About YLabs
YLabs is a 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. Its multidisciplinary team combines expertise in youth-driven design with adolescent health, climate, livelihoods, digital product design, behavioral science, and epidemiology.
YLabs is based in Rwanda and the USA and has worked across 18 countries on projects focused on health and wellness, economic opportunity, and climate resilience.
About the Operations Specialist Role
The role is suited to an experienced Operations Specialist, Senior Operations Associate or People Operations professional who is ready to take the next step.
Job Summary
- Employer: YLabs
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Operations
- Salary: $17,000-$26,000 USD per year
- Closing Date: 2026-12-31
Key Responsibilities
- Manage onboarding and offboarding.
- Handle employee requests, benefits administration and personnel records.
- Improve the day-to-day employee experience.
- Identify ways to make people operations simpler, more responsive and more effective.
- Manage recruitment for individual-contributor and coordinator-level positions.
- Support sourcing and screening.
- Coordinate interviews and candidate communication.
- Manage offer logistics and help maintain a positive candidate experience.
- Identify operational gaps and develop practical solutions.
- Create and improve onboarding processes and staff workflows.
- Support HRIS practices and systems.
- Manage equipment, supplies, documentation and compliance records.
- Manage Google Workspace and other software access.
- Work with vendors and support contract management.
- Build relationships across YLabs’ distributed team.
- Support staff wellness and team connection.
- Organise team events and the annual retreat.
- Use feedback and pulse survey data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Work closely with the Deputy Director, People Operations.
- Translate People Operations priorities into practical execution.
- Surface issues and opportunities early.
- Take ownership of initiatives and see them through to completion.
Requirements
- 3-6 years of experience in operations, people operations, HR, administration or a related field.
- Strong organisational and execution skills.
- Experience managing multiple priorities independently.
- A builder’s mindset and an interest in creating and improving systems.
- Strong people-centred judgment and discretion.
- Experience supporting or managing recruitment processes.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Autonomy and good judgment.
- Curiosity, initiative and willingness to improve existing ways of working.
Salary
$17,000-$26,000 USD per year
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become an Operations Specialist in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a diploma or degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field from institutions like the University of Zimbabwe or Harare Polytechnic. Professional certifications such as CIPS, Six Sigma, or project management credentials from ZIMCHE-recognized bodies strengthen your profile. Relevant experience in logistics, supply chain, or administrative coordination often compensates for formal education gaps.
What does a typical day look like for an Operations Specialist at a Zimbabwean company?
Your day usually starts with reviewing inventory levels, supplier communications, and production schedules to ensure smooth workflow. You will coordinate between departments, troubleshoot operational bottlenecks, and prepare reports for management using tools like Excel or ERP systems. Frequent interaction with vendors, internal teams, and sometimes regulatory bodies like ZIMRA is common.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for Operations roles in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwean employers value reliability, adaptability to resource constraints, and strong relationship-building skills with local suppliers and stakeholders. Hierarchical respect is important, so clear communication with supervisors and collaborative problem-solving are expected. Flexibility matters—power outages, currency fluctuations, and informal sector dynamics often require creative operational solutions.
What career progression opportunities exist for Operations Specialists in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to Operations Manager, Supply Chain Director, or General Manager roles across manufacturing, retail, or NGO sectors. Specializing in areas like procurement, quality assurance, or logistics consulting opens additional paths. Some professionals transition into entrepreneurship, leveraging operational expertise to run their own distribution or service businesses.
What benefits should I expect as a full-time Operations Specialist in Zimbabwe?
Standard benefits typically include annual leave as per the Labour Act, limited medical aid coverage, and NSSA pension contributions. Larger organizations may offer funeral insurance, performance bonuses, or transport allowances. Always clarify benefit details during interviews, as coverage varies significantly between formal sector employers and smaller companies.
How do I apply for Operations Specialist roles, and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize?
Apply through platforms like LinkedIn, local job boards such as Classifieds.co.zw, or directly via company websites and walk-in submissions. Employers prioritize demonstrated problem-solving experience, proficiency with MS Office, and references from previous operational roles. Tailor your CV to highlight measurable achievements—cost savings, process improvements, or team coordination successes.
