ABOUT YLABS

YLabs is a leading global design and research organization working to improve health and economic opportunity for young people 10–24 years old. Founded in 2016 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs has worked in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Central America in partnership with young people to design products and services that address key challenges in sexual reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, mental health, financial inclusion, and climate resilience. Find out more about our projects here: https://www.ylabsglobal.org/work

Our team of physicians, designers, economists, developers, researchers, public health professionals, and educators bring a unique mix of human-centered design, adolescent health, economic and health outcome evaluation, behavioral science, and implementation know-how to the global problems facing youth. 

We have offices in the US and Rwanda, but are currently supporting our teams to work in a remote and hybrid manner. Candidates must be in the GMT+0 to GMT+4 time zone.

THE ROLE

YLabs is seeking a Senior Innovation Strategist to lead design strategy and service innovation efforts across a range of complex, high-impact projects. You will apply systems thinking, co-design methodology, and facilitation to drive cross-functional collaboration and produce tangible outcomes for young people and communities globally.
You will work in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of autonomy, where you will lead initiatives from insight to implementation. Your experience with business development or innovation accelerators will be key to translating youth-driven insights into scalable and sustainable solutions.

JOB TYPE

This is an independent contractor (Consultancy) position, ideally based in East Africa, though candidates from elsewhere or the surrounding region may also apply. This role is scoped for 40 hours per week. Non-Kigali candidates must be willing to travel 50% of the time.

This is a 12-month contract position, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project need. Ideally candidate should be available to start immediately. 

PAY RATE

The pay range for this position is RWF 138,461 - RWF 178,385 gross per day, commensurate with Experience. This range is regionally benchmarked for a lead-level position in the East-Africa region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design Strategy & Innovation Leadership

• Lead the strategic direction of design initiatives, aligning design work with organizational and partner goals.
• Apply systems thinking to map complex service ecosystems and generate insights for innovation.
• Develop frameworks, prototypes, and roadmaps that support long-term strategic growth and sustainability.
• Provide thoughtful, structured feedback to team members and project partners; cultivate a culture of feedback within the team. Systems, Service & Experience Design
• Translate user insights into service blueprints, user journeys, and co-designed interventions and artefacts that facilitate innovation adoption.
• Develop touchpoints that improve user experience across digital and offline systems.
• Collaborate with technical and research teams to bring new solutions to life. Facilitation & Workshop Design
• Facilitate HCD-driven innovation processes, design sprints, and workshops with stakeholders who may be inexperienced with HCD, ensuring clarity and engagement.
• Create inclusive and engaging design workshops that encourage ideation and solution-building.Stakeholder Engagement & Client Management
• Maintain strong, responsive relationships with partners and clients across sectors.
• Ensure alignment between project objectives and partner expectations through ongoing communication and design review sessions.
• Translate complex insights into clear, actionable deliverables for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Business Development & Innovation Ecosystems

• Apply knowledge of startup ecosystems, innovation labs, or business incubators to drive entrepreneurial thinking within YLabs’ project landscape.
• Support or lead proposal development, concept notes, and scoping of new opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• 7+ years of experience in design strategy, service design, or organizational innovation, preferably in the youth development sectors.
• 2+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams through human-centered design processes.
• Proven track record in facilitating co-design processes and delivering complex service systems.
• Experience in business development or supporting innovation ecosystems such as incubators, accelerators, or venture labs.
• Strong experience in client relationship management and navigating multi-stakeholder environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating the end-to-end design of impactful, user-centered solutions.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, managing competing priorities, and operating independently in dynamic environments.

Nice to have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Service Design, User Experience Design, Design Strategy, or a related design discipline.
• Experience working with and/or teaching young people.
• Experience living and working in East Africa.
• Eligibility to work in Rwanda is a plus.
• Proficiency in relevant design tools (e.g., Mural, Miro, Figma, Adobe CC) and service design frameworks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This posting will be open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with an expected start date as soon as possible; all applications submitted within the posting period will be reviewed by our Hiring Committee. YLabs recognizes the effort that goes into submitting an application; all candidates will be notified of their application status once the hiring process begins. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. All YLabs offers of employment are conditional on satisfactory background check and criminal record clearances.

Application Link: https://ylabs.bamboohr.com/careers/35?source=aWQ9MjU%3D

Deadline:22nd May 2025