Research Assistant Position at YLabs – Climate x SRHR Project

Introduction

The Research Assistant position at YLabs represents a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work at the intersection of climate resilience and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). YLabs is not just another research organization—it is a global leader in youth-driven innovation, founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab. Since its inception, YLabs has been committed to amplifying youth power, agency, and opportunity by co-creating inclusive digital products and services with young people themselves.

YLabs’ philosophy is rooted in the belief that young people should not merely be passive recipients of solutions but rather the architects of change. Through its participatory design process, YLabs opens spaces where youth ideas are transformed into tangible realities, addressing pressing challenges in health, climate, and livelihoods.

With offices in Rwanda and the USA, YLabs has already worked in 18 countries, delivering impact across three focus areas:

1. Optimum health and wellness – ensuring adolescents and youth have access to quality health services and information.
2. Improved economic opportunity – creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods and financial inclusion.
3. Increased climate resilience – empowering communities to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.

This Research Assistant role is central to YLabs’ Climate x SRHR project, a pioneering initiative that integrates climate resilience with sexual and reproductive health rights. By joining this project, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team that combines expertise in adolescent health, climate science, digital product design, behavioral science, and epidemiology.

This is more than a job—it is a chance to contribute to global impact, support youth-driven innovation, and help shape the future of climate and SRHR research.

Job Summary

The Research Assistant will play a vital role in supporting YLabs’ Climate x SRHR project. This position involves conducting desk research, supporting stakeholder engagement, and contributing to research publications and dissemination materials.

The role is ideal for candidates with graduate-level training or equivalent experience in public health, social science, or related fields, who possess strong research and writing skills, and who are genuinely interested in climate resilience and SRHR.

This is a part-time role (10–20 hours per week), structured as a fully remote contractor position, reporting directly to the Research Lead.

Job Type

• Position Type: Independent contractor (Consultancy)
• Work Arrangement: Fully remote, no location restrictions
• Contract Duration: Initial term of 2 months, with the possibility of extension contingent on funding

Location

• Fully remote role open to candidates worldwide
• Flexible working hours to allow overlap with YLabs’ US and East Africa teams

Compensation

YLabs adheres to Project Fair’s principles and standards, ensuring equity in pay under the principle of “equal pay for work of equal value” as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Pay Range: $21 – $29 USD per hour (commensurate with experience)
• Benchmarking: Regionally benchmarked for entry-level Research Assistant positions in the YLabs US office
• Currency: Salaries are paid in the local currency of the staff member’s permanent work location

Responsibilities

As a Research Assistant, you will:

1. Conduct Desk Research
   • Literature reviews, policy analyses, and evidence summaries
   • Citation management and maintenance of a shared evidence library
2. Support Stakeholder Engagement
   • Note-taking during meetings
   • Meeting preparation and stakeholder database maintenance
   • Coordination support for convenings
3. Draft and/or Review Proposals
   • Contribute to proposal writing
   • Provide technical review as needed
4. Support Data Analysis
   • Apply quantitative or qualitative analysis skills depending on project needs
5. Support Research Publications
   • Drafting, proofreading, and formatting manuscripts
6. Prepare Dissemination Materials
   • Develop decks, evidence briefs, and reports
7. Fact-Check and Quality Assurance
   • Verify accuracy and quality of materials before external release

Candidate Profile

You Are:

• An excellent writer
• Detail-oriented
• Enthusiastic, curious, and a problem solver
• Rigorous about sourcing, citations, and evidence quality
• A strong communicator who speaks up when uncertain

Desirable Qualifications:

• Graduate student in a relevant field preferred
• Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis software

Application Process

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by YLabs’ Hiring Committee.
• All applications received during the posting period will be reviewed.
• All candidates will be notified of their application status once the hiring process begins.
• Offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory background checks and criminal record clearances.

Equal Employment Opportunity

YLabs is committed to building teams and policies that promote equity, justice, and belonging. The organization strongly encourages applications from individuals across diverse backgrounds, including:

• Different cultures, races, and educational backgrounds
• Varied socio-economic classes
• All sexual orientations and gender identities
• Individuals of all ages and physical abilities

YLabs does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status, marital status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Deadline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly to maximize consideration.

1. What is the duration of the contract? The initial contract term is 2 months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability. This short-term engagement allows YLabs to assess project needs while offering candidates the chance to demonstrate their skills for potential longer-term collaboration.

2. Is this position fully remote? Yes. The role is 100% remote, with no location restrictions. Candidates from any country can apply, provided they can work flexible hours that overlap reasonably with YLabs’ US and East Africa teams.

3. How many hours per week are required? This is a part-time role, requiring 10–20 hours per week. The flexible schedule makes it ideal for graduate students, early-career researchers, or professionals seeking meaningful part-time work.

4. What is the pay rate? The pay range is $21 – $29 USD per hour, commensurate with experience. YLabs benchmarks salaries regionally and pays staff in the local currency of their permanent work location.

5. Who does the Research Assistant report to? The Research Assistant will report directly to the Research Lead, ensuring close mentorship and guidance throughout the project.

6. What kind of research will I be conducting? You will engage in desk research, including literature reviews, policy analyses, and evidence summaries. You will also manage citations, maintain a shared evidence library, and contribute to stakeholder engagement, proposals, data analysis, publications, and dissemination materials.

7. Are graduate students eligible to apply? Yes. Graduate students in relevant fields such as public health, social science, or related disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

8. Is prior experience with data analysis software required? It is desirable but not mandatory. Experience with quantitative or qualitative data analysis software will strengthen your application, but YLabs values enthusiasm, curiosity, and problem-solving skills above all.

9. What is YLabs’ stance on diversity and inclusion? YLabs is deeply committed to equity, justice, and belonging. The organization strongly encourages applications from individuals across diverse backgrounds, including different cultures, races, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, and physical abilities.

10. How are applications reviewed? Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by YLabs’ Hiring Committee. All applications received during the posting period will be reviewed, and candidates will be notified of their status once the hiring process begins.

11. What makes this role unique compared to other research assistant positions? Unlike traditional research roles, this position places you at the heart of youth-driven innovation. You will not only conduct research but also contribute to shaping solutions that directly impact young people’s lives in the context of climate resilience and SRHR.

12. What skills are most valued for this position?

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Attention to detail and rigor in sourcing evidence
• Enthusiasm and curiosity
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a global team

Conclusion

The Research Assistant position at YLabs is a rare opportunity to contribute to a project that sits at the cutting edge of climate resilience and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). By joining YLabs, you will be part of a global movement that empowers young people to design solutions for their future.

This role is not just about conducting research—it is about creating impact. You will help generate evidence that informs policies, supports stakeholders, and drives innovation in areas critical to youth well-being and climate adaptation.

YLabs’ commitment to equity, justice, and belonging ensures that your contributions will be valued, and your voice will be heard. Whether you are a graduate student seeking practical experience or an early-career researcher eager to make a difference, this opportunity offers a platform to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to global change.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. If you are detail-oriented, passionate about climate and SRHR, and motivated to contribute to youth-driven innovation, this position is designed for you.

 

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