About WACSOF

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) is the umbrella network of civil society organizations from the 15 member countries of ECOWAS. WACSOF envisions a well organized and vibrant civil society in West Africa and a stable and prosperous West African region.

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West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) Volunteer Vacancy Announcement

29 October 2024
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Categories: Careers
Position: Volunteer Roles 
Location: Remote (Open to applicants from all WACSOF member countries) 
Organization: West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) 
Deadline for Applications: 30 November, 2024.

About WACSOF: 

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), created with the support and endorsement of the ECOWAS. is the umbrella network of civil society organizations in West Africa dedicated to promoting democracy, good governance, and sustainable development. WACSOF is a civil society membership organization, which is a partner and advisor to ECOWAS and other institutions.

Our mission is to amplify the voices of civil society and foster collaboration among member organizations to address regional challenges and drive positive change in our communities. We serve as the receptacle for civil society organizations by serving as the channel of engagement with ECOWAS and empowering them to harness public space at the national, regional and continental levels in order to contribute to an integrated, stable and develop Africa.

Volunteer Opportunities Available:

WACSOF is seeking motivated and passionate volunteers for the following positions across our 15 member countries.

Graphic Designers 
  1. Responsibilities: Create engaging graphics for reports, social media, and promotional materials to enhance WACSOF’s visual identity.
  2. Skills: Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva), strong creativity, and a good eye for detail.
Assistant Program Coordinators 
  • Responsibilities: Assist in planning and executing community programs, coordinate with local organizations, and support program evaluations.
  • Skills: Strong organizational and communication skills, experience in program management or community engagement is a plus.

Social Media Specialists

  • Responsibilities: Develop and implement social media strategies, create engaging content, and manage interactions on various platforms.
  • Skills: Knowledge of social media trends, excellent writing skills, and experience with social media management tools.
Media Assistant Fellow 
  • Responsibilities: Support media outreach efforts, assist in writing press releases, and coordinate with media outlets to promote WACSOF initiatives.
  • Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, familiarity with media relations, and an interest in public relations.
Digital Strategists 
  • Responsibilities: Help develop and implement digital strategies to enhance WACSOF’s online presence and outreach efforts.
  • Skills: Experience with digital marketing, SEO, and analytics tools; strong analytical skills and strategic thinking.
Data Entry Specialists 
  • Responsibilities: Input and manage data related to programs and initiatives, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
  • Skills: Attention to detail, proficiency in data entry software, and strong organizational skills.
Financial Officers 
  • Responsibilities: Assist in managing financial records, budgeting, and financial reporting for WACSOF initiatives.
  • Skills: Strong understanding of financial management principles, proficiency in financial software, and excellent analytical skills.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to individuals from all 15 WACSOF member countries.
  • Commitment to WACSOF’s mission and values.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
  • Relevant experience or university education in the respective fields is preferred.
  • Ability to speak and write in any or all of the ECOWAS official languages (English, French, or Portuguese) will be an added advantage.
What We Offer:
  • An opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills in your field.
  • Networking opportunities with professionals and organizations across West Africa.
  • A chance to contribute to meaningful civil society initiatives.
How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their relevant experience and the position they are applying for to careers@wacsofoscao.org. Please include “WACSOF Volunteer Application – Position” in the subject line.

We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and encourage individuals passionate about civil society and social impact to apply!

Join us in making a difference! 

WACSOF is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in its volunteer recruitment process.

For more information contact us at info@wacsofoscao.org

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WACSOF and Yar’Adua Foundation Explore Collaborative Efforts to Strengthen Civil Society in West Africa.

28 October 2024
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Categories: Activity Reports

Abuja, Nigeria — October 21, 2024.
On October 21, 2024, a delegation from the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), led by Acting General Secretary Mr. James Ugochukwu alongside WACSOF Communication team Mr John Okoreni and Miss Lynda Nnajihu, engaged in a productive working visit to the Yar’Adua Foundation in Abuja. The meeting, held with Mr. Amara Nwankpa, the Foundation’s Director of Partnerships and Development, aimed to discuss potential collaboration between the two organizations to bolster civil society initiatives across West Africa in line with ECOWAS 2050 Agenda

During the meeting, Mr. Ugochukwu provided an overview of WACSOF, which acts as the umbrella body for civil society organizations in the region. Established in 2003 with the backing of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), WACSOF is committed to complementing ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 goals focused on ECOWAS of the people, peace and security. Acknowledging past challenges within WACSOF, Mr. Ugochukwu emphasized his dedication to repositioning WACSOF as a vital platform for engagement between ECOWAS and civil society in the West African region.
WACSOF operates across six thematic areas aligned with key development issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Mr. Ugochukwu expressed a strong desire for the organization to regain its visibility and influence in the region, especially in light of the newly launched West African Democratic Fund, which opens new avenues for project support.

He clarified that WACSOF’s mission extends beyond aggregating civil society organizations (CSOs); it also involves advocating for ECOWAS policies and initiatives at the grassroots level. He pointed to an upcoming advocacy initiative aimed at eradicating child marriage in collaboration with WLDALF – AO as a prime example of WACSOF’s proactive approach.

Mr. Nwankpa expressed admiration for WACSOF’s mission, as a platform which amplifies the voices and advocacy efforts of civil society across the West Africa region. He shared initiatives aimed at strengthening WACSOF. He expressed the need for a strong solidarity network to be built within the region which can be leveraged on to drive regional policies.
Additionally, Mr. Nwankpa urged WACSOF to actively engage with the ECOWAS Authority and of Heads of Government by enhancing the visibility and significance of WACSOF’s advocacy efforts in front of key state leaders.

Conclusion

The Yar’Adua Centre reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with WACSOF on rebuilding networks among civil society organizations.
Both parties expressed optimism about the collaboration potential, emphasizing the critical role of solidarity among civil society organizations in the West African region. WACSOF is eager to leverage the insights gained during this visit to enhance its impact and visibility in promoting democratic values and practices throughout West Africa

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CONCEPT NOTE

17 September 2024
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Categories: Blog

2024 WACSOF PEOPLES FORUM

9th – 10th October 2024






Background





The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) was created in 2003 with the support and approval of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Since then, it has served as the institutionalized umbrella body of Civil Society Organizations for all the 15 West African states. Over the years since its creation, WACSOF has developed different strategies, programs and institutional mechanisms, with the objective of effectively mobilizing CSOs across the region to compliment and support the efforts of ECOWAS to implement regional integration and development programs.





A very important tool used by WACSOF in mobilizing civil society to contribute to regional integration and development in the region has been the WACSOF Peoples Forum. The WACSOF Peoples Forum is a gathering of all the representatives of West African CSOs and partners under the auspices of WACSOF. In accordance with Article 6(3) (a) of the WACSOF Charter, the Peoples Forum stands as the supreme policy organ of the institution to provide sustained guidance to the Secretariat in implementing the organization’s mandate. The Peoples Forum meets every 2 years to convey a General Assembly. This Assembly provides a platform for review of the forums impact and institutional effectiveness along the following key lines:





    

  • A review of the results and outcomes of WACSOF’s programs and activities towards increasing their relevance and impact;
    • 




  • Review of the organization’s policies and strategies to identify and address critical operational issues that affect organizational effectiveness and efficiency;
    • 




  • Renewing the mandate of its governance structures through the election of a new Executive Committee (Administrative Board); and,
    • 






    

  • Identification of new priorities to inform its work over a period of 2 years through analytical discussions of the prevailing regional context of West Africa
    • 






It has been 8 years since the last WACSOF Peoples Forum was convened in 2016. This situation has created a gap in the organization’s normal institutional development process. In the face of such an anomaly, the institution has found itself struggling to assert its relevance, while also gradually descending into the abyss of ineffectiveness in the actualization of its goals and mandate. Such a fundamental institutional development challenge must be urgently addressed. It is within this context that the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum shall be convened on 9th -10th October 2024 under the theme, “Strengthening WACSOF for greater impact in an ECOWAS of Peoples.”





Justification and Relevance





As an umbrella body for civil society organizations in West Africa, WACSOF is expected to elaborate mechanisms and implement programs to ensure effective mobilization of civil society for meaningful impact in regional integration, stability and development across West Africa. While several of the organization’s programs and activities in years past are laudable, it has faced several institutional challenges over the years. This has in fact been highlighted by several institutional assessment reports and plans of WACSOF over time. These assessment results have highlighted several specific needs for institutional strengthening, including the following:





    

  • Need for a review of the WACSOF institutional structures in order to clarify overlaps and conflict in their functions
    • 




  • Need to strengthen the operational systems of WACSOF by updating, re-designing and implementing key internal policies and frameworks to improve institutional relevance;
    • 




  • Need to attract skillful and dynamic staff at the Secretariat as well as other operatives of the organization including Executive Committee Members and National Coordinators/ Focal points in the different countries, and consultants;
    • 




  • Need to design and implement effective mobilization and outreach strategies to ensure that the insights and efforts of the organization’s stakeholders (member civil society organizations and partners), at both the national and thematic levels; and,
    • 






    

  • Identification of new priorities to inform its work over a period of 2 years through analytical discussions of the prevailing regional context of West Africa
    • 






It has been 8 years since the last WACSOF Peoples Forum was convened in 2016. This situation has created a gap in the organization’s normal institutional development process. In the face of such an anomaly, the institution has found itself struggling to assert its relevance, while also gradually descending into the abyss of ineffectiveness in the actualization of its goals and mandate. Such a fundamental institutional development challenge must be urgently addressed. It is within this context that the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum shall be convened on 9th -10th October 2024 under the theme, “Strengthening WACSOF for greater impact in an ECOWAS of Peoples.”





Justification and Relevance





As an umbrella body for civil society organizations in West Africa, WACSOF is expected to elaborate mechanisms and implement programs to ensure effective mobilization of civil society for meaningful impact in regional integration, stability and development across West Africa. While several of the organization’s programs and activities in years past are laudable, it has faced several institutional challenges over the years. This has in fact been highlighted by several institutional assessment reports and plans of WACSOF over time. These assessment results have highlighted several specific needs for institutional strengthening, including the following:





    

  • Need for a review of the WACSOF institutional structures in order to clarify overlaps and conflict in their functions
    • 




  • Need to strengthen the operational systems of WACSOF by updating, re-designing and implementing key internal policies and frameworks to improve institutional relevance;
    • 




  • Need to attract skillful and dynamic staff at the Secretariat as well as other operatives of the organization including Executive Committee Members and National Coordinators/ Focal points in the different countries, and consultants;
    • 




  • Need to design and implement effective mobilization and outreach strategies to ensure that the insights and efforts of the organization’s stakeholders (member civil society organizations and partners), at both the national and thematic levels; and,
    • 






The overall goal of the 2023 WACSOF Peoples Forum is to initiate a process of institutional renewal for WACSOF through a refresh of the organization’s leadership and the adoption of key priorities for deepening the organization’s impact into the future.





Specific objectives of the Forum include the following:





    

  1. To adopt a practical and indicative roadmap for increasing the overall institutional effectiveness of WACSOF including the strengthening of its institutional set-up and deepening the relevance of its engagement
    2. 




  2. To select new Executive Committee Members for effective policy-level guidance and oversight in the implementation of the organization’s activities and programs
    3. 






Description of Activities





In relation to the theme of institutional strengthening, the forthcoming WACSOF Peoples Forum will not just be an event that takes place during the officially designated meeting days. It would build-up from the national level and come together at the regional level during the official two meeting days of the Peoples Forum. Hence, the process shall begin with a set of pre-forum national consultations.





Below is a description of the sequence of activities to be carried out as part of the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum activities:





    

  1. Pre-Forum National Consultations
    2. 




  2. Main Sessions of the WACSOF Peoples Forum
    3. 






Pre-Forum National Consultations





In the build up to the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum, the WACSOF Secretariat in collaboration with the Members of the Planning and Organizing Committee from each country shall carry out a series of Pre-Forum National Consultative Meetings to lay a solid path towards the conduct of an inclusive 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum. These national Consultations shall serve the purpose of effectively examining the national conditions of each country as well as isolate the key priorities of civil society in the different countries. The national consultations, which will take place between 10th September 2024 and 8th October 2024 for all the countries and shall have the following objectives:





    

  1. To examine different aspects of the national contexts in the different countries and identify key emerging issues and entry points for civil society engagement.
    2. 




  2. To review the thoughts and perspectives of civil society concerning the various challenges that WACSOF is currently facing.
    3. 




  3. To select delegates that shall represent each country during the main sessions of the WACSOF Peoples Forum
    4. 




  4. To elect Members that shall represent the different countries on the executive Committee (this objective is mainly for countries that are eligible to take up seats in the WACSOF Executive Committee, including Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau).
    5. 






Insights from these national level meetings will be synthesized into a summary report that shall be presented during the main sessions of the WACSOF Peoples Forum on 9th & 10th October 2024.





Main Sessions of the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum





The WACSOF Peoples Forum would hold in accordance with the following configuration:





Day 1: 9th October 2024 [11:00 GMT – 15:00 GMT]





    

  • Session 1[15 Minutes]: Opening Session
    • 




  • Session 2 [45 Minutes]: Discussion on the theme: WACSOF – Past, Present and Future (It will underscore the history, evolution and current challenges of WACSOF and provide suggestions for the Way Forward) – by General Secretary
    • 




  • Session 3 [60 Minutes]: Discussion of issues in the National context of each country (Summary reports of national level consultations, including announcement of nominations of New Executive Committee Members) – by Members of the Planning and organizing committee from each country;
    • 




  • Health Break [15 Minutes]
    • 




  • Session 4 [45 Minutes]: Review of contextual developments in West Africa with relevance to civil society engagement;
    • 




  • Session 5 [20 Minutes]: General Commentary;
    • 




  • Session 6 [10 Minutes]: Closing Session
    • 






Day 2: 10th October 2024 [11:00 GMT – 13:00 GMT]





    

  1. To examine different aspects of the national contexts in the different countries and identify key emerging issues and entry points for civil society engagement.
    2. 




  2. To review the thoughts and perspectives of civil society concerning the various challenges that WACSOF is currently facing.
    3. 




  3. To select delegates that shall represent each country during the main sessions of the WACSOF Peoples Forum
    4. 




  4. To elect Members that shall represent the different countries on the executive Committee (this objective is mainly for countries that are eligible to take up seats in the WACSOF Executive Committee, including Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau).
    5. 






Insights from these national level meetings will be synthesized into a summary report that shall be presented during the main sessions of the WACSOF Peoples Forum on 9th & 10th October 2024.





Main Sessions of the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum





The WACSOF Peoples Forum would hold in accordance with the following configuration:





Day 1: 9th October 2024 [11:00 GMT – 15:00 GMT]





    

  • Session 1[15 Minutes]: Opening Session
    • 




  • Session 2 [45 Minutes]: Discussion on the theme: WACSOF – Past, Present and Future (It will underscore the history, evolution and current challenges of WACSOF and provide suggestions for the Way Forward) – by General Secretary
    • 




  • Session 3 [60 Minutes]: Discussion of issues in the National context of each country (Summary reports of national level consultations, including announcement of nominations of New Executive Committee Members) – by Members of the Planning and organizing committee from each country;
    • 




  • Health Break [15 Minutes]
    • 




  • Session 4 [45 Minutes]: Review of contextual developments in West Africa with relevance to civil society engagement;
    • 




  • Session 5 [20 Minutes]: General Commentary;
    • 




  • Session 6 [10 Minutes]: Closing Session
    • 






Day 2: 10th October 2024 [11:00 GMT – 13:00 GMT]





    

  • Members of the Planning Committee representing each country
    • 




  • Currently serving Executive Committee Members across the region
    • 




  • Civil society representatives, including of all kinds from the different countries of West Africa
    • 




  • key civil society regional networks in West Africa (including WACSI, WANEP, MFWA, WADEMOS, WAWA, WILDAF, etc.)
    • 




  • Veteran civil society leaders, opinion molders, supporters and enthusiasts across West Africa to also serve as Delegates during the event.
    • 






Observers: Aside the speakers, WACSOF’s partners shall also be invited to participate in the meeting as observers. Technical and financial partners, being also stakeholders of the organization shall be encouraged to participate in the meeting as Observers. They shall have the right to share thoughts and opinions. This group shall also include media representatives and members of the WACSOF Secretariat, who shall participate in administering the meeting and ensuring that it runs smoothly





Working LANGUAGES





The working language of the forum shall be English, French and Portuguese. Simultaneous interpretation services will be provided.


                                            

                
                                
            

            
        
    


                                            


    
                


                                        

                                            2024 WACSOF PEOPLES FORUM
                                    

                        
                                        



    
                            

                

                
                                    
                        16 September 2024
                    
                            

                
                            

                

                
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                                    Categories: 
                
                
                    News,                    News Letter,                    Press Release                                    
            

                
                        
    


                        
        

        
                
                        


                                                                        
                                
                                                    

                                                                            

9th – 10th October 2024





The WACSOF Peoples Forum is a very important tool for mobilizing civil society to contribute to regional integration and development in West Africa. It is a gathering of representatives of West African CSOs and partners under the auspices of WACSOF. In accordance with Article 6(3) (a) of the WACSOF Charter, the Peoples Forum is the supreme policy organ of WACSOF to provide sustained guidance to the Secretariat in implementing the organization’s mandate. The Peoples Forum meets every 2 years to convene a General Assembly, which is a forum to review WACSOF’s impact and institutional effectiveness along the following key lines:





    

  • A review of the results and outcomes of WACSOF’s programs and activities towards increasing their relevance and impact;
    • 




  • Review of the organization’s policies and strategies to identify and address critical operational issues that affect organizational effectiveness and efficiency;
    • 




  • Renewing the mandate of its governance structures through the election of a new Executive Committee (Administrative Board); and,
    • 




  • Identification of new priorities to inform its work over a period of 2 years through analytical discussions of the prevailing regional context of West Africa
    • 






It has been 8 years since the last WACSOF Peoples Forum was convened in 2016. This situation has created a gap in the organization’s normal institutional development process, creating a situation that leaves the institution struggling to assert its relevance and impact. This fundamental institutional challenge also leaves WACSOF gradually descending into the abyss





of ineffectiveness that demands urgent attention. It is within this context that the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum shall be convened on 9th -10th October 2024 under the theme, “Strengthening WACSOF for greater impact in an ECOWAS of Peoples.”





Goal and Objectives of the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum





The overall goal of the 2023 WACSOF Peoples Forum is to initiate a process of institutional renewal for WACSOF through a refresh of the organization’s leadership and the adoption of key priorities for deepening the organization’s impact into the future.





Specific objectives of the Forum include the following:





    

  1. To adopt a practical and indicative roadmap for increasing the overall institutional effectiveness of WACSOF including the strengthening of its institutional set-up and deepening the relevance of its engagement
    2. 




  2. To select new Executive Committee Members for effective policy-level guidance and oversight in the implementation of the organization’s activities and programs
    3. 






Description of Activities





In relation to the theme of institutional strengthening, the forthcoming WACSOF Peoples Forum will not just be an event that takes place during the officially designated meeting days. It would build-up from the national level and come together at the regional level during the official two meeting days of the Peoples Forum. Hence, the process shall begin with a set of pre-forum national consultations.





Below is a description of the sequence of activities to be carried out as part of the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum activities:





    

  1. Pre-Forum National Consultations
    2. 




  2. Main Sessions of the WACSOF Peoples Forum
    3. 






Pre-Forum National Consultations





In the build up to the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum, the WACSOF Secretariat in collaboration with the Members of the Planning and Organizing Committee from each country





shall carry out a series of Pre-Forum National Consultative Meetings to lay a solid path towards the conduct of an inclusive 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum. These national Consultations shall serve the purpose of effectively examining the national conditions of each country as well as isolate the key priorities of civil society in the different countries. The national consultations, which will take place between 10th September 2024 and 8th October 2024 for all the countries and shall have the following objectives:





    

  1. To examine different aspects of the national contexts in the different countries and identify key emerging issues and entry points for civil society engagement.
    2. 




  2. To review the thoughts and perspectives of civil society concerning the various challenges that WACSOF is currently facing.
    3. 




  3. To select delegates that shall represent each country during the main sessions of the WACSOF Peoples Forum
    4. 




  4. To elect Members that shall represent the different countries on the executive Committee (this objective is mainly for countries that are eligible to take up seats in the WACSOF Executive Committee, including Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau).
    5. 






Insights from these national level meetings will be synthesized into a summary report that shall be presented during the main sessions of the WACSOF Peoples Forum on 9th & 10th October 2024.





Main Sessions of the 2024 WACSOF Peoples Forum





The WACSOF Peoples Forum would hold in accordance with the following configuration:





Day 1: 9th October 2024 [11:00 GMT – 15:00 GMT]





    

  • Session 1[15 Minutes]: Opening Session
    • 




  • Session 2 [45 Minutes]: Discussion on the theme: WACSOF – Past, Present and Future (It will underscore the history, evolution and current challenges of WACSOF and provide suggestions for the Way Forward) – by General Secretary
    • 




  • Session 3 [60 Minutes]: Discussion of issues in the National context of each country (Summary reports of national level consultations, including announcement of nominations of New Executive Committee Members) – by Members of the Planning and organizing committee from each country;
    • 




  • Health Break [15 Minutes]
    • 




  • Session 4 [45 Minutes]: Review of contextual developments in West Africa with relevance to civil society engagement;
    • 






    

  • Session 5 [20 Minutes]: General Commentary;
    • 




  • Session 6 [10 Minutes]: Closing Session
    • 






Day 2: 10th October 2024 [11:00 GMT – 13:00 GMT]





    

  • 1st Meeting of the New Executive Committee: Meeting shall be to discuss and adopt key priorities for WACSOF going forward, based on discussions during the Peoples Forum
    • 






Click to access Concept Note: [link to https://wacsofoscao.org/concept-note/





Click to register for the event [link to registration form/ meeting link]