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

<p>YLabs is inviting applications for the position of <strong data-start="1924" data-end="1967">Senior Research Specialist (Contractor)</strong>, offering experienced African researchers an exciting opportunity to lead innovative research projects that improve the lives of young people across the continent.</p> <p data-start="2133" data-end="2560">This fully remote consultancy allows professionals to work from <strong data-start="2197" data-end="2220">any African country</strong> while collaborating with one of the world&#8217;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.</p> <p data-start="2562" data-end="2775">With an attractive annual consultancy package ranging from <strong data-start="2621" data-end="2649">USD 35,460 to USD 55,896</strong>, this opportunity is ideal for experienced researchers seeking to make meaningful contributions to development across Africa.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1dpx3fx" data-start="2777" data-end="2791">About YLabs</h2> <p data-start="2793" data-end="3122">YLabs is a globally recognized design and research organization founded in <strong data-start="2868" data-end="2906">2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab</strong>. 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.</p> <p data-start="3124" data-end="3373">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.</p> <p data-start="3375" data-end="3519">Operating from offices in Rwanda and the United States, YLabs has implemented projects across <strong data-start="3469" data-end="3485">18 countries</strong>, focusing on three primary areas:</p> <ul data-start="3521" data-end="3603"> <li data-section-id="acihv5" data-start="3521" data-end="3550">Optimum health and wellness</li> <li data-section-id="18iezk" data-start="3551" data-end="3582">Improved economic opportunity</li> <li data-section-id="1tcogmu" data-start="3583" data-end="3603">Climate resilience</li> </ul> <p data-start="3605" data-end="3644">The organization combines expertise in:</p> <ul data-start="3646" data-end="3810"> <li data-section-id="1az4tt6" data-start="3646" data-end="3667">Youth-driven design</li> <li data-section-id="1nlujl6" data-start="3668" data-end="3697">Digital product development</li> <li data-section-id="c6sut9" data-start="3698" data-end="3718">Behavioral science</li> <li data-section-id="1306h3p" data-start="3719" data-end="3734">Public health</li> <li data-section-id="1fbqhpf" data-start="3735" data-end="3749">Epidemiology</li> <li data-section-id="3ayhzy" data-start="3750" data-end="3770">Climate innovation</li> <li data-section-id="ltr8v8" data-start="3771" data-end="3784">Livelihoods</li> <li data-section-id="iotdfw" data-start="3785" data-end="3810">Research and evaluation</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="15d7qlu" data-start="3812" data-end="3860">About the Senior Research Specialist Position</h2> <p data-start="3862" data-end="4039">YLabs is seeking a highly experienced <strong data-start="3900" data-end="3930">Senior Research Specialist</strong> based in Africa to lead strategic research initiatives under its Research, Impact and Innovation Department.</p> <p data-start="4041" data-end="4214">The selected consultant will oversee complex research projects from design through implementation while producing evidence that informs innovation and strategic programming.</p> <p data-start="4216" data-end="4421">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.</p> <h2 data-section-id="xu7ph1" data-start="4423" data-end="4442">Contract Details</h2> <p data-start="4444" data-end="4479">Successful applicants will receive:</p> <ul data-start="4481" data-end="4782"> <li data-section-id="gf7051" data-start="4481" data-end="4515">Independent consultancy contract</li> <li data-section-id="axypwz" data-start="4516" data-end="4558">Contract duration of up to <strong data-start="4545" data-end="4558">12 months</strong></li> <li data-section-id="9ixe8e" data-start="4559" data-end="4599">Expected start date: <strong data-start="4582" data-end="4599">1 August 2026</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1w3ttof" data-start="4600" data-end="4623">Fully remote position</li> <li data-section-id="15zd6il" data-start="4624" data-end="4654">Work from anywhere in Africa</li> <li data-section-id="ityijo" data-start="4655" data-end="4714">Travel opportunities throughout Africa for field research</li> <li data-section-id="6uitb5" data-start="4715" data-end="4782">Monthly payments through bank transfer upon approved deliverables</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="194yokx" data-start="4784" data-end="4793">Salary</h2> <p data-start="4795" data-end="4860">The consultancy offers an annual gross remuneration ranging from:</p> <p data-start="4862" data-end="4889"><strong data-start="4862" data-end="4889">USD 35,460 – USD 55,896</strong></p> <p data-start="4891" data-end="4961">Compensation will depend on qualifications, experience, and expertise.</p> <h2 data-section-id="18w7bso" data-start="4963" data-end="4986">Key Responsibilities</h2> <p data-start="4988" data-end="5094">The successful consultant will perform a wide range of strategic research and leadership responsibilities.</p> <h3 data-section-id="11x1p61" data-start="5096" data-end="5135">1. Research Strategy and Leadership</h3> <p data-start="5137" data-end="5162">Responsibilities include:</p> <ul data-start="5164" data-end="5508"> <li data-section-id="x4i55u" data-start="5164" data-end="5218">Designing and managing large-scale research projects</li> <li data-section-id="cbf2bo" data-start="5219" data-end="5265">Developing innovative research methodologies</li> <li data-section-id="mr4px9" data-start="5266" data-end="5346">Promoting best practices in economic development and youth employment research</li> <li data-section-id="9xos2u" data-start="5347" data-end="5411">Collaborating with donors, stakeholders, and regional partners</li> <li data-section-id="1rh7tyv" data-start="5412" data-end="5462">Building research capacity across regional teams</li> <li data-section-id="yfp5f6" data-start="5463" data-end="5508">Delivering research training and mentorship</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1oc61r2" data-start="5510" data-end="5554">2. Quantitative and Qualitative Research</h3> <p data-start="5556" data-end="5576">The consultant will:</p> <ul data-start="5578" data-end="5817"> <li data-section-id="1enbhva" data-start="5578" data-end="5598">Conduct interviews</li> <li data-section-id="kriqmc" data-start="5599" data-end="5624">Facilitate focus groups</li> <li data-section-id="uqvgrq" data-start="5625" data-end="5657">Lead stakeholder consultations</li> <li data-section-id="1ishppi" data-start="5658" data-end="5710">Perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis</li> <li data-section-id="eweosw" data-start="5711" data-end="5735">Analyze large datasets</li> <li data-section-id="dl13li" data-start="5736" data-end="5777">Generate evidence-based recommendations</li> <li data-section-id="1cjinap" data-start="5778" data-end="5817">Identify trends and research insights</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="mero1p" data-start="5819" data-end="5859">3. Innovation and Insight Generation</h3> <p data-start="5861" data-end="5930">The role involves applying innovative research methodologies such as:</p> <ul data-start="5932" data-end="6025"> <li data-section-id="jbd12a" data-start="5932" data-end="5955">Human-Centered Design</li> <li data-section-id="sqh5i2" data-start="5956" data-end="5987">Participatory Action Research</li> <li data-section-id="1s6y0t8" data-start="5988" data-end="6025">User-centered innovation frameworks</li> </ul> <p data-start="6027" data-end="6091">The specialist will also identify emerging opportunities within:</p> <ul data-start="6093" data-end="6174"> <li data-section-id="6vcdfa" data-start="6093" data-end="6117">Youth entrepreneurship</li> <li data-section-id="n0dh7m" data-start="6118" data-end="6129">Education</li> <li data-section-id="1mt8kpg" data-start="6130" data-end="6152">Economic development</li> <li data-section-id="ptuaef" data-start="6153" data-end="6174">Financial inclusion</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="omvnfw" data-start="6176" data-end="6209">Strategic Knowledge Management</h2> <p data-start="6211" data-end="6241">The successful candidate will:</p> <ul data-start="6243" data-end="6483"> <li data-section-id="170wu0x" data-start="6243" data-end="6283">Prepare comprehensive research reports</li> <li data-section-id="1pdb1jv" data-start="6284" data-end="6307">Produce policy briefs</li> <li data-section-id="itvtsx" data-start="6308" data-end="6367">Develop presentations for internal and external audiences</li> <li data-section-id="y03kax" data-start="6368" data-end="6394">Document lessons learned</li> <li data-section-id="10mai5a" data-start="6395" data-end="6434">Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions</li> <li data-section-id="1574w0q" data-start="6435" data-end="6483">Build institutional research knowledge systems</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="s3q90o" data-start="6485" data-end="6510">Stakeholder Engagement</h2> <p data-start="6512" data-end="6550">The consultant will work closely with:</p> <ul data-start="6552" data-end="6674"> <li data-section-id="105nrb8" data-start="6552" data-end="6574">Internal YLabs teams</li> <li data-section-id="1vfb7e2" data-start="6575" data-end="6598">Academic institutions</li> <li data-section-id="1ten52" data-start="6599" data-end="6621">Development partners</li> <li data-section-id="1u6ov0j" data-start="6622" data-end="6630">Donors</li> <li data-section-id="c5fatc" data-start="6631" data-end="6649">Regional experts</li> <li data-section-id="1uwxtq1" data-start="6650" data-end="6674">Research organizations</li> </ul> <p data-start="6676" data-end="6798">Responsibilities also include producing high-quality research outputs that demonstrate project impact for donor reporting.</p> <h2 data-section-id="84i8bt" data-start="6800" data-end="6844">Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)</h2> <p data-start="6846" data-end="6938">The successful applicant will collaborate with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning teams by:</p> <ul data-start="6940" data-end="7106"> <li data-section-id="9ceugv" data-start="6940" data-end="6988">Integrating research findings into MEL systems</li> <li data-section-id="1le0ohx" data-start="6989" data-end="7023">Improving research methodologies</li> <li data-section-id="licge4" data-start="7024" data-end="7060">Supporting evidence-based learning</li> <li data-section-id="7kebd6" data-start="7061" data-end="7106">Strengthening project evaluation frameworks</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1ihin5v" data-start="7108" data-end="7129">Project Management</h2> <p data-start="7131" data-end="7172">The Senior Research Specialist will also:</p> <ul data-start="7174" data-end="7328"> <li data-section-id="1dpsi7s" data-start="7174" data-end="7201">Manage research timelines</li> <li data-section-id="215qdf" data-start="7202" data-end="7235">Coordinate project deliverables</li> <li data-section-id="146137v" data-start="7236" data-end="7269">Monitor implementation progress</li> <li data-section-id="dfehov" data-start="7270" data-end="7328">Report findings and recommendations to senior leadership</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1cpo032" data-start="7330" data-end="7356">Required Qualifications</h2> <p data-start="7358" data-end="7376">Applicants should:</p> <ul data-start="7378" data-end="7708"> <li data-section-id="1cahj8b" data-start="7378" data-end="7408">Be currently based in Africa</li> <li data-section-id="eeuw5c" data-start="7409" data-end="7465">Have experience researching youth economic empowerment</li> <li data-section-id="nxkb9" data-start="7466" data-end="7507">Demonstrate adaptability and initiative</li> <li data-section-id="xbk459" data-start="7508" data-end="7556">Work effectively in multicultural environments</li> <li data-section-id="1xj4232" data-start="7557" data-end="7634">Communicate research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences</li> <li data-section-id="1cvhm8d" data-start="7635" data-end="7708">Be willing to travel and stay in rural communities for up to seven days</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="hmz8eq" data-start="7710" data-end="7732">Required Experience</h2> <p data-start="7734" data-end="7755">Candidates must have:</p> <ul data-start="7757" data-end="8105"> <li data-section-id="1iv7lad" data-start="7757" data-end="7812">At least five years of research leadership experience</li> <li data-section-id="1osc76h" data-start="7813" data-end="7856">Experience managing donor-funded projects</li> <li data-section-id="j0c4yz" data-start="7857" data-end="7910">Expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research</li> <li data-section-id="8y7gtb" data-start="7911" data-end="7969">Experience recruiting adolescents and youth participants</li> <li data-section-id="179hqcf" data-start="7970" data-end="8004">Strong project management skills</li> <li data-section-id="17zofhr" data-start="8005" data-end="8064">Proficiency in SPSS, Stata, R, NVivo, or similar software</li> <li data-section-id="1hyt56k" data-start="8065" data-end="8105">Excellent English communication skills</li> </ul> <p data-start="8107" data-end="8176">Knowledge of additional African languages is considered an advantage.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1a9n6ci" data-start="8178" data-end="8205">Preferred Qualifications</h2> <p data-start="8207" data-end="8251">Preference will be given to candidates with:</p> <ul data-start="8253" data-end="8513"> <li data-section-id="1fgu0ra" data-start="8253" data-end="8301">Master&#8217;s degree or PhD in a related discipline</li> <li data-section-id="v55rx0" data-start="8302" data-end="8351">Previous research on youth economic empowerment</li> <li data-section-id="j7y5px" data-start="8352" data-end="8403">Community-based participatory research experience</li> <li data-section-id="1540tsh" data-start="8404" data-end="8452">Experience working with vulnerable populations</li> <li data-section-id="1dj726d" data-start="8453" data-end="8513">Knowledge of co-design and rapid prototyping methodologies</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1mxn2lk" data-start="8515" data-end="8528">Why Apply?</h2> <p data-start="8530" data-end="8569">Joining YLabs offers an opportunity to:</p> <ul data-start="8571" data-end="8939"> <li data-section-id="m6p4xp" data-start="8571" data-end="8612">Lead high-impact research across Africa</li> <li data-section-id="1lsemt7" data-start="8613" data-end="8646">Influence policy and innovation</li> <li data-section-id="3m6cf" data-start="8647" data-end="8692">Work with international development experts</li> <li data-section-id="1tcvxfu" data-start="8693" data-end="8733">Contribute to youth-centered solutions</li> <li data-section-id="8h0emm" data-start="8734" data-end="8788">Gain experience in multidisciplinary global research</li> <li data-section-id="1jemefy" data-start="8789" data-end="8834">Work remotely while traveling across Africa</li> <li data-section-id="115pfjt" data-start="8835" data-end="8881">Receive competitive consultancy compensation</li> <li data-section-id="1p3x9yl" data-start="8882" data-end="8939">Collaborate with global donors and development partners</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="11go2v4" data-start="8941" data-end="8975">Diversity and Equal Opportunity</h2> <p data-start="8977" data-end="9057">YLabs is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued.</p> <p data-start="9059" data-end="9116">Applications are welcomed from individuals regardless of:</p> <ul data-start="9118" data-end="9241"> <li data-section-id="1j4eenx" data-start="9118" data-end="9124">Race</li> <li data-section-id="1ne42tt" data-start="9125" data-end="9136">Ethnicity</li> <li data-section-id="lwalcl" data-start="9137" data-end="9147">Religion</li> <li data-section-id="1xgaxg7" data-start="9148" data-end="9156">Gender</li> <li data-section-id="16kxzwo" data-start="9157" data-end="9177">Sexual orientation</li> <li data-section-id="1h7l8ac" data-start="9178" data-end="9190">Disability</li> <li data-section-id="o8a2n1" data-start="9191" data-end="9218">Socio-economic background</li> <li data-section-id="1o4g97" data-start="9219" data-end="9224">Age</li> <li data-section-id="piikya" data-start="9225" data-end="9241">Marital status</li> </ul> <p data-start="9243" data-end="9327">Employment offers are subject to satisfactory background and criminal record checks.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13dq7ve" data-start="9329" data-end="9344">How to Apply</h2> <p data-start="9346" data-end="9447">Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official YLabs recruitment portal.</p> <p data-start="9449" data-end="9612">Applications are reviewed on a <strong data-start="9480" data-end="9497">rolling basis</strong>, meaning candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible since the position will remain open until filled.</p> <p data-start="9614" data-end="9734"><strong data-start="9614" data-end="9639">Application Deadline:</strong> <strong data-start="9640" data-end="9734">No fixed deadline (Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.)</strong></p> <p data-start="9793" data-end="9849"> <p data-start="9793" data-end="9849"> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ylabs.bamboohr.com/careers/47?source=aWQ9MTk%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Apply here </strong></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Learn More</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>For more information about this opportunity,</strong> <a href="https://ylabs.bamboohr.com/careers/47?source=aWQ9MTk%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Click here </strong></a></li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>More global Job opportunities for youth, </strong>visit the OFY website: <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=job" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Click here </strong></a></li> </ul> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/08/lead-research-innovation-specialist-research-impact-and-innovation-kigali-rwanda-remote/">YLabs Senior Research Specialist (Contractor) 2026: Remote Africa-Based Consultancy Paying Up to USD 55,896 Per Year</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>