YLabs is inviting applications from Nigeria-based early-career professionals for an exciting Youth Researcher opportunity focused on participatory and community-based research. This short-term contractor role offers candidates the chance to contribute to meaningful youth-centered projects while gaining hands-on experience in ethnographic research, design research, and field engagement.
The organization is looking for individuals who are deeply connected to their communities and capable of gathering rich, context-driven insights through direct interaction with young people and local stakeholders.
This role is ideal for emerging professionals interested in:
- Community engagement
- Participatory research
- Youth development
- Social impact
- Human-centered design
- Public health and development research
Successful applicants will support field research activities across Nigeria while collaborating remotely with a global multidisciplinary team.
About YLabs
YLabs is a globally recognized design and research organization dedicated to amplifying youth power, agency, and opportunity through innovative technologies and inclusive research methods.
Founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs partners directly with young people to co-create digital products and services that address pressing social challenges affecting youth globally.
The organization works across more than 20 countries and focuses on:
- Youth health and wellness
- Economic opportunity
- Climate resilience
- Digital innovation
- Behavioral science
- Adolescent development
YLabs combines expertise in:
- Human-centered design
- Epidemiology
- Digital product design
- Community engagement
- Research and behavioral science
The organization is headquartered in Rwanda and the United States, with a globally distributed workforce.
About the Youth Researcher Role
The Youth Researcher role is designed for individuals with foundational experience in research and field engagement who can work directly within communities to uncover lived experiences, patterns, challenges, and opportunities.
Researchers will support participatory research activities by:
- Conducting interviews
- Leading group discussions
- Carrying out observations
- Documenting field insights
- Participating in synthesis sessions
The role requires a strong understanding of local contexts and the ability to respectfully engage individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Contract Duration and Work Structure
Employment Type
- Independent Contractor
Work Location
- Nigeria (Remote with field-based activities)
Contract Timeline
- Expected to run from May to Mid-July 2026
Work Style
- Primarily field-based
- Some remote collaboration required
Key Responsibilities
Selected Youth Researchers will support a range of participatory research activities.
Core Duties Include:
1. Field Research Coordination
- Plan and coordinate field visits
- Manage schedules and local logistics
- Navigate community engagement processes
2. Conducting Research Activities
- Carry out one-on-one interviews
- Facilitate group discussions
- Conduct direct field observations
3. Community Engagement
- Build trust with youth and community stakeholders
- Create safe and respectful environments for discussion
- Encourage honest and open participation
4. Documentation and Insight Gathering
- Capture detailed field notes
- Record reflections and observations using structured tools
- Identify behavioral and environmental patterns
5. Data Reflection and Synthesis
- Participate in debrief sessions
- Surface emerging themes and recurring issues
- Help identify opportunities and tensions within communities
6. Ethical and Safe Research Practice
- Follow safeguarding and child protection guidelines
- Handle sensitive information responsibly
- Adhere to ethical research standards
Ideal Candidate Profile
YLabs is looking for candidates who are:
- Community-centered
- Curious and empathetic
- Strong listeners
- Respectful and culturally aware
- Reflective and open to learning
Applicants should be able to connect authentically with people while maintaining professionalism and ethical standards.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Requirements
Candidates should have:
- At least 2 years of experience in:
- Research
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Community engagement
- Design research
- Related development or social impact work
This experience may come from:
- Education
- Professional work
- Training
- Community or lived experience
Required Skills
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills in English and relevant local languages
- Ability to conduct interviews and document findings clearly
- Strong observation and note-taking skills
- Comfort interacting with diverse community groups
- Ability to adapt to dynamic field environments
- Familiarity with digital tools and online collaboration platforms
- Confidential handling of information
- Understanding of ethical research and safeguarding principles
Additional Advantage
Experience working with:
- Major funders
- Philanthropic organizations
- Development organizations across Africa
will be considered an added advantage.
Compensation and Benefits
Pay Rate
- Up to $11 per hour
- Compensation is based on experience
Payment Method
- Monthly bank transfer payments
YLabs follows Project Fair compensation principles, ensuring equitable pay standards based on work value and regional benchmarks.
Eligibility Criteria
This opportunity is specifically open to:
- Candidates based in Nigeria
- Individuals with strong understanding of local cultures and languages
- Applicants comfortable conducting in-person field engagement
YLabs strongly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Persons living with disabilities
Application Requirements
Interested applicants must submit:
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Short video introduction (1–2 minutes)
What to Include in the Video
The video should:
- Introduce your background
- Explain your connection to your community
- Discuss a community issue you care about
- Describe how you would investigate and understand the issue
- Explain:
- Who you would speak with
- How you would engage people
- What methods you would use to analyze information
How to Submit the Video
Applicants must:
- Upload the video to:
- Google Drive OR
- YouTube
- Ensure access settings are:
- “Anyone with the link can view” OR
- “Public”
- Paste the video link into the application form
Important:
- Ensure the link works before submission
- Videos with restricted access cannot be reviewed
YLabs emphasizes that production quality is not important. Applicants are encouraged to focus on:
- Clarity
- Organization
- Authenticity
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is:
15 May 2026
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Click here for more and to apply
Selection Process
YLabs will:
- Review all submitted applications
- Contact shortlisted candidates during the hiring process
- Conduct background checks and criminal record clearances before final hiring decisions
All applicant information will remain confidential.
Equal Opportunity Statement
YLabs is committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.
The organization welcomes applicants from all:
- Cultural backgrounds
- Educational backgrounds
- Socio-economic groups
- Gender identities
- Physical abilities
- Age groups
YLabs maintains a strict non-discrimination policy.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This opportunity provides emerging researchers in Nigeria with:
- Real-world field research experience
- Exposure to global development work
- Experience in participatory and youth-centered design
- Collaboration with international experts
- Skills in ethnography and community engagement
It is especially valuable for individuals seeking careers in:
- Development research
- Human-centered design
- Social innovation
- Public health
- Youth programming
- International development
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