Research Manager- South Africa - Youth Impact

Youth Impact is an evidence-based international NGO working in education and health for young people around the world. Youth Impact partners with governments to scale high-impact programs through public systems, rigorously testing and refining them to maximize impact and reduce cost. Youth Impact has on-the-ground teams in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, India, and the Philippines.

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.

Youth Impact is hiring a Research Manager to lead the South Africa team at a critical moment in its growth. The Research Manager will manage research and program activities on the ground, embed systems and structures, and act as a senior presence across program and research activities. The role sits within the program team with a dotted line to the Research and Innovation team, working closely with the SA Country Director. Strong growth potential as the SA hub expands.

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. Early bird deadline: 14 June 2026.

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.

How to Apply

Applicants for this position are required to visit the [Youth Impact page](https://www.youth-impact.org/vacancies/research-manager-south-africa) and submit their [application here](https://airtable.com/app1iRLkKUx8NbP1N/shrhLcG8ms0KNKV6i).