YOUTH RESEARCHERS: SHE SOARS PROGRAM – FULLY REMOTE | RESTLESS DEVELOPMENT | USD 285 MONTHLY STIPEND (~KES 37,000)

YOUTH RESEARCHERS: SHE SOARS PROGRAM – REMOTE | RESTLESS DEVELOPMENT | USD 285 MONTHLY STIPEND (~KES 37,000)

Position Title: Youth Researchers – SHE SOARS Program (6 Positions – 2 per Country)
Location: Remote (Based in Uganda, Kenya, or Zambia)
Employment Type: Fixed-Term (5 Months – December 2025 – March 2026)
Number of Vacancies: 6 (2 per Country)
Reporting To: Restless Development Project Lead / Technical Teams
Application Deadline: December 2, 2025 (5:00 PM EAT – Rolling Review)
Category/Department: Programmes / Research / Youth-Led Advocacy
Salary/Stipend: USD 285 Monthly Stipend (as per ToR – equivalent to ~KES 37,000 at current rates)

Introduction

Restless Development, a global non-profit agency supporting the collective power of young leaders to create a better world, is recruiting 6 Youth Researchers (2 per country) for a 5-month youth-led research initiative on Domestic Resourcing for Adolescent and Youth SRHR under the SHE SOARS project. Funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by CARE Canada, Restless Development, and the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), SHE SOARS is a seven-year project improving Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and economic opportunities for out-of-school adolescent girls in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.

The research generates actionable, country-specific evidence on domestic SRHR budgeting, accountability, and financing pathways, strengthening youth-led systems for monitoring/influencing budget implementation and policy reform. Requiring university graduates aged 18–34 based in Uganda/Kenya/Zambia with civil society/youth activism experience and economic policy/budget analysis knowledge, the role includes a 5-day foundation workshop on budget analysis/Restless’ methodology (ethics/safeguarding/data collection/transcription). This opportunity especially encourages young women, people with disabilities, prior Restless/SHE SOARS participants.

About Restless Development

Restless Development is a global non-profit agency independently registered and governed in nine countries (India, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe) bound together by our vision for youth power. We run youth-led programmes to tackle the issues that young people care about the most – We also run the Youth Collective – a growing network of over 4000 local youth civil society groups and organizations in 185 countries. We are committed to creating an agency that walks the talk on power shifting, using the power shifting checklist, both internally and externally.

Our approach to safeguarding
Restless Development considers the welfare and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults to be an organizational imperative with primacy over the success of programmes or strategic objectives. We recognize that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we expect all of our staff, volunteers and partners to ensure we protect the communities in which we operate from harm and abide by our Safeguarding Policy.

What Is SHE SOARS?

SHE SOARS (Sexual and Reproductive Health & Economic Empowerment Supporting Out-of-school Adolescent Girls’ Rights and Skills) is a seven-year project funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by CARE Canada, Restless Development, and the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), among other partners. It works to improve Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and economic opportunities for out-of-school adolescent girls in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.

About the Youth Led Research

Restless Development is interested in working with youth researchers to conduct research on Domestic Resourcing for Adolescent and Youth SRHR in Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia to generate actionable, country-specific evidence on domestic SRHR budgeting, accountability, and financing pathways, and to strengthen youth-led systems for monitoring and influencing budget implementation and policy reform.

Access to SRHR commodities across Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia remains inconsistent due to delays in procurement, low domestic allocations, and weak subnational budget execution. While national medical stores manage procurement centrally, local authorities struggle with budget rigidity and limited contingency financing. This situation is further exacerbated by declining Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the withdrawal of USAID and other major funders, which have historically supported SRHR commodity supply chains. From 2020 to 2025, donor funding specifically for SRHR decreased by over 20% across Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia, putting significant financial strain on local sources. When donors withdraw, stock-outs of commodities increase, endangering maternal health, family planning, and HIV prevention efforts.

Global and regional frameworks such as the Abuja Declaration (2001) and the SADC SRHR Strategy (2022–2030) emphasise increased domestic investment and accountability. However, SRHR budget lines remain fragmented, poorly defined, and insufficiently tracked. We would therefore like to carry out this study to explore how SRHR-related budgets are defined, approved, funded, and implemented, and how youth-led accountability can enhance transparency and sustainability.

Your Role as a Youth Researcher

The youth researchers will receive technical training in economic policy and budget analysis as well as comprehensive training in Restless Development’s six-step youth-led research methodology, covering ethics and safeguarding, data collection, data management, desk review, budget framework paper review, and transcription. Through this approach, youth researchers will play a pivotal role in shaping the research agenda and analysing results, ultimately generating evidence that can inform advocacy, drive conversations for action, dialogue, and influence policy at both national and regional levels.

As a Young Researcher, you will:

Attend a five-day foundation workshop in December 2025 on budget analysis and Restless Development’s youth-led research methodology, covering ethics, safeguarding, data collection, data management, and transcription.
Collaborate with technical teams to co-design tools, collect data, conduct budget document reviews, interpret findings, and co-create advocacy messages.
Engage key respondents (in person and online), including duty bearers, to support planning, budgeting, and the implementation of SRH commodity service delivery in government health facilities.
Collect data aligned with the target to deepen understanding of national and local budgets and the role of young people in ensuring accountability.
Interpret findings in a participatory workshop, then validate them in selected communities.
Support with drafting the final report and using the insights for advocacy, discussions, and intergenerational dialogues.
Promote the findings within networks and government agencies to drive meaningful change at local, national, and continental levels.

About You

We are looking for youth researchers who meet the following criteria:

Age: 18-34 years old.
Location: Based in Uganda, Kenya, or Zambia.
Education: Have completed university.
Language: Comfortable communicating in English and local languages.
Experience: Active within civil society spaces, youth activism, technical knowledge on economic policy, and budget analysis, budget framework paper review, community engagement, and/or demonstrating community leadership.

We especially encourage applications from young women, people with disabilities, individuals who have previously conducted youth-led research with Restless Development, or have been part of the SHE SOARS programme.

Expected Outcomes

By placing youth at the forefront of knowledge production, this research will:

Capture Youth Experiences: Document young people’s experiences with budgeting and domestic resource allocation for SRHR.
Influence, Advocacy, and Learning: Equip young people to shape policy priorities, evaluate results, and drive advocacy aligned with their needs at local and continental levels.
Foster Intergenerational Dialogue and Policy Impact: Provide robust data to bridge gaps between youth, policymakers, and stakeholders, shaping more responsive budgeting processes, policies and programs.

Company Culture and Values

Restless Development fosters a culture of youth power, equity, and innovation, using power-shifting checklists internally/externally. With 200+ staff across 9 countries, Restless promotes diversity through 50% youth leadership and inclusive programs, encouraging collaboration via Youth Collective and global forums. Values of integrity, solidarity, and impact guide operations, with Youth Researchers central to evidence.

Restless supports growth with flexible timelines and mentorship, creating a purposeful workplace rated 4.3/5 for empowerment. For Youth Researchers, this means driving SRHR change in a supportive environment, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in youth-led research.

How to Apply

Apply now for Youth Researchers: SHE SOARS Program at Restless Development.

Submit CV + Cover Letter (≤750 words) via https://restlessdevelopment.bamboohr.com/careers/206 by December 2, 2025 (5:00 PM EAT – Rolling).

Include: Tangible examples of skills/experience matching priorities.

Full Terms of Reference: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3euR_xagp7M6Tbt7tMcoPDy-n3IqGU5/view.

Restless is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees. Queries: infouganda@restlessdevelopment.org.

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Expert Tips for Success as Youth Researcher at Restless Development: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for Restless Development’s Youth Researchers: SHE SOARS, I prioritize applications that demonstrate SRHR activism, budget analysis, and youth-led evidence in policy. With a 70% rejection rate due to generic CVs or no civil society experience, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5% by showcasing your university completion and local language skills. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter (≤750 words), and interview.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified SRHR Activism Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek youth with SRHR impact—50% of shortlists go to candidates with mobilization metrics. A CV opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Mobilized 500 youth for SRHR advocacy with 80% policy influence”) grabs attention, proving your leadership.

CV Example:
“Mobilized 500 youth for SRHR advocacy as Youth Researcher candidate with 80% policy influence.”
Why: This showcases your leadership, aligning with Restless’ activism needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As 18–34 youth activist, I analyzed 20 budgets with 95% actionable insights, preparing me for SHE SOARS’ requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s analysis needs.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I engaged 300 communities quarterly with 92% awareness, aligning with Restless’ standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your activism skills with metrics.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with an influence/insight metric. Include “Youth Researchers SHE SOARS” and “SRHR activism” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story. Attach a redacted advocacy report. Follow up via Bamboohr emphasizing Restless’ youth-led focus.

Tip 2: Highlight Age & Location Eligibility with a Profile Example

Why It Works: 18–34 in Uganda/Kenya/Zambia is mandatory—40% rejections for ineligible. A specific example of eligibility (e.g., “Kenya-based 25-year-old with 100% local SRHR networks”) shows fit.

CV Example:
“Kenya-based 25-year-old as Youth Researcher candidate with 100% local SRHR networks.”
Why: This quantifies your fit, aligning with Restless’ eligibility needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Zambia 28-year-old activist, I mobilized 200 local groups with 95% participation, preparing me for SHE SOARS’ requirements.”
Why: It connects your profile to the job’s engagement needs.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I represented 30 peers quarterly with 92% voice, aligning with Restless’ standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your fit with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Age/Location Eligibility & Local Fit” section in your CV with profile details and network metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to Restless’ countries. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach ID proof.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Budget Analysis with a Framework Example

Why It Works: Economic policy/budget analysis experience is core—recruiters prioritize financiers. A specific example of analysis (e.g., “Analyzed 50 SRHR budgets with 90% financing pathways”) shows depth.

CV Example:
“Analyzed 50 SRHR budgets as Youth Researcher candidate with 90% financing pathways identified.”
Why: This quantifies your depth, aligning with Restless’ analysis needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As activist with budget experience, I reviewed 20 frameworks with 95% reform suggestions, preparing me for SHE SOARS’ requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s recommendation needs.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I mapped 30 pathways quarterly with 88% adoption, aligning with Restless’ standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your depth with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Budget Analysis & Financing Pathways” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to Restless’ budgeting. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted budget summary.

Tip 4: Highlight Community Engagement with a Leadership Example

Why It Works: Community leadership is valued—recruiters prioritize conveners. A specific example of engagement (e.g., “Led 10 youth-led forums with 80% attendance”) shows mobilization.

CV Example:
“Led 10 youth-led SRHR forums as Youth Researcher candidate with 80% community attendance.”
Why: This quantifies your mobilization, aligning with Restless’ engagement needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As community leader, I engaged 300 adolescents with 95% participation, preparing me for SHE SOARS’ requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s influencing needs.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I convened 50 groups quarterly with 92% outcomes, aligning with Restless’ standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your mobilization with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Community Engagement & Youth Leadership” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to Restless’ youth-led. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted forum agenda.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Local Language Comfort with a Bilingual Example

Why It Works: Comfort in English/local languages is required—recruiters prioritize accessible communicators. A specific example of bilingual (e.g., “Facilitated 20 sessions in Swahili with 95% clarity”) shows versatility.

CV Example:
“Facilitated 20 SRHR sessions in Swahili/English as Youth Researcher candidate with 95% clarity.”
Why: This quantifies your versatility, aligning with Restless’ language needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As bilingual activist, I translated 30 materials for 200 communities with 90% understanding, preparing me for SHE SOARS’ requirements.”
Why: It connects your skill to the job’s engagement needs.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I communicated in 3 languages quarterly with 92% reach, aligning with Restless’ standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your versatility with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Local Language Comfort & Bilingual Engagement” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to Restless’ local. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted translation sample.

Tip 6: Highlight Prior Restless/SHE SOARS with a Project Example

Why It Works: Prior Restless/SHE SOARS is priority—recruiters prioritize alumni. A specific example of prior (e.g., “Contributed to SHE SOARS forum with 80% youth input”) shows alignment.

CV Example:
“Contributed to SHE SOARS SRHR forum as Youth Researcher candidate with 80% youth input.”
Why: This quantifies your alignment, aligning with Restless’ prior needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Restless alumni, I led 10 youth projects with 95% empowerment, preparing me for SHE SOARS’ requirements.”
Why: It connects your history to the job’s contribution needs.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I advanced 20 Restless initiatives quarterly with 92% outcomes, aligning with Restless’ standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your alignment with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Prior Restless/SHE SOARS Contribution” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to Restless’ alumni. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach prior certificate.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Economic Policy with a Analysis Example

Why It Works: Technical knowledge in economic policy is valued—recruiters prioritize analysts. A specific example of policy (e.g., “Analyzed 20 SRHR policies with 90% financing gaps identified”) shows depth.

CV Example:
“Analyzed 20 SRHR policies as Youth Researcher candidate with 90% financing gaps identified.”
Why: This quantifies your depth, aligning with Restless’ policy needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As policy analyst, I reviewed 30 frameworks with 95% reform pathways, preparing me for SHE SOARS’ requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s mapping needs.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I recommended 15 changes quarterly with 92% adoption, aligning with Restless’ standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your depth with metrics.

How to Do It: Include an “Economic Policy & SRHR Analysis” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to Restless’ budgeting. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted policy summary.

Tip 8: Highlight Community Leadership with a Mobilization Example

Why It Works: Demonstrating community leadership is priority—recruiters prioritize changemakers. A specific example of leadership (e.g., “Led 10 SRHR campaigns with 80% community mobilization”) shows impact.

CV Example:
“Led 10 SRHR campaigns as Youth Researcher candidate with 80% community mobilization.”
Why: This quantifies your impact, aligning with Restless’ leadership needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As community leader, I mobilized 300 adolescents with 95% participation, preparing me for SHE SOARS’ requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s convening needs.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I empowered 50 groups quarterly with 92% change, aligning with Restless’ standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your impact with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Community Leadership & Mobilization Impact” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to Restless’ youth. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted campaign report.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Research Contribution with a Evidence Example

Why It Works: Generating actionable evidence is core—recruiters prioritize contributors. A specific example of contribution (e.g., “Contributed to 5 SRHR studies with 90% youth-led pathways”) shows rigor.

CV Example:
“Contributed to 5 SRHR studies as Youth Researcher candidate with 90% youth-led pathways.”
Why: This quantifies your rigor, aligning with Restless’ contribution needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As research contributor, I mapped 30 financing systems with 95% evidence use, preparing me for SHE SOARS’ requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s strengthening needs.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I delivered 20 evidence products quarterly with 88% influence, aligning with Restless’ standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your rigor with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Research Contribution & Evidence Generation” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to Restless’ monitoring. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted study excerpt.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, SRHR-Passion Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize Researchers who convey SRHR passion and alignment with Restless’ power-shifting. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to SHE SOARS’ goals (e.g., youth-led reform) makes you memorable.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Empowered Youth Researcher candidate with BSc Economics, 90% budget analysis, passionate about Restless’ Youth Collective SRHR shift.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with Restless’ mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 95% community mobilization and Swahili fluency, I’m dedicated to SHE SOARS’ youth-led financing for all.”
Why: It conveys passion and ties your skills to Restless’ goals.

Interview Example:
“As Youth Researcher, I influenced 92% SRHR policies in activism, ready to drive Restless’ domestic resourcing.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to Restless’ needs, showing passion and readiness.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your activism experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% influenced”), and passion for Restless’ mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in smart casual, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, examples. Reference Youth Collective. Follow up via Bamboohr emphasizing Restless’ shifting vision.

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