Youth Impact is inviting applications for the Research Manager (South Africa) role. The early bird deadline is 14 June 2026, while applications are rolling. This opportunity is based in South Africa and involves travel for programme work in Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
The role focuses on research leadership; monitoring and evaluation; programme implementation fidelity; staff management; and stakeholder engagement. In addition, selected candidates will support relationships with government, research, and funding partners.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: Rolling applications. Earlybird deadline: 14 June 2026.
Eligible Countries: Applicants must therefore be eligible to work in South Africa — meaning they should be South African citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise hold valid work authorisation/permits.
Internship Location: South Africa; travel required for program work in Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
Duration: a 2-year fixed-term contract, with potential for extension pending performance.
Compensation: various stipends
Host Organization: Youth Impact
About the Internship
Youth Impact is hiring a research manager to lead research and related programme activities in South Africa. The role includes staff management, oversight of research and monitoring and evaluation, and support for strong programme implementation.
Moreover, the position requires close coordination with programme teams and the Research and Innovation team. The successful candidate will also help translate evidence into practical insights for teams and partners.
Responsibilities
- Directly manage staff in South Africa on programmes, research and monitoring and evaluation activities.
- Build institutional structures and management infrastructure as the South Africa team grows.
- Act as senior leadership presence for day-to-day team issues and decision-making.
- Support the South Africa country director and programmes teams in broader team management as the role matures.
- Oversee research and M&E activities in South Africa in close coordination with the Research and Innovation team.
- Build systems and structures to support efficient data flows and program delivery.
- Quality-check data outputs from the South Africa research team and flag issues for escalation with the research team.
- Translate research findings into actionable insights for programme teams and government partners.
- Support design of data collection tools and M&E systems appropriate to the South Africa context.
- Ensure Youth Impact programmes in South Africa are implemented with fidelity to their evidence base.
- Coordinate across implementation teams to maintain quality standards and delivery timelines.
- Oversee training schedules, school implementation calendars, and field team logistics.
- Embed operational systems and decision-making processes suited to a rapidly growing hub.
- Contribute to grant applications, funder milestone reports, and program reporting.
- Represent Youth Impact within South Africa’s research and education community, including with government partners; research partners such as J-PAL Africa; and funders.
- Build and maintain relationships with key partners and stakeholders across provinces.
- Support development of policy-friendly evidence products for South African audiences.
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education, public policy, economics, or a related field.
- At least 7 years of relevant experience in program management, monitoring and evaluation, or a related role, preferably in South Africa.
- Experience in the education sector is advantageous.
- Familiarity with the South African education or development research landscape.
- Existing networks in the South African research community.
- Must be available to travel for programme work in Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
Skills Preferred: Strong manager; data-driven; systems builder; clear communicator; adaptive, positive, and team-orientated.
Benefits: generous annual leave, sick leave including global health insurance provisions, various stipends, professional development opportunities, ability to work remotely, and access to global networks.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the application form through the application portal. Before applying, review the official vacancy page carefully for full role details, expectations, and updates.
👉 Visit the official internship page for details
