To deliver outstanding service to our clients by providing efficient, timely, and accurate IT solutions tailored to their unique needs. This position requires a minimum of three years of experience in IT support, along with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Key responsibilities include troubleshooting technical issues, maintaining system hardware and software, and ensuring network security. Additionally, the role demands excellent communication skills to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical users and a commitment to continuous professional development.
As a Senior Associate within Busra’s Farm team, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of robust research and advisory initiatives for donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector partners addressing food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems. The role focuses on applying behavioral science to tackle pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South.
You possess strong research capabilities and a proven track record of successfully managing well-defined projects, ensuring their progress through diligence, proactivity, and meticulous attention to detail. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic industry insight, and the capacity to effectively organize and oversee intricate, multi-faceted initiatives.
You convert behavioral evidence into practical, data-driven recommendations, supported by the authority derived from hands-on fieldwork and rigorous methodological expertise. With confidence, you present Busra’s findings to high-level stakeholders, engaging effectively in discussions with senior government officials or experienced development economists while exercising sound judgment to escalate issues to senior leadership when necessary.
We seek a specialist—not a generalist—with hands-on experience in the field, deeply familiar with the day-to-day challenges faced by smallholder farmers and the complexities of agri-food value chains. In this position, you will assume full accountability for project outcomes and client partnerships, lead project teams directly, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal divisions to uphold the highest standards of execution.
Oversee critical client relationships by ensuring their requirements are met consistently, while simultaneously driving revenue growth and fostering long-term partnerships. Develop and implement strategic account plans tailored to each client’s unique needs, aligning offerings with their business objectives to maximize value delivery. Act as the primary liaison between clients and internal teams, facilitating seamless communication and resolving escalated issues promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess account health, identifying risks or opportunities and proactively proposing corrective measures or expansion strategies. Lead cross-functional collaboration to align resources, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery efficiency for assigned accounts.
Senior Associates will collaborate extensively with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a diverse range of responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Seasoned professionals are sought to spearhead client engagement and strategic advisory initiatives, driving impactful relationships and delivering expert guidance to key stakeholders. Ideal candidates will possess a proven track record in leadership roles within client-facing environments, coupled with exceptional communication and analytical abilities. Responsibilities include cultivating high-value client partnerships, advising on complex business challenges, and fostering collaborative solutions to meet evolving client needs. Strong project management skills and the capacity to influence cross-functional teams are essential, as is a deep understanding of industry trends and best practices in advisory services.
Oversee client interactions throughout the entire engagement lifecycle, encompassing scoping, contracting, delivery, and dissemination phases.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, government ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, addressing complexity, and effectively managing expectations.
Craft comprehensive research and advisory briefs by accurately interpreting client challenges, and offer constructive feedback to clarify ambiguously framed questions or address misaligned project scopes.
Craft proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development initiatives in the food systems and climate resilience domain.
You will serve as Busra’s representative at conferences, technical working groups, and client convening, delivering presentations that effectively communicate research insights with precision and assurance to both specialist and general audiences.
We are seeking a skilled professional to design and implement qualitative research initiatives while ensuring precise technical execution. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical abilities and a deep understanding of qualitative methodologies. They will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting complex data to derive actionable insights. Additionally, they must demonstrate expertise in executing research protocols with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to established standards. Experience in managing research projects from conception to completion is essential, along with the ability to communicate findings clearly and effectively to stakeholders.
Design and spearhead qualitative research initiatives, encompassing in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), ethnographic observation, and participatory methodologies, with meticulous attention to rigor and cultural nuance.
Translate qualitative evidence into clear, practical narratives; pinpoint behavioral drivers and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage established behavioral science models—such as the COM-B framework, dual process theory, and social norms models—to address key agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
Develop and manage a comprehensive mixed-methods research strategy, meticulously aligning qualitative and quantitative research components to enhance their complementarity and collective impact.
Ensure consistent quality standards across all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
Experienced professionals adept at overseeing project lifecycles and leading teams are sought for this role, which entails coordinating tasks, allocating resources, and ensuring timely completion of deliverables. Responsibilities include defining project scopes, establishing milestones, and monitoring progress to mitigate risks and maintain efficiency. Additionally, the position requires fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams, resolving conflicts, and aligning individual objectives with organizational goals. Strong leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities are essential for success in this dynamic environment.
Oversee project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing allocations while identifying and addressing risks in a timely manner and managing scope effectively.
Directly oversee and guide Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their growth by providing hands-on mentorship and strengthening their research and advisory capabilities.
Collaborate with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate seamless execution of field and remote research initiatives.
Develop and enhance onboarding processes and knowledge management systems to ensure institutional learning is effectively documented and readily accessible.
By fostering collaborative efforts and aligning with team objectives, this role plays a vital part in our organizational success. Your contributions will support the achievement of departmental goals while enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness. Active participation in meetings, cross-functional initiatives, and strategic discussions will be expected to drive continuous improvement and innovation throughout the organization.
Collaborate on shaping the Farm team’s strategic direction and fostering knowledge advancement through internal research initiatives, sector-specific thought leadership, and methodological advancements.
Engage in the recruitment, integration, and performance evaluation processes for junior-level employees.
Foster an environment characterized by intellectual discipline, constructive critique, and a strong sense of psychological security within your project teams.
Seeking candidates with a thorough understanding of the subject, coupled with a robust set of relevant skills. Applicants should possess proven experience in the field, demonstrating both practical application and theoretical knowledge. Essential qualifications include [specific degrees, certifications, or licenses if applicable], along with a minimum of [X years] of hands-on experience in [specific areas]. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong analytical abilities, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Proficiency in [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is highly desirable, as is a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Required
We seek candidates with five to eight years of specialized experience in research, advisory, or program design, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or analogous settings.
Requires extensive proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, thematic analysis, and synthesis, coupled with substantial hands-on fieldwork experience in resource-constrained environments.
Proven expertise in cultivating and maintaining high-level client and partner relationships with unwavering confidence, precision, and professionalism.
Demonstrated expertise in directing intricate, multi-stakeholder initiatives from initial planning through successful completion.
You possess robust analytical and synthesis capabilities, skillfully transforming disorganized qualitative data into a clear, well-supported argument.
You must possess strong written and spoken communication skills in English, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders with clarity and precision.
A relevant academic degree at the bachelor’s level, such as in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or an equivalent discipline, is required.
Strongly Preferred
A relevant field master’s degree is required.
Professionals with formal or informal experience in applying behavioral science to agricultural extension, climate adaptation, or food value chains are encouraged to apply.
Proficiency in quantitative methods and data analysis software such as State, R, or Python is required, along with the ability to interpret quantitative results confidently, even when not serving as the lead analyst.
Proven expertise in designing, leading, or contributing to experimental or quasi-experimental research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences analyses, is required.
With extensive networks cultivated within the East or West African food systems and climate finance ecosystems, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to leverage these connections effectively.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
