The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is now calling for applications from young graduates across West Africa for the 2027 ECOWAS Young Graduates’ Professional Immersion Programme – YGP.
This is a 12-month, paid, on-site immersion programme running from January to December 2027. 90 young professionals will be placed across ECOWAS institutions, specialized agencies, and Permanent Representations in the region.
The goal is to give recent graduates real work experience, build their technical and soft skills, strengthen regional integration, and develop the next generation of ECOWAS ambassadors.
About the Programme
Selected participants will:
- Gain hands-on professional experience within ECOWAS institutions and agencies
- Build technical, professional, and soft skills through structured assignments
- Contribute to ECOWAS projects and initiatives that drive regional development
- Work in a multicultural, multilingual environment across West Africa
- Promote regional mobility and integration as young representatives of ECOWAS.
Participants posted outside their home country will receive a return flight ticket from their country of origin to their duty station.
The programme is coordinated by the Directorate of Education, Science and Culture – DESC, under the Department of Human Development and Social Affairs – DHAS of the ECOWAS Commission.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a citizen of an ECOWAS Member State: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, or Togo.
- Be aged 18 – 32 at the application deadline
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. Master’s and PhD holders are also welcome
- Be fluent in at least one ECOWAS official language: English, French, or Portuguese
- Be passionate about regional development, public service, and professional growth.
Note: You can apply for up to 2 positions with one cover letter. The programme is non-renewable and runs for a maximum of 12 months.
See Also: Mastercard Foundation Associates Program 2026: Paid Internships for Africans Up to $300/Month
Compensation & Work Structure
- Duration: 12 months | January – December 2027
- Work Mode: Full-time, on-site at ECOWAS duty stations across West Africa
- Compensation: Monthly stipend-based salary
- Slots Available: 90 positions
Required Documents
Please prepare and upload the following in PDF format:
- Updated CV
- Cover Letter
- Valid Passport or National ID
- Academic Certificate(s) – Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD as applicable
How to Apply
All those who are interested in applying for the ECOWAS Young Graduates’ Professional Immersion Programme 2027 should CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
Applications open: July 31, 2026
Application deadline: August 31, 2026
For questions and more information, email the Programme Coordination Unit: mcivyoungprofessional2027@ecowas.int.
