Deadline: Unspecified
Are you passionate about research, gender equality, climate action, and international development? The Youth Challenge International (YCI) Research & Learning Fellow 2026 opportunity is now open! This exciting fellowship offers the chance to gain hands-on global experience while contributing to meaningful change through YCI’s flagship HerStart initiative in Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda.
About the YCI Research & Learning Fellow 2026
The YCI Research & Learning Fellow 2026 role is designed for young professionals eager to strengthen their research, evaluation, and learning skills in an international development context. As part of the HerStart program, fellows work closely with YCI staff and local partners to promote women’s economic empowerment and social innovation.
You’ll support the design and implementation of learning strategies and play an active role in gathering, analysing, and communicating insights that drive impact.
Key Responsibilities
As a Research & Learning Fellow, your core tasks include:
- Supporting the design and execution of learning strategies and plans alongside YCI’s HerStart staff and partners.
- Designing and facilitating workshops, reports, and learning resources tailored to partners, staff, and other fellows.
- Assisting in the implementation of evaluation tools such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
- Conducting both primary and secondary research on themes including gender equality, climate action, human rights, and social innovation.
- Producing accessible and engaging research reports, summaries, and presentations.
- Gathering stories, quotes, and case studies from entrepreneurs, fellows, and partners for reporting and communications.
Benefits of the YCI Research & Learning Fellow 2026
This fellowship offers an incredible opportunity to make a real difference while developing vital skills and international experience. Benefits include:
- International Volunteer Experience: Join a global organisation with over 40 years of youth-led development expertise.
- Women’s Economic Empowerment: Contribute directly to YCI’s HerStart program across Ghana, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Training and Capacity Building: Receive professional training on gender equality, social innovation, and climate action.
- Career Development: Gain transferable skills in research, cross-cultural communication, project management, and adaptability.
- Networking Opportunities: Become part of an inspiring global community of changemakers and development professionals.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the YCI Research & Learning Fellow 2026, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Possess a strong command of written and spoken English.
- Demonstrate interest in international development, gender equality, climate action, or social entrepreneurship.
- Be currently enrolled in or have completed a post-secondary programme (or possess equivalent relevant experience).
- Be able to commit full-time to the placement, including a one-week online pre-departure training.
- Have access to a personal computer throughout the placement.
- Be willing to participate in the HerStart Catalyst Fund, raising CA$2,500 (with full support from YCI).
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research, data analysis, data visualisation, and report writing.
- Strong knowledge translation skills—able to adapt research insights for diverse audiences.
- Attention to detail, solid communication abilities, and a collaborative spirit.
- Familiarity with digital tools like Excel, Airtable, Slack, Power BI, or Mighty Networks; programming experience (e.g. R, Python, SPSS) is an asset.
- A proactive, flexible, and organised approach to work, with a passion for learning and supporting others’ growth.
- Cultural awareness and the ability to engage respectfully across diverse communities.
Application Details
- Deadline: Not specified (check YCI’s official site for confirmation).
- Placement Locations: Ghana, Tanzania, or Uganda (depending on programme needs).
- Commitment: Full-time, including a pre-departure training week.
- Fundraising: Fellows contribute CA$2,500 to the HerStart Catalyst Fund, with support provided by YCI.
Why You Should Apply
The YCI Research & Learning Fellow 2026 is more than just a placement—it’s an opportunity to be part of a global movement empowering young women to lead change. You’ll gain professional research experience, contribute to sustainable development initiatives, and build connections that last a lifetime.
Application Links
👉 Read more about the YCI Research & Learning Fellow 2026 programme
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