YLabs
THE ROLE
100% Remote - Candidate should be based in Africa
YLabs is seeking a Deputy Director of Design Research to lead its Deep Listening function and shape the organization- wide vision, methodology, and operational approach to user and ethnographic field research. This role is ideal for a seasoned design researcher who can seamlessly lead projects from initial research ideation and ground-level field execution to insight synthesis and strategic presentations for C suite executives and senior stakeholders. They will establish institutional systems, develop frameworks across multiple teams, manage Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, and direct field teams and local Principal Investigators (PIs) across complex regional contexts.
JOB TYPE
This is a full-time position within the Design Department (Job Level: P6 - Deputy Director). The role is scoped for 40 hours per week and is ideally based in East Africa, though candidates within the GMT+0 to GMT+4 time zone on the African continent may also apply. Candidates must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time for field sprints and stakeholder alignment The initial contract term is 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
PAY RATE
The pay range for this position is $48,500 - $72,143. This range is regionally benchmarked against the P6 level within YLabs’ Africa salary bands. YLabs pays all full-time staff salaries in the local currency of the staff member’s permanent work location.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Strategy & Systems Leadership
Inform and implement the strategic direction for research planning and execution ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and impact goals.
Build, scale, and standardize institutional systems, toolkits, and operational blueprints across multiple teams to support effective research ownership and execution.
Drive the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative insights across projects to inform high-level strategic decisions, program designs, and organizational growth.
Serve as an internal and external subject matter expert, advocating for the critical value of grounded, evidence-based design research.
IRB, Ethics & Governance Management
Provide end-to-end oversight and strategic guidance on all Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, protocol adaptations, and ethics compliance in collaboration with YLabs Research team
Oversee the development of rigorous, ethically sound research protocols (including literature reviews, sampling strategies, and consent mechanisms) tailored to local review board requirements.
Manage recruitment and oversight of local Principal Investigators (PIs) to navigate regional regulatory frameworks, cultural nuances, and site approvals.
Support development of and ensure strict adherence to Human Subjects standards, global safeguarding policies, and data protection protocols across all field deployments.
End-to-End Field Execution & Methodological Direction
Design and lead rapid-cycle field research sprints utilizing immersive observation, semi-structured interviews, and ethnographic methods.
Ensure data collection is culturally appropriate and ethically sound.
Coordinate with local partners and stakeholders to facilitate fieldwork.
Synthesize field data into actionable insights for program design and evaluation.
Generate reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.
High Emotional Intelligence & Mentorship
Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members.
Support the growth and development of junior researchers and interns.
Advocate for diverse perspectives and equitable practices in research design and implementation.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
Integrate JEDI principles into all aspects of research design and implementation.
Ensure equitable access to research opportunities and resources.
Promote inclusive research practices that reflect the diversity of the communities being studied.
Advocate for policies and practices that support equity and inclusion in research.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Design Research & Mixed-Method Research Mastery
Demonstrate expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Experience with ethnographic research, participatory action research, and mixed-methods approaches.
Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools.
Autonomy & Strategic Leadership
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
IRB & Compliance Expertise
Experience with IRB protocols and ethical research practices.
Knowledge of research compliance standards and regulations.
Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
System Building & Prioritization
Experience building and managing research systems and workflows.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Adaptability & Complex Problem Solving
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments.
Experience solving complex problems and making decisions under uncertainty.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
High Emotional Intelligence & Mentorship
Experience building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Experience mentoring and coaching team members.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
Experience integrating JEDI principles into research design and implementation.
Ability to advocate for equitable practices and policies.
Experience working with diverse populations and communities.
Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in design research, user research, qualitative field research, or ethnographic research
Demonstrated track record of leading end-to-end design research initiatives—from field immersion and protocol design to executive-level presentation
Proven experience preparing and managing IRB applications and working directly with local PIs, ethics committees, or research approval boards
Demonstrated experience building research systems, toolkits, or operational frameworks used across multiple teams or departments
Substantial experience supervising, training, and mentoring researchers and cross-functional project staff
Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with a portfolio showcasing complex research synthesis translated into clear, actionable frameworks
Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time to field sites across Sub-Saharan Africa
Proficiency with collaborative research synthesis tools (e.g., Miro, Mural, Figma, Dedoose, NVivo)
NICE-TO-HAVE SKILLS
Master’s or PhD in Anthropology, Design Research, Human-Centered Design, Sociology, UX Research, or a related field
Experience living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa (particularly East Africa)
Experience working with vulnerable or marginalized youth populations