Qualitative Research Lead: Madagascar (Contractor)
JOB LOCATION - MADAGASCAR
ABOUT YLABS
YLabs is a leading global design and research organization designing technologies that amplify youth power, agency, and opportunity. Founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs partners with young people to co-create inclusive digital products and services that improve their lives. Our design process opens spaces where young people’s ideas can become a reality – where they are the architects of the solutions to their most pressing challenges.
YLabs multidisciplinary team delivers youth-driven innovation and impact at scale. Our team combines expertise in youth-driven design with adolescent health, climate, livelihoods, digital product design, behavioral science, and epidemiology. Based in Rwanda and the USA, we’ve worked in 18 countries to date on projects spanning three focus areas: optimum health and wellness, improved economic opportunity, and increased climate resilience.
Find out more about our projects here: https://www.ylabsglobal.org/work
JOB OVERVIEW
We are seeking a Madagascar-based Qualitative Research Lead to support a project in Madagascar. The project aims to build greater understanding of the impact of climate change on sexual and reproductive health - especially for young people - in Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Pakistan. As a research lead, you will play a critical role in conducting qualitative research about the interplay between climate change, gender, and reproductive choices, including access to SRH care, use of contraception and abortion services, family planning as a resilience tool, and fertility preferences amid climate anxiety. You will support the team in developing a research approach, recruiting participants, conducting focus groups and interviews, and analyzing data. The ideal candidate will have previous experience leading qualitative research teams in Madagascar, conducting qualitative research with women and girls related to climate change and/or sexual and reproductive health, and turning research findings into actionable insights to guide program design and delivery.
JOB TYPE
This is an independent contractor (Consultancy) position, based in Madagascar. The anticipated contract duration is 3 months. The anticipated start date for this contract is June 1, 2025.
LOCATION
This role is based in Madagascar. The successful candidate will be required to do field visits to two of regions (one urban and one rural): Androy, Anosy, Sava (in particular, Cohemar, Andapa, and/or Antalaha), Antananarivo, and Sambava. They must be familiar with the region, including local cultural norms, languages, and logistical dynamics, to effectively engage with research participants. All costs related to regional project travel and field work are covered.
PAY RATE
The maximum budget for this 3 month contract is MGA 45,000,000, commensurate with experience. Payments will be made monthly via bank transfer.
YOU WILL::
Research - 60%
Support the Principal Investigator with the development and testing of localized research tools, and support in the training of one local research assistant who will assist with the conducting the qualitative research
Lead interview and focus groups with young people, women, men, healthcare providers, and other key stakeholders in rural and semi-rural regions to Madagascar to understand how climate change affects sexual and reproductive health of women and girls in two regions
Ensure accurate, high-quality, and timely data collection during interviews and focus groups
Lead recruitment of approximately 60 research participants
Analysis - 30%
Support in reviewing transcriptions and translations of interview and focus group data for accuracy (You will not be responsible for the transcription or translation)
Contribute to qualitative data analysis and developing insights to inform climate-resilient health programming
Support integration of qualitative research findings into shareable formats, including reports, academic journal articles, and presentations
Co-facilitate shareback sessions with partners to communicate learnings from research
Logistics and Field Coordination - 10%
Support in the coordination of field visits and logistics related to interviews and focus groups, including securing venues, transport, and others
Lead procurement of basic supplies and materials needed for running research exercises locally (all costs will be covered or reimbursed)
YOU ARE:
Currently based in Madagascar
Experienced in conducting qualitative research on sensitive topics such as sexual and reproductive health (including discussions about abortion), particularly with young people or other marginalized and vulnerable groups
Experienced in working on climate change-related and/or SRHR-related initiatives
Proactive in recommending how to adapt the research approach based on evidence
An excellent collaborator who understands working with a diverse, multi-cultural team across time zones
Adaptable to diverse field conditions including rural and hard-to-reach areas
Able to communicate succinctly to non-academic audiences about research findings and their relevance
Able to travel to and stay in rural areas of Madagascar for up to 7 days at a time
YOU HAVE:
5 or more years of experience leading qualitative research studies, particularly interviews and focus groups
Experience in understanding and applying trauma-informed qualitative research techniques to support high-quality data collection about sensitive topics
Demonstrated experience turning research findings into actionable insights to guide programmatic design.
Demonstrated ability to recruit research participants, especially youth, using an informed consent process
Knowledge of local cultural norms and gender norms in Madagascar
Fluency in English, Malagasy, and French. Fluency in other languages spoken in Madagascar is a plus.
DESIRABLE:
Masters degree or PhD in a related field (Public health, anthropology, gender, etc)
Previous qualitative research experience on projects related to both climate change and SRHR is highly desirable
Experience in community-based and/or participatory research and facilitation with vulnerable populations, including young people, is highly desirable
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, send a CV and a brief cover letter to talent@ylabsglobal.org with the subject line: Qualitative Research Lead (Madagascar). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by our Hiring Committee. YLabs recognizes the effort that goes into submitting an application; all applications received during the posting period will be reviewed, and all candidates will be notified of their application status once the hiring process begins. All YLabs offers of employment are conditional on satisfactory background check and criminal record clearances.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
YLabs is committed to building teams and policies that promote equity, justice, and belonging at work. We strongly encourage people from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status, marital status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
