Apply Now: 2025 West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was created to reinforce the institutional, operational and knowledge capacities of civil society in the region as well as enhance knowledge on civil society in the region. WACSI serves as a resource hub for training, research and documentation, experience sharing and policy dialogue for organised civil society in West Africa.

The Institute contributes to identifying and honing the skills of young researchers through a three to six months research fellowship programme. The goal of the research fellowship is to offer young and passionate researchers a wide range of opportunities to develop their research skills, while also contributing to the work of the Institute. Fellows will work with experienced professionals to explore key issues, trends and challenges affecting the civil society ecosystem. The fellowship enables fellows to gain valuable experience working in the civil society sector, build their professional networks and develop skills that will be useful throughout their professional lives. They will have a better understanding of the needs and concerns of communities and contribute to developing effective strategies and policies that address these issues. Fellows will also contribute to the collation and documentation of best practices and models that can be replicated to foster development within the region.  

• Table of Content
• About West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
• WACSI Research Fellowship
• Requirements for WACSI Research Fellowship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for WACSI Research Fellowship
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was established by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) in 2005 to reinforce the capacities of civil society in the sub-region. The Institute became operational in July 2007. Their vision: A peaceful and prosperous West Africa where development is driven by its people. Their mission: We strengthen civil society in West Africa to be responsive, collaborative, representative, resilient and influential through knowledge sharing, learning, connecting and influencing. WACSI’s core values are the driving force of its operational...... continue reading

WACSI Research Fellowship

Requirements for WACSI Research Fellowship Qualification

• The fellowship is open to all young researchers from West Africa. Other young researchers who are not from the region but are interested in understanding and documenting civil society praxis in West Africa can be considered. 
• Candidates interested in working on topical issues related to civil society are highly encouraged to apply. The Institute is keen on having candidates interested on topics related to the following:
  • Local philanthropy,
  • Technology for development,
  • The localisation agenda,
  • Decolonisation of aid,
  • Resource mobilisation,
  • Civil society sustainability,
  • Shift the power,
  • Enabling environment for civil society,
  • Leadership and succession planning for civil society organisations,
  • Equitable partnerships between civil society organisations in West Africa and their donors and/or international non-governmental organisations
  • Capacity strengthening for civil society in West Africa. 
• Current master's or PhD students and/or graduates who completed their master’s or PhD studies within the last two years. 
• Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to perform independent research. 
• Applicants must be able to communicate fluently either in English and/or French. French speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply. 

Interview date, Process and Venue for WACSI Research Fellowship

TIMELINES  

5 February 2025: Application opens. 

14 March 2025: Deadline for receipt of applications. 

21 March 2025: Shortlisted applicants are notified by email. 

27 March 2025: Interview with shortlisted applicants. 

08 April 2025: Selected candidates will receive feedback on their applications.

05 May 2025: Beginning of the research fellowship. Selected fellows can however discuss start dates per their specific cases. 

Documents Required for Application

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A motivation letter stating their duration and theme of interest
•  A curriculum vitae
• A synopsis of not more than one page on the specific theme of interest you would be working on during your fellowship
• Sample of an authored article or paper. Provide evidence of any published works if available.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit WACSI Fellowship webpage