Operations Specialist

YLabs is seeking an independent and people-centered Operations Specialist to help build and run the systems that enable its globally distributed team to do their best work.

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.

• Employer: YLabs
• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
• Category: Operations
• Salary: $17,000-$26,000 USD per year
• Closing Date: 2026-12-31

• 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.

• 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.

$17,000-$26,000 USD per year

To apply, please visit: ylabs.bamboohr.com