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 certifications are typically required for a Knowledge and Communications Lead role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers expect a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field from a recognized Zimbabwean university such as UZ or NUST. Professional certifications in digital marketing, public relations, or project management from bodies like ZIM or international platforms like HubSpot can strengthen your application. Practical experience managing communications campaigns or knowledge systems is often valued as much as formal credentials.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Knowledge and Communications Lead?
You will likely oversee content creation for multiple channels, manage internal knowledge-sharing platforms, and coordinate with program teams to document learnings. Daily tasks include drafting reports, supervising communications staff, liaising with media contacts, and ensuring brand consistency across materials. You may also represent the organization at stakeholder meetings and lead training sessions on communication best practices.
How does workplace culture in Zimbabwe typically affect this role?
Zimbabwean workplaces often emphasize respect for hierarchy and formal communication protocols, so you should expect structured reporting lines and approval processes. Building strong personal relationships with colleagues and external partners is essential for effective collaboration. Punctuality and professional dress are generally expected, though international NGOs like YLabs may adopt more flexible, globalized norms.
What career progression opportunities exist for Communications professionals in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to Director of Communications, Country Director roles, or regional positions covering Southern Africa. Some professionals transition into consultancy or establish their own communications firms serving the NGO and private sectors. Continuous upskilling in digital analytics and strategic planning significantly improves promotion prospects.
What benefits are commonly included in full-time Communications roles with international organizations in Zimbabwe?
Benefits typically include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, and annual leave ranging from 20 to 30 days depending on seniority. Many international organizations also provide professional development allowances, flexible work arrangements, and sometimes housing or transport stipends. Always review the specific benefits package during negotiations, as offerings vary considerably between local and international employers.
What do Zimbabwean employers and international organizations like YLabs look for in applications for this role?
Employers seek demonstrated experience leading communications strategies, strong writing portfolios, and familiarity with development or health sector terminology. Tailor your CV to highlight measurable achievements such as audience growth or successful campaign outcomes. Include references from previous supervisors and be prepared for competency-based interviews assessing your crisis communication and stakeholder management skills.
