YLabs has announced applications for a Senior Research Specialist (Contractor) position, offering experienced researchers across Africa the opportunity to lead high-impact studies focused on youth economic empowerment, innovation, and inclusive development. The 12-month consultancy is fully remote within Africa and supports research initiatives that generate evidence to improve education, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and youth-focused programming.
The position is open to candidates based anywhere on the African continent, with travel required for fieldwork across multiple countries. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled.
About YLabs
YLabs is a global design and research organization that partners with young people to co-create digital products and services that improve health, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Established in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, the organization has implemented projects in 18 countries, combining expertise in youth-centered design, behavioral science, epidemiology, digital product development, climate resilience, and adolescent health.
Its work focuses on three key areas:
- Optimum health and wellness
- Improved economic opportunity
- Increased climate resilience
Through youth-driven innovation, YLabs aims to ensure that young people play an active role in designing solutions to challenges affecting their communities.
About the Senior Research Specialist Role
The successful candidate will lead research and innovation initiatives while working closely with multidisciplinary teams, donors, and regional partners. The role is designed for experienced professionals who can independently manage complex research projects and transform evidence into practical recommendations that shape development programming.
The consultant will contribute to projects focused on:
- Youth employment
- Economic empowerment
- Financial inclusion
- Education
- Innovation and development research
The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, with the consultancy lasting up to 12 months.
Contract Details
Successful applicants will receive:
- Fully remote consultancy based anywhere in Africa
- Twelve-month independent contractor agreement
- Annual gross compensation ranging from USD 35,460 to USD 55,896
- Monthly payments based on approved deliverables and invoices
- Opportunities to travel across Africa for research fieldwork
The consultant must be willing to spend up to seven days at a time conducting research in rural and hard-to-reach communities when required.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Research Specialist will provide leadership across multiple aspects of research and project implementation.
Research Strategy and Leadership
Responsibilities include:
- Designing and leading large-scale research studies
- Developing innovative research methodologies
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams
- Building research capacity across regional teams
- Leading training and knowledge-sharing sessions
Qualitative and Quantitative Research
The consultant will:
- Conduct interviews and focus group discussions
- Lead stakeholder consultations
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative data
- Generate evidence-based recommendations
- Produce actionable research findings
Innovation and Insight Generation
The role also involves applying research frameworks such as:
- Human-Centered Design
- Participatory Action Research
The consultant will identify emerging opportunities and challenges affecting youth while producing insights that inform future programming and innovation.
Knowledge Management and Reporting
Responsibilities include:
- Preparing research reports
- Developing policy briefs
- Producing presentations for partners and donors
- Supporting institutional knowledge management
- Facilitating learning sessions across project teams
Stakeholder Engagement
The successful candidate will work closely with:
- Research institutions
- Academic partners
- Donors
- Regional stakeholders
- Internal multidisciplinary teams
The role also includes contributing evidence and narratives that demonstrate project impact for donor reporting purposes.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
The consultant will collaborate with monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) teams to integrate research findings into project evaluation frameworks and improve future programming.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must currently be based in Africa and possess significant experience conducting research related to youth and economic development.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- At least five years of experience leading qualitative or mixed-methods research
- Experience working on donor-funded projects
- Strong project management skills
- Ability to independently manage multiple research initiatives
- Experience recruiting youth and adolescent research participants
- Excellent communication skills for non-academic audiences
- Willingness to travel extensively within Africa
Required Skills and Technical Expertise
YLabs is seeking professionals with experience using research and analytical software, including:
- SPSS
- Stata
- R
- NVivo
Applicants should also demonstrate experience converting research findings into practical recommendations that improve programme design and implementation.
Fluency in English is mandatory, while additional African or regional language skills are considered an advantage.
Preferred Qualifications
Although not mandatory, YLabs indicates that the following qualifications will strengthen applications:
- Master’s degree or PhD in Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or a related discipline
- Experience researching youth economic empowerment initiatives
- Background in participatory or community-based research
- Experience working with vulnerable populations
- Familiarity with youth-driven design, co-design, and rapid prototyping methodologies
Inclusive Recruitment Process
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.
All employment offers are subject to satisfactory background and criminal record checks.
YLabs also emphasizes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, age, socio-economic status, religion, or sexual orientation.
The organization aims to build inclusive teams that reflect the diverse communities they serve while advancing equitable opportunities for young people across Africa.
