Apply for the ECOWAS Young Graduate Immersion Programme 2026. Open to graduates aged 18–32 from ECOWAS member states. Gain professional experience, build skills, and contribute to regional development. Deadline: 21 September 2025.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially announced the opening of applications for the Young Graduate Immersion Programme 2026. This flagship initiative provides recent graduates across West Africa with a unique opportunity to gain professional experience, enhance employability, and actively contribute to regional development.

Background and Context

Youth unemployment and underemployment remain pressing challenges in West Africa, despite rising levels of academic achievement. Many young graduates face difficulties securing jobs due to limited work experience, mismatches between education and labor market needs, and insufficient career support systems.

To bridge this gap, ECOWAS established the Professional Immersion Programme, enabling young graduates to gain hands-on experience in ECOWAS institutions, agencies, and resident representations. This program not only builds professional capacity but also strengthens regional integration and promotes the mobility of skills within the ECOWAS region.

Main Objective of the Programme

The overall objective is to foster professional integration and employability among young graduates by:

• Providing real work experience in ECOWAS institutions and agencies.

• Promoting a deeper understanding of ECOWAS operations, policies, and regional issues.

• Contributing to more effective implementation of ECOWAS programs.

Specific Objectives

The programme seeks to:

• Offer young graduates the chance to immerse themselves in ECOWAS institutions and agencies.

• Create a framework for graduates to actively contribute to major ECOWAS programs.

• Provide financial empowerment through a modest stipend during the immersion.

Expected Results

By the end of the programme:

• Young graduates will have gained relevant professional experience.

• They will have directly contributed to the execution of ECOWAS initiatives.

• They will be better positioned for future employment opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a national of an ECOWAS Member State: Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.

• Be between 18 and 32 years old at the time of application.

• Hold at least a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree (or equivalent).

• Submit a complete online application including:

  • Curriculum Vitae (PDF)

  • Cover Letter

  • Copy of National Identity Card or Passport (PDF or JPEG)

  • Copy of academic degree(s) (PDF)

Selection Procedures

• ECOWAS has defined vacant positions across its directorates and agencies.

• Candidates may apply for a maximum of two positions.

• A selection committee will review applications.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps.

• 80 positions are available for 2026.

Duration and Conditions

• The immersion lasts 12 months (January – December 2026).

• Participants will be placed in ECOWAS institutions, agencies, or resident representations across the region.

• At the end of the programme, each graduate must submit a final report to ECOWAS.

• Participants may be required to attend ceremonies or meetings in person or online.

Coordination

The programme is managed by the Directorate of Education, Science and Culture within the ECOWAS Human Development and Social Affairs Department.

Key Dates

• Call Published: 26 August 2025

• Application Deadline: 21 September 2025

How to Apply

Interested candidates should carefully review the official Terms of Reference and the list of available positions before applying. For inquiries not addressed in the Terms of Reference, applicants may contact: escyoungprofessional2026@ecowas.int 

Interested candidates can apply via the following link.

Contact Information

For any additional information not covered in the Terms of Reference, please contact:
Email: escyoungprofessional2025@ecowas.int

This program represents a significant opportunity for young professionals to contribute to and shape the future of the ECOWAS region while gaining invaluable experience in regional governance and development. Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of something bigger. Apply today! For more info, please CLICK HERE 

Source: https://youngprofessional.ecowas.int/en/