Are you an experienced HR and people operations leader passionate about building equitable workplaces and supporting global teams? YLabs is seeking a Deputy Director, People Operations to help shape the future of its international workforce while driving organizational growth and impact across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
This fully remote leadership opportunity offers professionals the chance to influence strategic decision-making, design people-centered systems, and support a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people worldwide.
About YLabs
Founded in 2014 at the Harvard Innovation Lab, YLabs is a global design and research organization that partners with young people to co-create innovative digital solutions addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The organization focuses on three key areas: health and wellness, economic opportunity, and climate resilience.
With headquarters in Rwanda and the United States, YLabs has implemented impactful projects across 18 countries. Their approach places young people at the center of innovation, ensuring that solutions are designed with communities rather than for them.
Through a multidisciplinary team of designers, researchers, behavioral scientists, public health experts, and technologists, YLabs continues to develop scalable solutions that amplify youth agency, opportunity, and leadership.
About the Role
The Deputy Director, People Operations will serve as a senior leader responsible for guiding YLabs’ global HR and operations strategy during an exciting phase of organizational growth.
This role goes far beyond traditional human resources management. The successful candidate will function as a department head, helping establish the systems, structures, policies, and compliance frameworks needed to support a globally distributed workforce.
Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Director will ensure that people operations remain equitable, compliant, efficient, and aligned with YLabs’ mission and values.
The position is particularly focused on supporting YLabs’ expansion across Africa and Asia while strengthening organizational infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
The role encompasses several strategic and operational leadership areas.
Global People Strategy
The successful candidate will lead the development of global compensation structures, pay equity frameworks, and salary benchmarking systems designed for an international workforce. They will also modernize organizational leveling frameworks and strengthen performance management systems.
Talent Acquisition Leadership
As YLabs grows, attracting and retaining top talent is essential. The Deputy Director will develop international recruitment strategies, workforce planning initiatives, and hiring policies that position YLabs as an employer of choice across multiple regions.
Policy Development and Compliance
A major component of the role involves designing policies and protocols that support a geographically dispersed workforce. This includes ensuring compliance with labor laws and employment regulations across different countries.
HR Operations Management
The position oversees payroll systems, employee benefits, HR technology platforms, and personnel processes while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Team Leadership and Development
The Deputy Director will supervise and mentor the People Operations team, fostering professional growth and building organizational capacity.
Employee Experience and Learning
The role also includes shaping learning and development programs, succession planning initiatives, employee engagement efforts, and workplace wellness strategies.
Who Should Apply?
YLabs is looking for an accomplished people operations professional with extensive experience in international nonprofit environments.
Ideal candidates will possess:
- At least 10 years of progressive HR, talent management, or people operations experience
- Senior-level leadership experience within an international NGO or nonprofit organization
- Strong knowledge of global employment compliance and workforce management models
- Experience designing compensation structures and salary frameworks across multiple countries
- Proven ability to lead multicultural and distributed teams
- Expertise in policy development and organizational systems building
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
Additional qualifications such as HR certifications, knowledge of pay equity frameworks, and experience supporting organizations through periods of growth will be highly advantageous.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This position offers a rare opportunity to influence organizational strategy at a global level while contributing to meaningful social impact.
Professionals based in Africa are especially encouraged to apply, reflecting YLabs’ commitment to building leadership capacity closer to the communities they serve.
The role combines strategic leadership, international collaboration, organizational development, and mission-driven work. Candidates will have the opportunity to build systems that support employees across continents while advancing equity, inclusion, and innovation.
Compensation and Benefits
YLabs offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $61,818 USD, benchmarked according to regional standards and paid in the employee’s local currency.
The position is full-time, fully remote, and includes comprehensive benefits. The initial contract term is 12 months, with the possibility of contributing to the organization’s long-term growth and transformation.
Final Thoughts
For HR leaders who are passionate about equity, organizational development, and global impact, the Deputy Director, People Operations position at YLabs presents an exceptional career opportunity. The role offers the chance to shape people systems, influence organizational culture, and support a growing international team dedicated to improving outcomes for young people worldwide.
As YLabs continues expanding its reach and impact, this leadership position will play a critical role in ensuring that its people, policies, and operations remain strong, inclusive, and future-ready.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
