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Youth Impact
Youth Impact is an evidence-based international NGO working in education and health for young people around the world. We partner hand-in-hand with governments to scale high-impact programs through public systems — rigorously testing and refining them to maximize impact and reduce cost. We have close government partnerships and on-the-ground teams in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, India, and the Philippines, alongside partnerships in many other countries and team members working across the globe. Our diverse global team spans disciplines, backgrounds, and time zones, but we are united by shared values and a commitment to learning. We are entering an ambitious new phase of global growth, scaling rapidly across new geographies while maintaining the quality and rigor that define our work. We’re looking for people excited to join our mission of ensuring all young people thrive.
Research Manager - South Africa
About the role
On any given day, we might be: discussing the latest ideas for a randomised controlled trial or A/B test to improve our programs at scale with our facilitators and governments; visiting schools to figure out ways to improve our data collection systems; interpreting data to share insights with government and decide how to improve our programs impact, writing up our results to share with the world; working with government counterparts to support them to collect, use and interpret data to improve education and health of students; and meeting organizations around the world to support them to do the same! We think it’s the dream job for anyone passionate about impact, and evidence.
About our South Africa work
South Africa is one of Youth Impact’s Innovation Hubs — we deliver multiple programs, run direct implementation alongside government, and generate evidence that informs our global scale-up. Our South Africa team implements Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) in collaboration with South Africa’s National Department of Basic Education, reaching learners in Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo. The SA hub has grown rapidly and is central to Youth Impact’s Africa-wide scale-up strategy.
The role
Youth Impact is hiring a Research Manager to provide leadership for the South Africa team at a critical moment in our growth. The SA team has expanded rapidly, and this hire is needed to manage our research and related program activities on the ground, embed systems and structures, and act as a senior presence across program and research activities.
We are looking for a research manager who understands evidence, and who has — or can quickly build — a voice in South Africa’s research and education community. The Research Manager will sit in the program team, to ensure evidence is closely connected with action, with a dotted line to the Research and Innovation team. They will work closely with the SA Country Director. This role has strong growth potential as the SA hub matures and the team and research activities expand.
Primary responsibilities
Team Management
Directly manage staff in South Africa on programs, research and monitoring and evaluation activities
Build institutional structures and management infrastructure as the SA team grows
Act as senior leadership presence for day-to-day team issues and decision-making
Support the SA Country Director and programs teams in broader team management as the role matures
Research Oversight and Translation
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 SA research team and flag issues for escalation with the research team
Translate research findings into actionable insights for program teams and government partners
Support design of data collection tools and M&E systems appropriate to the SA context
Program Oversight
Ensure Youth Impact programs 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
Stakeholder Engagement
Represent Youth Impact within South Africa’s research and education community, including with government partners (National and Provincial Departments of Basic Education), 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
Qualifications
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
Who will thrive in this role
Strong manager: Proven track record of managing people and teams, setting clear expectations, and developing others
Data-driven: Can read, interpret, and communicate evidence. Understands M&E and data-for-decision-making
Systems builder: Can create structure in a fast-moving environment — turning operational realities into clear processes, workplans, and accountability mechanisms
Communication: Clear and effective communicator across government, research, and implementing partners — in writing and in person
Positivity and stamina: Adaptive, positive, and able to get tough things done with a team-oriented attitude
Position details
Location: South Africa (must be available to travel for program work in Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo)
Contract: 2-year fixed term contract, with potential for extension pending performance
Start date: As soon as possible
Application deadline: Rolling applications. Earlybird deadline: 14 June 2026
Benefits
Benefits include generous annual leave, sick leave (including global health insurance provisions), various stipends, professional development opportunities, the ability to work remotely, access to our amazing global networks and much more.
