Role Purpose
As a Senior Associate within Busra’s Farm team, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of meticulously designed research and advisory initiatives for a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, governmental bodies, NGOs, and private sector entities, all engaged in addressing critical issues in food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems. Your role will center on applying behavioral science methodologies to tackle some of the most pressing challenges within food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South.
A highly proficient researcher and project lead, you excel at advancing well-defined engagements with precision, proactivity, and meticulous care. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic industry insights, and strong organizational skills, enabling you to maintain control over intricate, multi-faceted projects from start to finish.
You transform behavioral insights into practical, evidence-based strategies, supported by firsthand field expertise and robust methodological expertise. You confidently present Busra’s work in client engagements and engage effectively with senior stakeholders, including government officials and leading development economists, while recognizing the appropriate moments to escalate matters to senior leadership.
We seek a specialist, not a generalist—an individual with hands-on experience in the field and a deep grasp of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains. This position requires you to assume full accountability for project outcomes and client engagements, lead project teams directly, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal departments to uphold rigorous execution standards.
Oversee the management and growth of key client accounts, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and client needs. Develop and maintain strong, long-term partnerships with critical stakeholders to foster mutual success. Lead strategic initiatives to enhance client satisfaction, retention, and revenue expansion. Monitor account performance, identify opportunities for upselling or cross-selling, and implement tailored solutions to meet evolving business demands. Collaborate with internal teams—such as sales, marketing, and customer support—to deliver cohesive and high-impact client experiences. Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure account health and drive informed decision-making. Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and client business priorities to proactively address challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
Senior Associates will collaborate with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients, executing a broad range of responsibilities, which encompass—among others—the following tasks:
As a Client & Advisory Leadership professional, you will be responsible for guiding high-level client relationships and providing strategic advisory services to key stakeholders. This role requires a deep understanding of industry trends, strong analytical skills, and the ability to drive business growth through innovative solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of client-centric initiatives, while maintaining a focus on delivering measurable outcomes. Experience in consultative sales, relationship management, and executive-level communication is essential, along with a proven track record of success in similar advisory or leadership roles.
Drive ownership of client relationships throughout the entire engagement lifecycle, spanning initial scoping and contracting to final delivery and dissemination.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients to proactively identify needs, navigate complex scenarios, and effectively manage expectations.
Translate client challenges into clear, actionable research and advisory briefs, and provide professional feedback when inquiries lack clarity or project parameters are misaligned.
Craft compelling proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development initiatives in the intersection of food systems and climate resilience.
At conferences, technical working groups, and client meetings, you will serve as Busra’s representative, delivering presentations with precision and assurance to both specialist and general audiences.
We are seeking a seasoned professional to oversee qualitative research initiatives and ensure meticulous technical execution. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in qualitative methodologies, coupled with the ability to translate findings into actionable insights. Responsibilities include designing and implementing research frameworks, analyzing data, and presenting comprehensive reports to stakeholders. Additionally, the role demands proficiency in technical tools and adherence to rigorous execution standards to maintain data integrity and reliability. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are essential.
Design and spearhead qualitative research initiatives—such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, ethnographic observation, and participatory methodologies—while upholding rigorous standards and cultural awareness.
Translate qualitative evidence into clear, practical narratives while pinpointing the behavioral motivators and obstacles that exist within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Apply behavioral science frameworks (e.g., COM-B, dual process theory, social norms models) to agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
Oversee mixed-methods research design, ensuring qualitative and quantitative workstreams are well-integrated and mutually reinforcing.
Ensure rigorous quality control is consistently applied to all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analytical memos, and final reports.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee project execution and team leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and fostering a collaborative work environment. This role demands expertise in coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines, and delivering results within specified constraints. Key responsibilities include strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance tracking, while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders and addressing any challenges that arise. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in project management, strong leadership abilities, and the capacity to motivate teams toward achieving collective goals.
Oversee project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing allocations while identifying and escalating risks promptly to ensure proactive scope management.
You will oversee the development and mentorship of Analysts and Project Leads stationed at your engagements, fostering their expertise in research and advisory capabilities through hands-on guidance.
Collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate the flawless implementation of both field-based and remote research initiatives.
Enhance institutional learning by actively participating in onboarding initiatives and knowledge management efforts to ensure captured insights remain accessible and actionable.
We actively seek individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our organization’s success by leveraging their skills and dedication to align with our strategic goals. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement while supporting cross-functional teams to enhance overall performance. Proficiency in problem-solving and effective communication is essential to ensure seamless integration with existing workflows and drive impactful results. A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency is highly valued, as is the ability to uphold our company’s values in every task.
Support the evolution of Farm’s strategic direction and intellectual capital by engaging in internal research initiatives, publishing sector-focused thought leadership content, and pioneering advancements in methodology.
Engage in the recruitment, integration, and professional development evaluation of junior personnel to ensure alignment with organizational goals and standards.
Foster an environment characterized by intellectual discipline, collaborative critique, and a foundation of psychological security within your project teams.
Seeking a candidate with a robust background demonstrating comprehensive expertise, practical abilities, and professional experience relevant to the position. The ideal applicant holds a proven track record in key competencies aligned with the role’s demands, along with hands-on experience in industry-specific methodologies. Familiarity with established frameworks, tools, and best practices is essential, as well as the capacity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. The successful individual must exhibit strong problem-solving skills, adaptability in dynamic environments, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Required
Seeking a candidate with five to eight years of proven expertise in research, advisory, or program design, emphasizing food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or similar environments.
Qualified candidates must possess advanced proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), thematic analysis, and synthesis, complemented by extensive fieldwork experience in resource-limited environments.
Proven expertise in cultivating and overseeing high-level client and partner relationships with unwavering confidence, articulate communication, and polished professionalism.
Demonstrated success in overseeing intricate, cross-functional initiatives from initial concept through to successful completion.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis abilities, enabling you to transform complex qualitative data into clear, well-supported conclusions.
Proficient in crafting clear and articulate written and verbal communications in English, with the capacity to tailor messaging for both technical and general audiences.
A relevant bachelor’s degree, such as in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or an allied discipline, is required.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is required.
Formal or informal application of behavioral science principles to agricultural extension, climate adaptation, or food value chains is required.
Proficiency in quantitative methods and data analysis tools, including State, R, or Python, is required, along with the ability to interpret quantitative findings confidently, even when not serving as the principal analyst.
Proven expertise in designing and implementing experimental and quasi-experimental research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences analyses, either in a lead capacity or as part of a collaborative team.
Renowned networks operating within East or West African food systems or climate finance ecosystems present opportunities for collaboration.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
