The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has opened applications for the 2027 Young Graduates’ Professional Immersion Programme (YGP), providing recent graduates from member states with the opportunity to gain one year of professional experience within ECOWAS institutions and agencies.

Applications will close on 31 August 2026 at 23:59 Nigerian Time (GMT+1).

The initiative is designed to equip young graduates with practical work experience while supporting regional integration and development across West Africa.

Programme objectives

The ECOWAS Young Graduates’ Professional Immersion Programme seeks to:

• Provide participants with high-quality first professional work experience.
• Strengthen technical and soft skills.
• Promote regional integration and professional mobility.
• Offer experience working in a multicultural environment.
• Enable participants to contribute to ECOWAS programmes while serving as ECOWAS ambassadors.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a national of an ECOWAS Member State, including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde or Togo.
• Be between 18 and 32 years old on the application closing date.
• Hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD or equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, French or Portuguese.

Programme details

The immersion programme will run for 12 months, from January to December 2027.

Key programme details include:

• Duration: 12 months (January–December 2027).
• Available positions: 90.
• Applications must be submitted online through the official programme platform.
• Applicants may apply for up to two positions using a single cover letter.

Benefits

Successful candidates who are posted outside their home country will receive a flight ticket from their country of origin to the host country.

Programme coordination

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.

Duration and terms

According to ECOWAS, the programme:

• Lasts for one year and is non-renewable, with a maximum duration of 12 months from January to December 2027.
• Will be implemented within ECOWAS institutions, agencies, permanent representations, or any other location officially designated by ECOWAS.

Required documents

Applicants are required to submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in PDF format.
• Cover Letter in PDF format.
• Passport or National Identity Card.
• Academic certificate(s).

Enquiries

Applicants requiring additional information beyond the published Terms of Reference may contact the Programme Coordination Unit via:

escyoungprofessional2027@ecowas.int

How to apply

Interested candidates can obtain further information and submit their applications through the official ECOWAS Young Graduates’ Professional Immersion Programme webpage.

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 (23:59 Nigerian Time, GMT+1)

Source: Opportunities for Africans.