Role Purpose
As a Senior Associate on Busra’s Farm team, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of robust research and advisory initiatives for a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector entities. Focused on addressing pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South, you will apply behavioral science methodologies to design and deliver impactful solutions for food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems.
You possess strong research capabilities and the ability to effectively manage projects, advancing well-defined initiatives with precision, self-motivation, and meticulousness. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic industry insight, and the organizational skills necessary to ensure the successful progression of multifaceted, multidisciplinary projects.
You transform behavioral insights into practical, evidence-based strategies, supported by the authority that stems from hands-on fieldwork and rigorous methodological expertise. You confidently advocate for Busra’s initiatives in client engagements, engaging effectively with high-level stakeholders—whether a senior government official or a seasoned development economist—while recognizing the opportune moments to escalate critical matters to senior leadership.
We seek a specialist with firsthand experience in the sector, as this role demands a deep comprehension of the challenges encountered by smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains. Your responsibilities will include assuming full accountability for project outcomes and client engagements, leading a team of project staff, and fostering seamless collaboration across Busra’s internal departments to uphold the highest execution standards.
Oversee critical account management functions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and client expectations. Develop and nurture high-value client relationships to drive revenue growth and retention. Monitor account performance metrics, identifying opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and contract renewals. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tailor solutions that address client needs and enhance satisfaction levels. Prepare and present detailed reports on account status, trends, and strategic recommendations. Ensure adherence to company policies, contractual obligations, and industry regulations throughout all client interactions.
Senior Associates will collaborate extensively with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a diverse array of responsibilities, such as—but not limited to—the following:
Dedicated to cultivating and overseeing client relationships while providing strategic advisory services, this role involves leading initiatives to enhance client satisfaction and drive long-term value. The position requires an individual capable of developing and implementing tailored solutions that align with client objectives, ensuring seamless collaboration across diverse teams. Responsibilities include mentoring junior team members, fostering a high-performance culture, and maintaining a deep understanding of industry trends to deliver expert guidance. Ideal candidates will possess strong interpersonal skills, a track record of successful client engagement, and the ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution.
Own the entire client relationship throughout the engagement lifecycle, overseeing key phases from initial scoping and contract negotiation to final delivery and results dissemination.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, addressing complexities, and skillfully managing expectations to foster productive relationships.
Craft comprehensive research and advisory briefs by accurately interpreting client challenges, and provide constructive feedback when inquiries lack clarity or when project scope requires realignment.
Prepare proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development initiatives within the food systems and climate resilience sector.
At Busra, you will engage with conferences, technical working groups, and client convening, delivering presentations that distill complex insights into clear, compelling narratives for both specialist and general audiences.
Conducting qualitative research and overseeing technical execution are essential components of this role. The position demands meticulous attention to detail and a systematic approach to gathering and analyzing data. Responsibilities include designing research frameworks, collecting insights through interviews or focus groups, and interpreting findings to inform strategic decisions. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, and the ability to translate complex information into actionable recommendations are required. Additionally, the role entails ensuring seamless coordination between research initiatives and technical implementation to achieve project objectives efficiently.
Design and spearhead qualitative research initiatives—encompassing in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), ethnographic observation, and participatory techniques—while maintaining methodological precision and cultural awareness.
Transform qualitative evidence into clear, practical narratives, pinpointing behavioral influencers and obstacles within intricate social and institutional settings.
Apply behavioral science frameworks, such as COM-B, dual process theory, and social norms models, to address challenges in agriculture and climate adaptation.
Develop and manage a comprehensive mixed-methods research framework, with a strong emphasis on the seamless integration and complementary nature of qualitative and quantitative research components.
Maintain quality control across all research outputs — guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
Project & People Management
Oversee project timelines, financial allocations, deliverables, and staffing arrangements; identify and communicate risks promptly while actively managing scope to ensure alignment with objectives.
Directly oversee Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your projects, providing hands-on mentorship and guidance. Cultivate their expertise in research and advisory capabilities through structured coaching and continuous feedback.
Collaborate effectively with the Data, Programming, and Operations teams at Busra to facilitate seamless execution of both field-based and remote research initiatives.
Facilitate the onboarding process and enhance knowledge management initiatives to ensure institutional learning is effectively captured, organized, and made readily accessible.
Demonstrates dedication to fostering a collaborative and productive work environment by actively participating in team initiatives and contributing to organizational objectives. Shows commitment to aligning personal efforts with company-wide goals, ensuring seamless integration and synergy across departments. Supports colleagues in achieving collective success through dependable assistance and proactive engagement. Plays a key role in maintaining a positive and cohesive workplace culture by upholding professional standards and demonstrating adaptability in evolving business needs.
Drive the Farm team’s strategic direction and knowledge enhancement through internal research initiatives, sector-specific thought leadership, and methodological advancements.
Assist with the recruitment, integration, and ongoing development of junior employees to ensure their success within the team.
Foster an environment characterized by rigorous intellectual inquiry, constructive feedback, and psychological safety across all project teams.
Seeking a candidate with a demonstrated expertise in the relevant field, coupled with a robust set of technical and interpersonal skills. The ideal applicant will have accrued substantial professional experience, ensuring they can navigate complex challenges with proficiency. Proficiency in industry-standard tools and methodologies is essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate within a team environment. A proven track record of delivering results in previous roles, along with a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability, will be highly valued. Strong problem-solving capabilities and a keen attention to detail are critical to success in this position.
Required
Proven experience of 5–8 years in research, advisory, or program design roles, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or similar environments, is required.
Qualified candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), thematic analysis, and synthesis. Additionally, substantial hands-on fieldwork experience in low-resource environments is essential.
Demonstrated ability to manage senior client and partner relationships with confidence, clarity, and professional maturity.
Established a strong history of successfully spearheading intricate, multi-stakeholder initiatives from initial conception through to final execution.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis abilities, adept at transforming complex qualitative data into clear, well-supported conclusions.
Excellent written and verbal communication in English; able to write for both technical and non-technical audiences.
A relevant bachelor’s degree, such as in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or an equivalent field, is required.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is required.
Professional candidates should possess demonstrated experience in applying behavioral science principles, whether formally or informally, to agricultural extension efforts, climate adaptation strategies, or food value chain optimization.
Proficiency in quantitative methodologies and data analysis software such as State, R, or Python is required, along with the ability to interpret quantitative insights effectively, even when not serving as the lead analyst.
Proven expertise in designing and implementing experimental or quasi-experimental methodologies—such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences approaches—either independently or in collaborative settings as a research lead or team member.
With strong ties to established networks in East and West African food systems and climate finance ecosystems.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
