Job · Africa (multi-country) · Paid internship or job
ECOWAS Volunteers Programme: Paid Volunteer Roles in West Africa
Updated 24 October 2026
The ECOWAS Volunteers Programme (EVP) is a flagship programme of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It places young West African professionals in 12-month volunteer assignments in communities across the region, where they support health, education, peacebuilding and regional integration.
The programme is run by the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC). It recruits both international volunteers, who serve in another ECOWAS country, and national volunteers, who serve in their own country.
Who can apply
The programme is only for citizens of ECOWAS member states:
Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
General requirements:
- Age: 35 years or younger at the date of recruitment
- Education: a degree, diploma or certificate relevant to the role
- Experience: relevant work experience; some specialist roles ask for several years, including time with an international organisation
- Languages: English, French or Portuguese, depending on the host country
- International volunteers usually serve outside their own country
Always check the exact requirements in each vacancy notice.
Types of roles
Recent vacancies have included:
- Teachers (mathematics, physics and other subjects)
- Doctors, including obstetrician-gynaecologists and paediatricians
- Nurses and midwives
- Administrative and financial assistants
- Communication and visibility specialists
- Programme and political assistants
- Country coordinators
- Drivers
Recent host countries include Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea-Bissau.
Benefits
- Monthly volunteer allowance of US$412.50 (or the local currency equivalent), about US$4,950 a year
- Return flights to the host country
- Entry visa and work permit
- Health insurance, plus required vaccinations and antimalarials
- Accommodation support
- In-country orientation and local language training where needed
- Other allowances under the ECOWAS Conditions of Service for Volunteers
- Valuable regional experience with an international organisation
Documents you usually need
- A signed motivation letter addressed to the Director, ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC)
- A detailed CV
- Copies of your certificates, diplomas and work certificates
- A copy of your international passport or national ID card
- A police clearance certificate issued within the last three months (required before you start)
How to apply
- Visit the official ECOWAS Volunteers vacancies page and open the notice (PDF) for each role.
- Check that you meet the requirements and note the deadline.
- Prepare your motivation letter, CV and documents.
- Apply exactly as the vacancy notice says, usually by email, using the subject line given in the notice.
Deadlines
Vacancies open throughout the year and deadlines are often short, usually two to three weeks after a role is posted. The main 2026 call closed in July 2026, and new roles were posted in October 2026. Check the official page regularly so you don't miss new openings.
Tips
- Tailor your motivation letter to the exact role and host country.
- Show your experience in community work, teaching, health or development.
- Keep certified copies of your documents ready, so you can apply quickly when a role opens.
- Applying is free. Never pay anyone who promises you an ECOWAS volunteer placement.