YLabs Senior Research Specialist (Contractor) 2026: Remote Africa-Based Consultancy Paying Up to USD 55,896 Per Year

YLabs is inviting applications for the position of Senior Research Specialist (Contractor), offering experienced African researchers an exciting opportunity to lead innovative research projects that improve the lives of young people across the continent.

This fully remote consultancy allows professionals to work from any African country while collaborating with one of the world’s leading youth-centered design and research organizations. The successful candidate will lead high-impact research initiatives, influence strategic decision-making, and contribute to projects focused on youth economic empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and innovation.

With an attractive annual consultancy package ranging from USD 35,460 to USD 55,896, this opportunity is ideal for experienced researchers seeking to make meaningful contributions to development across Africa.

About YLabs

YLabs is a globally recognized design and research organization founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab. The organization develops technologies and evidence-based solutions that empower young people by increasing their agency, opportunities, and participation in designing solutions to challenges affecting their lives.

YLabs believes that young people should be the architects of solutions to the issues they face. Through participatory and human-centered design approaches, the organization works alongside youth to co-create innovative digital products and services.

Operating from offices in Rwanda and the United States, YLabs has implemented projects across 18 countries, focusing on three primary areas:

• Optimum health and wellness
• Improved economic opportunity
• Climate resilience

The organization combines expertise in:

• Youth-driven design
• Digital product development
• Behavioral science
• Public health
• Epidemiology
• Climate innovation
• Livelihoods
• Research and evaluation

About the Senior Research Specialist Position

YLabs is seeking a highly experienced Senior Research Specialist based in Africa to lead strategic research initiatives under its Research, Impact and Innovation Department.

The selected consultant will oversee complex research projects from design through implementation while producing evidence that informs innovation and strategic programming.

This position requires an individual who can work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and generate high-quality research outputs that influence organizational and donor decision-making.

Contract Details

Successful applicants will receive:

• Independent consultancy contract
• Contract duration of up to 12 months
• Expected start date: 1 August 2026
• Fully remote position
• Work from anywhere in Africa
• Travel opportunities throughout Africa for field research
• Monthly payments through bank transfer upon approved deliverables

Salary

The consultancy offers an annual gross remuneration ranging from:

USD 35,460 – USD 55,896

Compensation will depend on qualifications, experience, and expertise.

Key Responsibilities

The successful consultant will perform a wide range of strategic research and leadership responsibilities.

1. Research Strategy and Leadership

Responsibilities include:

• Designing and managing large-scale research projects
• Developing innovative research methodologies
• Promoting best practices in economic development and youth employment research
• Collaborating with donors, stakeholders, and regional partners
• Building research capacity across regional teams
• Delivering research training and mentorship

2. Quantitative and Qualitative Research

The consultant will:

• Conduct interviews
• Facilitate focus groups
• Lead stakeholder consultations
• Perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Analyze large datasets
• Generate evidence-based recommendations
• Identify trends and research insights

3. Innovation and Insight Generation

The role involves applying innovative research methodologies such as:

• Human-Centered Design
• Participatory Action Research
• User-centered innovation frameworks

The specialist will also identify emerging opportunities within:

• Youth entrepreneurship
• Education
• Economic development
• Financial inclusion

Strategic Knowledge Management

The successful candidate will:

• Prepare comprehensive research reports
• Produce policy briefs
• Develop presentations for internal and external audiences
• Document lessons learned
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions
• Build institutional research knowledge systems

Stakeholder Engagement

The consultant will work closely with:

• Internal YLabs teams
• Academic institutions
• Development partners
• Donors
• Regional experts
• Research organizations

Responsibilities also include producing high-quality research outputs that demonstrate project impact for donor reporting.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

The successful applicant will collaborate with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning teams by:

• Integrating research findings into MEL systems
• Improving research methodologies
• Supporting evidence-based learning
• Strengthening project evaluation frameworks

Project Management

The Senior Research Specialist will also:

• Manage research timelines
• Coordinate project deliverables
• Monitor implementation progress
• Report findings and recommendations to senior leadership

Required Qualifications

Applicants should:

• Be currently based in Africa
• Have experience researching youth economic empowerment
• Demonstrate adaptability and initiative
• Work effectively in multicultural environments
• Communicate research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Be willing to travel and stay in rural communities for up to seven days

Required Experience

Candidates must have:

• At least five years of research leadership experience
• Experience managing donor-funded projects
• Expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research
• Experience recruiting adolescents and youth participants
• Strong project management skills
• Proficiency in SPSS, Stata, R, NVivo, or similar software
• Excellent English communication skills

Knowledge of additional African languages is considered an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Master’s degree or PhD in a related discipline
• Previous research on youth economic empowerment
• Community-based participatory research experience
• Experience working with vulnerable populations
• Knowledge of co-design and rapid prototyping methodologies

Why Apply?

Joining YLabs offers an opportunity to:

• Lead high-impact research across Africa
• Influence policy and innovation
• Work with international development experts
• Contribute to youth-centered solutions
• Gain experience in multidisciplinary global research
• Work remotely while traveling across Africa
• Receive competitive consultancy compensation
• Collaborate with global donors and development partners

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

YLabs is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued.

Applications are welcomed from individuals regardless of:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Religion
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Disability
• Socio-economic background
• Age
• Marital status

Employment offers are subject to satisfactory background and criminal record checks.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official YLabs recruitment portal.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible since the position will remain open until filled.

Application Deadline: No fixed deadline (Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.)

Apply here 

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here 

• More global Job opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here