YLabs Senior Research Specialist (Contractor) 2026
Senior Research Specialist (Contractor) – YLabs
Remote Africa-Based Consultancy with Annual Compensation of USD $35,460–$55,896
Introduction
YLabs has opened applications for the Senior Research Specialist (Contractor) position for experienced research professionals based anywhere in Africa.
This 12-month remote consultancy focuses on youth economic empowerment, financial inclusion, education, innovation, and inclusive development through high-impact research and evidence generation.
Quick Highlights
Particulars
Details
Position
Senior Research Specialist (Contractor)
Organization
YLabs
Job Type
Independent Consultancy
Work Mode
Fully Remote
Eligible Region
Africa
Annual Compensation
USD $35,460–$55,896
Contract Duration
12 Months
Application Review
Rolling Basis Until Position is Filled
Category
Jobs
Opportunity Overview
Particular
Details
Employer
YLabs
Employment Type
Independent Contractor
Work Location
Remote (Africa)
Contract Length
12 Months
Expected Start Date
1 August 2026
Travel Requirement
Fieldwork Across Multiple African Countries
About Organization
YLabs is a global design and research organization established in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab. It partners with young people to develop innovative solutions that improve health, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Operating in 18 countries, YLabs combines research, behavioural science, digital innovation, and youth-centred design to create evidence-based programmes addressing major development challenges.
About the Position
The Senior Research Specialist will lead research initiatives related to youth employment, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, education, and innovation while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, donors, and regional partners.
The consultant will design research studies, manage projects, conduct qualitative and mixed-methods research, generate evidence-based recommendations, and support programme development across Africa.
Compensation & Benefits
Benefit
Details
Annual Compensation
USD $35,460–$55,896
Remote Consultancy
Yes
Contract Duration
12 Months
International Research Exposure
Yes
Travel Opportunities
Yes
Leadership Responsibilities
Yes
Professional Development
Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Development Studies
Economics
Business Administration
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Studies
Social Sciences
Public Policy
International Development
Related Disciplines
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Location
Must be based in Africa
Research Experience
Minimum 5 Years
Research Methods
Qualitative or Mixed-Methods Research
Project Management Experience
Required
English Language
Fluency Required
Travel Availability
Required
Eligible Countries
Country
All African Countries
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Requirement
Details
Donor-Funded Project Experience
Preferred
Youth Economic Empowerment Experience
Preferred
Research Software (SPSS, Stata, R, NVivo)
Preferred
Stakeholder Engagement Experience
Required
Ability to Work Independently
Required
Not Eligible
Applicant
Status
Applicants not based in Africa
Not Eligible
Selection Criteria
Criteria
Considered
Research Experience
Yes
Leadership Skills
Yes
Project Management
Yes
Communication Skills
Yes
Technical Expertise
Yes
Interview/Shortlisting
Yes
Required Documents
Document
Required
Online Application
Yes
CV/Resume
As Required
Additional Supporting Documents
As Requested During Recruitment
Job Timeline
Event
Date
Applications Open
Currently Open
Application Review
Rolling Basis
Expected Start Date
1 August 2026
Contract Duration
12 Months
How to Apply
Step
Action
Step 1
Visit the official YLabs careers page.
Step 2
Open the Senior Research Specialist (Contractor) vacancy.
Experienced research professionals based anywhere in Africa.
Is the consultancy remote?
Yes, it is fully remote within Africa.
What is the annual compensation?
USD $35,460–$55,896.
How long is the consultancy?
12 months.
Is there a fixed application deadline?
No. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The YLabs Senior Research Specialist Consultancy 2026 is an excellent opportunity for experienced development researchers seeking leadership roles in youth empowerment, innovation, and evidence-based programme design.
With competitive compensation, remote flexibility, and opportunities to collaborate across Africa, this consultancy is particularly attractive for professionals interested in international development research and social impact.
