The partnership is testing new approaches to programs for young people across Africa.
– Job Title: Knowledge and Communications Lead
– Job Location: Remote, Sub-Saharan Africa
– Closing Date: Open until filled
– Work Format: Fully remote; candidates must be based in Sub-Saharan Africa
– Employment Type: Full-time, 12-month initial contract with possible extension
– Working Hours: 40 hours per week
– Salary: $45,000-$61,818 USD per year, paid in the local currency of the employee’s permanent work location
– Department: Marketing & Communications
– Job Level: P5 – Lead
The successful candidate will work closely with researchers, designers, project leads, and partners to turn live discussions and complex technical material into clear, timely communications.
Deliverables may include research decks, leadership briefs, reports, blogs, and toolkits.
About YLabs
YLabs is a global design and research organization working to improve health and economic opportunity for young people aged 10-24.
Founded in 2016 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs works across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Central America, partnering with young people to develop products and services addressing sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, mental health, financial inclusion, and climate resilience.
Job Summary
- Employer: YLabs
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Marketing & Communications
- Salary: $45,000-$61,818 USD per year, paid in the local currency of the employee’s permanent work location
- Closing Date: 2026-10-14
Key Responsibilities
- Attend partner calls, capture key information, and produce content without requiring a separate briefing.
- Turn discussions and emerging ideas into decks, briefs, blogs, and reports on short timelines.
- Draft, edit, and finalize research decks, leadership summaries, quarterly and annual reports, and toolkit content.
- Own and develop the partnership’s core narrative across countries and workstreams.
- Establish clear, consistent language for communicating the work to leaders and partners.
- Maintain a unified voice across the portfolio and help project teams apply it.
- Review and write RFPs, experiment design documents, research protocols, and playbooks.
- Clarify, restructure, and edit dense internal documents for their intended audiences.
- Shape the content architecture of reports, presentations, and toolkits.
- Work with the Graphic Designer to develop templates and a concise style guide.
- Build a reusable library of core language, descriptions, and framing.
- Collaborate proactively with project leads, researchers, and designers to keep content accurate, timely, and aligned with the work.
Requirements
- At least seven years of professional experience in strategic communications, editorial work, knowledge translation, or technical writing.
- At least three years of experience in international development, philanthropy, or social impact.
- Demonstrated ability to turn complex research, program models, or technical material into clear content for senior audiences.
- A portfolio featuring a range of formats, such as reports, presentations, briefs, blogs, and at least one technical or research-based document.
- Experience working closely with researchers, designers, or program teams.
- Experience maintaining a consistent voice across multiple products or teams.
- Exceptional written English and the ability to work quickly without compromising quality.
- Comfort working with ambiguity and changing priorities.
Salary
$45,000-$61,818 USD per year, paid in the local currency of the employee’s permanent work location
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Knowledge and Communications Lead at an organization like YLabs in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related social sciences field. A postgraduate qualification in development communications or monitoring and evaluation strengthens your profile. Practical experience with youth-focused programs or global health initiatives is highly valued in Zimbabwe's NGO sector.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Knowledge and Communications Lead?
You will develop communication strategies, manage digital content creation, and oversee knowledge management systems for program learning. Daily tasks include drafting reports, coordinating with program teams to capture success stories, and ensuring consistent branding across materials. You will also engage with media, stakeholders, and sometimes represent the organization at local and regional forums.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ for communications roles in Zimbabwe's NGO sector?
Zimbabwean NGOs emphasize results-based management, so expect tight deadlines tied to donor reporting cycles and frequent travel to field sites. Employers value flexibility, cultural sensitivity when working with diverse communities, and ability to work under limited resources. Professionalism is expected, but relationships and respect for hierarchy matter significantly in workplace interactions.
What career progression or growth paths are realistic for a Knowledge and Communications Lead in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to regional communications manager, head of communications, or director of external affairs roles. Some professionals pivot into monitoring and evaluation, program management, or consulting for international development agencies. Building expertise in digital analytics and proposal development opens doors to senior positions with multilateral organizations operating in Zimbabwe.
What typical benefits should I expect for a senior communications role with an international NGO in Zimbabwe?
Benefits usually include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, and annual leave of 20-25 days depending on organizational policy. Many international NGOs also provide group life insurance, professional development allowances, and sometimes housing or transport allowances. Always review the specific benefits package during negotiations, as these vary significantly between local and international organizations.
How should I apply for a Knowledge and Communications Lead position, and what do Zimbabwean employers in this sector prioritize?
Submit a tailored CV highlighting measurable communication outcomes and a concise cover letter addressing the specific job requirements. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with youth or health programs, strong writing samples, and familiarity with donor branding guidelines. Include references from previous supervisors and be prepared for practical assessments such as drafting a press release or developing a social media strategy during the interview process.
