WANEP places special emphasis on collaborative approaches to conflict prevention and peacebuilding, working with diverse actors from civil society, governments, intergovernmental bodies, women’s groups, and other partners to ensure sustainable peace and development in West Africa and beyond. The organisation also prioritises mentoring young professionals and providing students and graduates with unique opportunities for practical learning beyond academic settings, as part of broader efforts to nurture future peacebuilding practitioners, experts, and researchers.
In that regard, WANEP welcomes aspiring professionals and peacebuilding practitioners from across the globe—particularly from the African continent—to engage in its work. Since 1999, WANEP has hosted interns from around the world, with the understanding that the foundation for building and sustaining global, regional, and national peace lies in equipping peacebuilding practitioners with the skills to become catalysts for change in their communities and countries.
As part of this vision, the organisation has, since its inception, implemented the WANEP Internship Programme (WIP) to allow young professionals and students to explore career paths, develop skills, and gain practical experience in peacebuilding. The programme offers highly motivated individuals from diverse academic backgrounds the chance to gain professional exposure and an in-depth understanding of WANEP’s work at the regional, national, and local levels in West Africa and other parts of the African continent.
Objective of WIP
The overarching objective of the WANEP internship programme is to allow students, recent graduates, and early career professionals and researchers to deepen their knowledge as well as strengthen their personal and professional skills in diverse peace and security areas. In addition, the programme aims at bringing new perspectives and innovative ideas into the work of WANEP from individuals who possess specialised knowledge and skills in relevant areas. Overall, it is a great opportunity for individuals to enhance their resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) and explore different career paths while learning in an intercultural environment at the regional office of WANEP.
What WIP Offers
The WANEP Internship Programme provides participants with:
- A highly motivated learning and working environment;
- Experiential learning opportunity to gain practical perspectives on peacebuilding research, concepts and practices, while developing innovative approaches to programme implementation;
- The opportunity to interact with staff of WANEP regional secretariat and the 15 National Networks including the membership organisations across West Africa;
- The space to work independently and contribute meaningfully to WANEP’s vision;
- Opportunities for fieldwork within any of WANEP’s National Networks, when necessary.
Eligibility Criteria
WIP is open to applicants who are:
- Students in Africa and other parts of the world enrolled in part-time or full-time undergraduate (in the final year of study)/postgraduate study in political science, international relations, peace and conflict studies, security studies, development studies, gender studies, communication studies, or any relevant field.
- Recent graduates (within a year of graduation) from a recognised university/institution of learning.
- Fluent in English. Fluency in an additional language (either French or Portuguese) may be an advantage.
- Computer literate – excellent computer skills
Duration of the Internship
The minimum duration of the WANEP internship programme is three (3) months and the maximum is six (6) months depending on the applicant’s performance.
Financing/Stipends
WANEP does not provide any financial support or monthly stipends to interns during the period of internship. All successful applicants are expected to make their own arrangements for travel, accommodation and living expenses during the internship period. Successful applicants will be expected to show proof of this arrangement before starting the internship.
How to Apply
Individuals interested in applying for an internship with WANEP should kindly send the following documents to: wanep@wanep.org and communications@wanep.org
- Recommendation letter for internship from the institution of learning that they are attending (for individuals still in school)
- A motivation letter indicating what they expect to gain from the internship programme
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of relevant academic certificates/academic transcripts
Once an application is submitted, applicants will receive an email acknowledging receipt of their internship application. All applications are reviewed promptly, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two (2) weeks if their profile matches available internship opportunities at WANEP.
SELECTION PROCESS
Interns are selected through a competitive process. WANEP seeks applicants who demonstrate a strong interest in peace and security and alignment with our work at the regional, national, and community levels. All applications are reviewed against established eligibility criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview, and successful applicants will be notified accordingly.
PLACEMENT AT WANEP
Interns are placed within WANEP programmes based on their academic background, skills, and stated objectives. Available placement areas include:
- Research and Capacity Building
- Early Warning
- Women, Peace, and Security
- Youth, Peace, and Security
- Finance
- Information Technology (IT)
- Human Resource / Administration
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
- Communication
- Network Development
