WEST AFRICA CIVIL SOCIETY INSTITUTE (WACSI) 2024 NEXT GENERATION INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME (FULLY FUNDED) APPLY NOW!
WEST AFRICA CIVIL SOCIETY INSTITUTE (WACSI) 2024 NEXT GENERATION INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Introduction to WACSI
West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) stands as a beacon of empowerment and capacity-building within the West African region. Established with the vision of fostering sustainable development and enhancing the effectiveness of civil society organizations (CSOs), WACSI has emerged as a pivotal institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of African leaders and practitioners.
The Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP)
In its quest to address the critical need for structured practical capacity enhancement among young West Africans, WACSI initiated the Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) in January 2008. The NGIP is designed to provide young graduates and early-career professionals with invaluable work experience in WACSI’s core areas of operation.
Objectives of the NGIP
The primary objectives of the NGIP are as follows:
- Capacity Enhancement: To equip interns with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic landscape of civil society and development work.
- Leadership Development: To nurture the leadership potential of young West Africans and empower them to drive positive change within their communities.
- Programme Management: To provide interns with hands-on experience in programme planning, implementation, and evaluation, thereby enhancing their project management skills.
- Knowledge Acquisition: To expose interns to critical development issues facing West Africa and broaden their understanding of regional challenges and opportunities.
NGIP Structure and Duration
The NGIP is structured as a six-month internship programme, allowing interns to fully immerse themselves in WACSI’s activities and gain comprehensive insights into the organization’s operations. During this period, interns are expected to actively engage in all aspects of WACSI’s work, including capacity development, policy influencing and advocacy, and knowledge management.
you may also be eligible for:
Prince Claus Fund & the Creative Industries Fund NL (Mid Career internships)- 2024
Responsibilities for Interns:
- Supporting in designing and implementing institutional assessment tools, training, and technical support.
- Participating in programme/project planning and proposal development.
- Providing general administrative support for programmes and maintaining a calendar of activities.
- Assisting with arrangements and organization of training and technical support.
- Serving as a liaison between WACSI and partners.
- Researching, writing, and producing briefings and fact sheets.
- Developing project work plans, reports, concept notes, and other documentation.
- Conducting desktop research on policy and legislative issues.
- Assisting in gathering information and writing reports for policy meetings.
- Supporting in policy meetings and workshop preparation.
- Assisting in the development of policy advocacy training tools.
- Supporting other administrative tasks assigned by the Head of the Unit.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants to the NGIP must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Educational Background: Applicants must hold a minimum of a first degree in international affairs, political science, public policy, law, development studies, or related fields.
- Interest in Civil Society: Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in civil society and nonprofit organization management, with a desire to contribute to positive social change.
- Skills: Applicants must possess strong research, writing, and communication skills, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet research. Bilingual skills (English and French/English and Portuguese) are highly desirable.
- Personal Attributes: Applicants should exhibit excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work well under pressure with minimal supervision, and a proactive, initiative-taking attitude.
NGIP Benefits
The NGIP offers a range of benefits to successful applicants, including:
- Fully Funded Internship: The NGIP is fully funded by WACSI, covering expenses such as flights to and from the intern’s home country, furnished accommodation, lunch during working days, and a monthly stipend.
- Professional Development: Interns will have the opportunity to enhance their professional skills and knowledge through hands-on experience, mentorship, and training opportunities provided by WACSI staff.
- Networking Opportunities: Interns will have the chance to network with professionals and practitioners in the field of civil society and development, building valuable connections for their future careers.
- Civic Consciousness: Interns will deepen their understanding of civic issues and development challenges in West Africa, contributing to their personal growth and civic engagement.
Application Process
The application process for the NGIP typically involves the following steps:
- Submission of Application: Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the official WACSI website or designated application portal.
- Review and Selection: Applications will be reviewed by the WACSI selection committee, which will assess candidates based on their qualifications, skills, and suitability for the internship programme.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in an interview or assessment process to further evaluate their suitability for the internship.
- Notification of Results: Successful candidates will be notified of their acceptance into the NGIP and provided with further instructions regarding the internship programme.
- Internship Commencement: Accepted interns will commence their six-month internship with WACSI, where they will be fully immersed in the organization’s activities and projects.
- Preference will be given to applicants with high proficiency in English, French, or Portuguese.
- Interns will primarily work at the WACSI office in Accra, Ghana.
- The internship period is from July to December 2024, and interns must complete the full six months.
- Deadline for application is May 26, 2024.
The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is inviting applications for its 2024 Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP). This programme aims to enhance the capacities of young West Africans in civil society organizations and develop the next generation of African scholars and practitioners. Interns will have the opportunity to work in WACSI’s core areas of Capacity Development, Policy Influencing and Advocacy, and Knowledge Management.
Requirements:
- Minimum of a first degree in international affairs, political science, public policy, law, development studies, or related fields.
- Interest in civil society and non-profit organization management.
Must-have skills:
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills (verbal and written).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong internet research skills.
- Bilingual skills (French and English/ English and Portuguese).
Good-to-have skills:
- Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work well under pressure with minimal supervision and in a multi-cultural environment.
- Proactive, willing to learn, and take initiative.
Conclusion
The West Africa Civil Society Institute’s Next Generation Internship Programme represents a unique opportunity for young West Africans to gain valuable work experience, enhance their professional skills, and contribute to positive change in their communities. By investing in the next generation of leaders and practitioners, WACSI is playing a crucial role in building a brighter future for West Africa.
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