To fulfill the core purpose of this position, you will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives that align with organizational objectives, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering innovation across key business functions. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, robust analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve measurable outcomes. Additionally, you will serve as a key liaison between leadership and frontline employees, ensuring seamless communication and alignment with company goals. Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and a commitment to continuous improvement will be essential to succeed in this dynamic environment.
Busra’s Farm team leverages behavioral science to address intricate challenges within food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South. In the role of Senior Associate, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to oversee the execution of rigorous research and advisory initiatives for donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector partners focused on food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems.
You excel in research and project management, adept at advancing meticulously planned engagements with precision, proactive ness, and meticulous attention to detail. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic sector insight, and strong organizational skills, ensuring that multifaceted, multi-method projects remain focused and on schedule.
You synthesize behavioral evidence into clear, strategic recommendations, supported by the authority derived from hands-on fieldwork and rigorous methodological expertise. With confidence, you articulate Busra’s insights in client environments, engaging adeptly with high-level stakeholders—whether senior government officials or veteran development economists—while discerning the appropriate moments to escalate matters to senior leadership.
This position requires a specialist with hands-on experience in the sector, particularly in smallholder farming and agri-food value chains. You will assume full accountability for project outcomes and client engagements, lead and supervise project staff, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal teams to uphold the highest standards of project delivery.
Oversee critical client relationships to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and sustained business growth. Execute comprehensive account management duties, including identifying expansion opportunities, addressing client needs, and fostering long-term partnerships. Develop and implement tailored strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and retention while driving revenue generation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions, resolve escalated issues, and maintain high-level client engagement. Monitor performance metrics and proactively propose improvements to optimize account performance and profitability. Ensure adherence to contractual obligations and internal policies while maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders.
Senior Associates will collaborate closely with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a range of responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Client & Advisory Leadership is responsible for driving strategic initiatives, cultivating high-value client relationships, and ensuring exceptional advisory services. This role requires a proven track record in client management, deep industry expertise, and the ability to mentor teams to deliver tailored solutions. Key responsibilities include developing client engagement strategies, overseeing client satisfaction metrics, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align offerings with client needs. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a results-driven mindset to foster long-term client partnerships and business growth.
Drive the full engagement lifecycle from initial scoping and contracting through to final delivery and dissemination, taking full ownership of client relationships.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, government ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, addressing complexities, and effectively managing expectations throughout the process.
Translate client challenges into structured research and advisory briefs, and when necessary, provide constructive feedback to clarify poorly defined inquiries or realign misaligned objectives.
Develop proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development initiatives within the food systems and climate resilience sector.
You will represent Busra at conferences, technical working groups, and client convening, delivering presentations that clearly and confidently communicate findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
We are seeking a professional proficient in qualitative research methodologies and the technical execution of data-driven projects. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in designing and implementing qualitative studies, analyzing complex datasets, and translating findings into actionable insights. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams are essential. Experience with qualitative analysis software and data visualization tools is highly desirable.
Design and oversee qualitative research initiatives—such as comprehensive in-depth interviews (Iris), structured focus group discussions (FGDs), ethnographic observations, and participatory techniques—with meticulous attention to detail and cultural nuance.
Transform qualitative evidence into clear, practical narratives that inform decision-making; analyze underlying behavioral drivers and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage established behavioral science frameworks—such as the COM-B model, dual process theory, and social norms approaches—to address key challenges in agriculture and climate adaptation.
Develop and manage a comprehensive research framework that strategically combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, fostering synergy and alignment between the two to enhance overall study coherence and impact.
Ensure rigorous quality control is upheld for all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
Our role involves overseeing project execution while leading and developing teams to achieve organizational objectives. Key responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and delivering projects within scope, budget, and timeline constraints, as well as fostering a collaborative work environment to enhance team performance and productivity. Additionally, this position requires strong leadership skills to mentor employees, resolve conflicts, and align individual goals with company strategy, ensuring seamless project completion and sustained team engagement.
Own project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing plans, while identifying risks promptly and addressing scope adjustments strategically to maintain alignment with objectives.
Oversee and develop Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your projects by providing hands-on mentorship and guidance; enhance their research and advisory capabilities through structured coaching and constructive feedback.
Collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate the seamless execution of both field-based and remote research initiatives.
Support the enhancement of onboarding processes and knowledge management systems to ensure institutional learning is effectively documented and readily accessible.
Demonstrates a commitment to advancing the organization’s mission by actively participating in team efforts, collaborating across departments, and contributing to strategic initiatives. Ensures alignment with company values and goals while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Supports colleagues through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and open communication to enhance overall productivity and cohesion.
Support the Farm team’s strategic initiatives and the advancement of its collective knowledge base by conducting internal research, crafting thought leadership pieces on sector trends, and pioneering innovative methodologies.
Engage in the recruitment, integration, and ongoing development of new junior staff members to ensure their alignment with team goals and organizational standards.
Foster an environment characterized by intellectual discipline, collaborative feedback, and a secure psychological atmosphere within your project teams.
Seeking a candidate with a proven track record in the relevant field, complemented by a robust foundation of specialized knowledge and practical experience. The ideal applicant will demonstrate proficiency in key competencies, including [specific skills], along with a minimum of [X years] in a comparable role. Responsibilities will encompass [key tasks or duties], ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Familiarity with [specific tools, systems, or methodologies] is essential, and the ability to adapt to dynamic project requirements is highly valued.
Required
Seeking candidates with a minimum of five to eight years of experience in research, advisory, or program design, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or analogous regions.
Proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, thematic analysis, and synthesis, paired with substantial fieldwork experience in resource-constrained environments.
Proven expertise in cultivating and sustaining high-level client and partner engagements with poise, precision, and professionalism.
Demonstrated expertise in successfully spearheading intricate initiatives involving diverse stakeholders, overseeing all phases from initial planning through to final execution.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis capabilities, enabling you to transform complex qualitative data into a clear, well-supported argument.
Proficient in both written and spoken English, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
A relevant field bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline is required.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s level qualification in a related discipline is required.
Professionally applies behavioral science principles, whether formally or informally, within agricultural extension programs, climate adaptation strategies, or food value chain initiatives.
Proficiency in quantitative methodologies and data analysis software—such as State, R, or Python—along with the ability to interpret quantitative results, even in the absence of a primary analyst role, is required.
Candidates should possess a strong background in experimental or quasi-experimental research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences analysis, demonstrated through prior leadership or collaborative roles.
With established networks in the East and West African food systems and climate finance ecosystems, the ideal candidate will leverage these connections to enhance collaboration and drive impactful initiatives.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
