Youth Researchers Needed at YLabs (2026)

YLabs is hiring Nigeria-based Youth Researchers to support participatory research activities focused on generating community-driven insights that inform youth-centered programs and solutions.

YLabs is a global design and research organization that partners with young people to co-create inclusive technologies and services that improve lives.

Founded at the Harvard Innovation Lab in 2014, the organization works across health, climate resilience, economic opportunity, behavioral science, and digital innovation in more than 20 countries globally.

This opportunity is ideal for early-career professionals interested in ethnography, field research, design research, youth engagement, and community-centered development work.

Job Details

• Department: Programs
• Location: Remote / Field-Based, Nigeria
• Employment Type: Independent Contractor
• Experience Level: Entry-Level
• Contract Duration: May to Mid-July 2026
• Compensation: Up to $11/hour

About the Role

As a Youth Researcher, you will support field research activities through direct engagement with young people, local communities, and ecosystem stakeholders.

You will conduct interviews, observations, and group discussions while documenting insights that help shape program design and decision-making processes.

The role requires strong listening skills, cultural awareness, curiosity, and the ability to respectfully engage communities in real-world settings.

Responsibilities

• Support coordination of field activities and logistics
• Conduct observations, interviews, and group discussions
• Engage community members respectfully and appropriately
• Capture detailed field notes and reflections
• Observe behaviors, non-verbal cues, and environmental dynamics
• Participate in debrief and reflection sessions
• Contribute to identifying recurring themes and insights
• Provide real-time field feedback to research teams
• Follow safeguarding, ethical research, and data protection guidelines

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be based in Nigeria
• Have strong understanding of local cultures, languages, and communities
• Be able to independently conduct in-person engagement activities
• Have demonstrated interest in youth-focused research and field engagement

Women and persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Minimum of 2 years experience in:
  • Research
  • Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Community Engagement
  • Design Research
  • Or related work
• Strong communication skills in English and relevant local languages
• Ability to conduct interviews and document findings accurately
• Strong observation and analytical skills
• Ability to engage people from diverse backgrounds
• Strong attention to detail
• Comfort using technology and digital tools
• Ability to collaborate remotely
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly
• Ability to provide valid police clearance and references

Experience working with major funders or philanthropic organizations in Africa is an added advantage.

Ideal Candidate

YLabs is looking for individuals who are:

• Grounded in their local communities
• Curious and observant
• Respectful and non-judgmental
• Strong communicators
• Reflective and willing to learn
• Reliable and accountable
• Comfortable discussing sensitive issues respectfully

Compensation

• Maximum pay rate is $11/hour depending on experience
• Payments will be made monthly via bank transfer

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit:

• Resume/CV
• A short 1–2 minute video introduction

The video should:

• Introduce yourself and your background
• Explain your connection to your local community
• Discuss an issue affecting your community and how you would investigate and understand its root causes

Video Submission Instructions

• Upload the video to Google Drive or YouTube
• Set access to:
  • “Anyone with the link can view”
  • Or “Public”
• Paste the video link in the application form
• Ensure the link works before submission

Important Note

Both the resume and video are mandatory for applications to be considered.

Advanced video editing is not required. YLabs is more interested in clear communication, organization of thoughts, and authenticity.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

Apply Here