Deadline: October 26, 2025
Are you a passionate young graduate from Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, or Sierra Leone looking to grow your career in civil society and development work? The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 is a fully funded six-month opportunity that offers hands-on experience, professional growth, and international exposure in Accra, Ghana.
Organised by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), this programme is designed to empower the next generation of civil society leaders with practical skills and knowledge through structured mentorship, training, and real-world work experience.
About the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 runs from January to June 2026. It is targeted at young graduates and early-career professionals from Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone, giving them an opportunity to work within WACSI’s core operational areas:
- Capacity Development
- Policy Influencing and Advocacy
- Knowledge Management
Through this internship, selected participants will gain exposure to civil society operations, policy advocacy, organisational development, and programme implementation.
Key Responsibilities
Interns will actively contribute to WACSI’s mission by engaging in the following tasks:
- Designing and implementing institutional assessment tools and supporting the delivery of training and technical support to civil society organisations.
- Assisting in project planning, proposal writing, and administrative support, including budget monitoring and tracking.
- Organising training sessions and workshops, as well as developing relevant training tools such as modules and toolkits.
- Conducting research and producing policy briefs, fact sheets, and reports on civil society and governance issues.
- Performing desktop research on policy and legislative issues affecting civil society organisations in West Africa.
Benefits of the Internship
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive fully funded package, which includes:
- Return flight tickets from their home country to Accra, Ghana, and back.
- Furnished accommodation in Accra for the duration of the internship.
- Lunch on working days.
- A monthly stipend to support personal expenses.
⚠️ Important: Interns must commit to the entire six-month programme. If an intern fails to complete the internship, they will be required to refund the total cost of the internship package.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, or Sierra Leone.
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, or any related field.
- Show a strong interest in civil society, NGO, or non-profit organisation management.
- Demonstrate high proficiency in English, French, or Portuguese, and have working knowledge of at least one other language among the three.
Internship Timeline & Application Deadline
- Internship Duration: January – June 2026
- Application Deadline: 26 October 2025
All applications must be submitted before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Here are some helpful tips to boost your chances of being selected:
- Check your eligibility carefully — nationality, educational qualifications, and language requirements are non-negotiable.
- Tailor your application to highlight relevant civil society or NGO experience, policy or advocacy work, and research skills.
- Emphasise language proficiency, especially if you speak more than one of English, French, or Portuguese.
- Demonstrate proposal writing or project planning skills, as these are part of the internship responsibilities.
- Show readiness to relocate and adapt to living and working in Accra, Ghana.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through WACSI’s online portal. Make sure to prepare all required documents before starting the application.
👉 Read more about the programme
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Final Thoughts
The WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 is more than just an internship — it’s a launchpad for future civil society leaders in West Africa. If you are ready to make meaningful impact while gaining invaluable skills and experience, don’t miss this fully funded opportunity.
