Lead Research Innovation Specialist Research, Impact, and Innovation – Kigali, Rwanda (Remote)

YLabs is a globally recognized design and research organization dedicated to creating technologies that enhance youth power, agency, and opportunity. Established in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs works collaboratively with young people to design inclusive digital products and services that address their most pressing challenges.

With expertise across adolescent health, climate resilience, livelihoods, behavioral science, digital product design, and epidemiology, YLabs delivers impactful innovation at scale. Based in Rwanda and the USA, the organization has implemented projects in 18 countries within three focus areas: optimum health and wellness, improved economic opportunities, and increased climate resilience.

Job Type

This is a 9-month contract position, extendable based on performance. It is primarily based in Kigali, Rwanda, or the East African region. Candidates based outside Kigali must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time.

Pay Rate

The pay range is RWF 193,846.15 to RWF 223,846.15 gross per day, benchmarked regionally for lead-level positions in Kigali.

Job Overview

The Lead Research Innovation and Impact Specialist will spearhead research initiatives to drive strategic decision-making, innovation, and high-impact outcomes across projects. The role requires the ability to work independently, manage research and innovation projects, and navigate ambiguity.

Key Focus Areas:

• Sectors such as education, youth entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion
• Generating actionable insights for impactful solutions

Key Responsibilities

Research Strategy and Leadership:

• Design and manage large-scale research initiatives
• Develop adaptive methodologies for economic development, health economics, and youth employment
• Collaborate with stakeholders, funders, and partners to align research efforts with impact goals
• Build capacity within regional teams through training and knowledge transfer

Quantitative and Qualitative Research:

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative studies using diverse methodologies (e.g., interviews, data analysis)
• Predict trends and generate recommendations from large datasets
• Analyze user behavior to inform innovative solutions

Innovation and Insight Development:

• Apply frameworks like Human-Centered Design and Disruptive Innovation Theory
• Identify emerging trends and translate findings into strategic insights

Strategic Knowledge Management:

• Compile research findings into reports, policy briefs, and presentations
• Share knowledge across teams and projects through capacity-building sessions

Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement:

• Build relationships with academic partners and research institutions
• Provide insights and data to support donor reporting

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):

• Integrate research outputs into MEL frameworks for ongoing improvement

Project Management:

• Maintain timelines and deliverables for research projects
• Present progress and recommendations to senior leadership

Required Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Development Studies, Development Economics, Health Economics, Social Sciences, or related fields
• Experience: Minimum 7-10 years managing research projects, with 5+ years in senior-level roles
• Expertise in innovative research methodologies and frameworks
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Familiarity with donor-funded research projects
• Experience in youth entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, or education programs is advantageous

Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional independence and ability to handle ambiguity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Collaboration skills for cross-functional teamwork
• Proficiency in research and analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, NVivo)
• Commitment to innovation and measurable impact

How to Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.