Deadline: Unspecified
Applications are open for the Youth Challenge International (YCI) Research & Learning Fellow 2026. Join the YCI team to support ongoing research, learning and reporting on the design and impact of HerStart. Apply your qualitative and/or quantitative research, analysis and reporting skills to the critical topics of women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship, further building a culture of organizational learning amongst staff, partners and participants.
This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge and passion for research and learning in a new and innovative way, while also strengthening your CV with international hands-on and purpose-driven experience. In the process, advance your knowledge on pivotal frameworks that are shaping the future of work and community impact globally.
Responsibilities
- Supporting the design and implementation of learning strategies and plans with HerStart staff and partners
- Identifying, designing and delivering needs-based workshops, reports and resources for partners, staff and other fellows
- Assisting the implementation of learning and evaluation tools such as surveys, interviews and focus groups
- Identifying new learning opportunities, conducting research and producing analysis for HerStart stakeholders, including forming recommendations and actionable insights for program design and organizational growth
- Leading the development of accessible research reports, summaries and presentations on thematic areas relevant to the program
- Supporting entrepreneurs to create and use measurement tools that capture the social and/or environmental impact of their social enterprises
- Conducting literature reviews, primary and secondary research on key topics to support program activities on thematic areas such as gender equality, climate action, human rights and social innovation
- Collecting quotes and stories from entrepreneurs, fellows and partners for project reporting
- Actively engaging in holistic fellowship orientation and training opportunities
- Supporting HerStart’s key themes of gender equality, climate action, innovation and human rights
Benefits
- Gain professional global experience: Engage in a high-quality international volunteer program with YCI – an organization with 40+ years of experience. The Fellowship program includes comprehensive pre-departure training before you go, as well as ongoing health and safety and reintegration support.
- Contribute to women’s economic empowerment: Connect and collaborate with young women, communities and partners, meaningfully contributing your time to expand the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda.
- Amplify your personal and professional growth: Participate in unique opportunities to boost your CV and build transferable skills, such as cross-cultural communication, project management, adaptability and more.
- Access in-demand training and resources: Learn from staff and partners who are subject matter experts in their fields, including gender equality, social innovation and climate action.
- Join a thriving network: Connect with like-minded, passionate people around the globe. Members of their network will also have first access to future YCI opportunities and resources.
Eligibility
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Fluent or professional level English skills (written and verbal)
- Demonstrated interest in the fields of international development, gender equality, climate action and/or social entrepreneurship
- Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience)
- Ability to commit to the full length of placement with full-time hours, including a week of pre-departure training online
- Contribute to the HerStart Catalyst Fund, which provides grants to women-led social enterprises, by reaching the fundraising goal of $2,500 CAD with support from the YCI team
- Access to a personal computer for duration of placement
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research, data analysis, data visualization and report writing
- Effective knowledge translation skills, tailoring insights and findings for diverse audiences
- Strong data management and communications skills, with high attention to detail
- Tech-savvy with knowledge of diverse platforms and interest in learning new ones (including Excel, Slack, Airtable, Power BI and Mighty Networks)
- Experience with computer programming languages used for data analysis (such as SPSS, R or Python) is considered an asset
- Passion for learning and supporting the knowledge and skill development of others
- Excellent organization and time management skills, including the ability to work independently
- Ability to be proactive, flexible and take initiative
- Committed to working with others in an equitable and inclusive manner
- Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes openness to differing opinions and views
Application
For more information, visit YCI Research & Learning Fellow.
