Youth Impact is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join its team as a Research Manager or Associate Research Manager in South Africa. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact programs that improve education and health outcomes for youth.
About Youth Impact
Youth Impact is committed to connecting young people with life-changing information, reaching over 300,000 youth across 20+ countries through evidence-based programs. With a team of over 350 staff members, the organization integrates rigorous research, data-driven decision-making, and strong partnerships with governments to scale effective solutions.
Role Overview
The Research Manager / Associate Research Manager will play a pivotal role in producing data-driven insights to inform program expansion. The position involves overseeing research design, managing data collection and analysis, and strengthening operational systems to ensure program success.
This is an opportunity for a professional who thrives in impact evaluation, quantitative research, program management, and working closely with schools and government partners.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Data Analysis
- Conduct and oversee rigorous evaluations, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), A/B tests, and monitoring activities.
- Design and implement research tools, ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis.
- Maintain and organize large datasets, using Stata, R, or Python for statistical analysis.
- Develop and present research findings through reports, policy briefs, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Program Implementation and Team Management
- Build and manage a team of 2-3 technical staff and 50-100 field team members.
- Develop operational systems to support program delivery in schools and community settings.
- Conduct regular field visits to monitor program implementation and provide support.
- Collaborate with government stakeholders, NGOs, and academic partners to advance program goals.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain strong relationships with local and international partners.
- Work closely with government officials to integrate research findings into policy and program decisions.
- Represent Youth Impact at events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
Qualifications & Skills
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or higher) in public policy, economics, education, or a related field.
- Proficiency in Stata (preferred), R, or Python for data analysis.
- Experience in monitoring & evaluation (M&E), impact evaluation, and large-scale data collection.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks.
- Excellent communication and writing skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a global team.
- Willingness to travel within South Africa for program implementation and training.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in schools, with government agencies, or in education research.
- Ability to develop and implement scalable program systems.
- Familiarity with SurveyCTO or similar data collection platforms.
- Fluency in English, with knowledge of local languages as a plus.
Why Join Youth Impact?
- Work in a mission-driven organization dedicated to scaling evidence-based solutions.
- Be part of a fast-growing team with a strong emphasis on learning and professional development.
- Engage in high-impact projects that directly improve education and health outcomes for youth.
- Receive competitive benefits, including health coverage, stipends, and professional development opportunities.
- Join a global network of researchers, policymakers, and program implementers.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A resume.
- A 150-word response on why they are applying to Youth Impact.
- A 150-word response on their research experience and how it aligns with the role.
- A 100-word description of their experience using Excel, Stata, R, or Python.
- 1-2 writing samples demonstrating analytical skills and policy insight.
- A 1-minute video explaining their interest in the role.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
📍 Location: Preference for candidates with the right to work in South Africa.
⏳ Contract: 2-year fixed term, with potential for extension.
For more details and to apply, visit Youth Impact.