Youth Impact Research Manager (South Africa) — Full Website Article, Social Post, Opportunity Category & Eligibility

Youth Impact is a globally recognized, evidence‑based international NGO dedicated to improving education and health outcomes for young people. Through rigorous research, strong government partnerships, and scalable program models, Youth Impact works across Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, India, and the Philippines, with additional partnerships worldwide. The organization is entering a new phase of rapid global expansion, strengthening its capacity to deliver high‑impact programs through public systems.

South Africa is one of Youth Impact’s most dynamic Innovation Hubs, and the organization is now recruiting a Research Manager to support its growing portfolio of programs, research activities, and government partnerships.

About Youth Impact’s Work in South Africa

South Africa plays a central role in Youth Impact’s Africa‑wide scale‑up strategy. The country team leads the implementation of Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) in partnership with the National Department of Basic Education. The program currently reaches learners across Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu‑Natal, and Limpopo.

As an Innovation Hub, the South Africa team:

• Implements multiple education programs
• Conducts direct delivery alongside government partners
• Generates evidence that informs global scale‑up
• Tests and refines program models to maximize impact

This environment requires strong leadership, robust systems, and a deep understanding of evidence‑based program delivery.

About the Research Manager Role

The Research Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership at a pivotal moment in Youth Impact’s growth in South Africa. The role is designed for a professional who understands evidence, values data‑driven decision‑making, and can build a strong voice within South Africa’s education and research community.

The Research Manager will sit within the program team, ensuring that evidence is tightly connected to implementation. They will also work closely with the Research and Innovation team and report to the South Africa Country Director.

This position offers significant growth potential as the South Africa hub expands.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Team Management

• Directly manage staff working on programs, research, and monitoring and evaluation
• Build institutional structures and management systems as the team grows
• Serve as a senior leadership presence for day‑to‑day decision‑making
• Support the Country Director in broader team management as the role evolves

2. Research Oversight and Translation

• Oversee research and M&E activities in collaboration with the Research and Innovation team
• Build systems that support efficient data flows and program delivery
• Quality‑check data outputs and escalate issues when necessary
• Translate research findings into actionable insights for program teams and government partners
• Support the design of data collection tools and M&E systems tailored to the South African context

3. Program Oversight

• Ensure programs are implemented with fidelity to their evidence base
• Coordinate across implementation teams to maintain quality and timelines
• Oversee training schedules, school implementation calendars, and field logistics
• Embed operational systems suited to a rapidly growing hub
• Contribute to grant applications, funder reports, and program documentation

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Youth Impact within South Africa’s research and education community
• Engage with government partners, including national and provincial departments
• Collaborate with research partners such as J‑PAL Africa
• Build and maintain relationships with funders and key stakeholders
• Support development of policy‑friendly evidence products for South African audiences

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education, public policy, economics, or a related field
• Minimum 7 years of experience in program management, M&E, or related roles
• Experience in the South African education sector is advantageous
• Familiarity with South Africa’s research or development landscape
• Existing networks in the research community are beneficial

Who Will Thrive in This Role

• Strong manager: Proven ability to lead teams and develop others
• Data‑driven: Skilled in interpreting and communicating evidence
• Systems builder: Able to create structure in fast‑moving environments
• Effective communicator: Clear communicator across government, research, and implementation partners
• Positive and resilient: Adaptive, collaborative, and able to deliver results

Position Details

• Location: South Africa (with travel to Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu‑Natal, and Limpopo)
• Contract: 2‑year fixed term, renewable based on performance
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Application deadline: Rolling applications.
• Earlybird deadline: 14 June 2026

Benefits

Youth Impact offers:

• Generous annual leave
• Sick leave and global health insurance provisions
• Professional development opportunities
• Remote work flexibility
• Access to global networks
• Additional stipends and organizational benefits