives.
Interns will also have the opportunity to lead small projects, contribute to regional policy discussions, and learn from experts in civil society development.
Benefits of the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 is fully funded, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit participation. Below are the key benefits:
Full Financial Support
WACSI covers all major expenses for the interns, including:
- Round-trip flight tickets from the intern’s home country to Ghana.
- Furnished accommodation in Accra for the entire duration of the internship.
- Lunch on working days, provided by the institute.
- A monthly stipend to cover additional living expenses.
Professional Experience
Interns will gain valuable exposure to practical aspects of policy advocacy, governance, and nonprofit management within a regional organization.
Networking and Mentorship
Interns will have opportunities to build connections with development experts, civil society leaders, and policy influencers from across West Africa.
Skill Development
The internship enhances vital skills in research, project management, communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Personal and Civic Growth
Participants will leave the program with a deeper understanding of civil engagement and a stronger sense of responsibility toward their communities.
Note: Interns who are unable to complete the six-month program will be required to refund the total cost of the internship package.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s how to apply for the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026:
- Visit the Official Website
Go to WACSI’s official page to read the full program details and access the application form.
- Prepare Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
- A cover letter or motivation statement explaining their interest in the internship.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Any other supporting documents that demonstrate relevant experience or language proficiency.
- Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted before October 26, 2025, through the official WACSI platform or email address provided on their website.
- Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews or further assessment. Successful applicants will be notified before the program begins in January 2026.
Official Webpage: WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme
Why Choose WACSI?
WACSI is one of West Africa’s leading civil society institutions. Established by the Open Society Foundations, it is committed to building strong and effective civil societies that promote democratic values, good governance, and human rights.
Choosing WACSI means joining a network of changemakers working to empower communities and influence policies that shape the future of West Africa. The organization’s diverse work environment also encourages innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the duration of the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026?
The internship lasts for six months, running from January to June 2026.
Is the internship fully funded?
Yes. WACSI provides a fully funded package, which includes flights, accommodation, meals, and a monthly stipend.
Who is eligible to apply?
Young graduates and early-career professionals from the Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone are eligible to apply.
Where will the internship take place?
The internship will be conducted at the WACSI headquarters in Accra, Ghana.
For more details, visit the official WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme page: https://wacsi.org
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