We aim to enhance efficiency and productivity within our organization by leveraging your expertise in [specific field or industry]. This position is designed to support critical business functions, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and fostering long-term growth. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement, optimize processes, and drive innovation. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Additionally, you must possess [specific qualification or skill], which is essential for fulfilling the responsibilities of this role.
Busra’s Farm team leverages behavioral science to tackle pivotal challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience throughout the Global South. In the capacity of Senior Associate, you will partner closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of robust research and advisory initiatives for a diverse array of stakeholders, including donors, governmental bodies, NGOs, and private sector collaborators focused on food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems.
You possess strong research and project execution capabilities, capable of advancing a clearly defined engagement with discipline, proactivity, and meticulous attention to detail. You offer extensive expertise in qualitative research, authentic industry insights, and the structured approach required to manage intricate, multi-faceted projects effectively.
You transform behavioral evidence into practical, data-driven recommendations, supported by the authority derived from hands-on fieldwork and rigorous analytical methods. Comfortable articulating Busra’s work in client-facing environments, you engage confidently with high-level stakeholders—whether a senior government official or an experienced development economist—while recognizing the strategic moments to escalate discussions to senior leadership.
We seek a specialist with hands-on experience in agricultural development, particularly among smallholder farmers and within agri-food value chains. This position demands accountability for project outcomes and client partnerships, leadership over project teams, and seamless collaboration across Busra’s internal departments to uphold the highest standards of delivery.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities include overseeing and managing critical client relationships to ensure sustained business growth and satisfaction. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic account plans, identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, and maintaining high levels of client engagement. Additionally, you will lead negotiations, address escalations, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to align on client needs and deliver tailored solutions. Your role will involve monitoring account performance, tracking key metrics, and providing regular updates to senior leadership. Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills are essential to succeed in this position.
Senior Associates will collaborate closely with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a range of responsibilities, which encompass, but extend beyond, the following tasks:
The role involves leading client and advisory services, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring exceptional service delivery. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining strong client relationships, providing expert guidance to advisory teams, and overseeing high-impact projects. The position requires extensive experience in client management, a deep understanding of advisory frameworks, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential to succeed in this role.
Oversee client relationships throughout the entire engagement process, encompassing scoping, contracting, delivery, and dissemination.
Engage in strategic, high-level discussions with donors, collaborators, government entities, and private sector representatives, while proactively identifying needs, addressing intricate challenges, and aligning expectations.
Craft clear research and advisory briefs from client issues, ensuring each accurately reflects the core problem; when necessary, challenge assumptions or scope discrepancies with constructive feedback.
Craft proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development initiatives in the food systems and climate resilience sector.
Represent Busra at conferences, technical working groups, and client convening, delivering insights with precision and conviction to both general and specialized audiences.
We are seeking a skilled professional to conduct qualitative research and oversee technical execution with precision. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in data collection through focus groups, interviews, and ethnographic studies, ensuring high-quality insights. Responsibilities include designing research frameworks, analyzing findings, and presenting actionable recommendations to stakeholders. Proficiency in qualitative analysis software, strong communication skills, and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise reports are essential. A background in social sciences, market research, or a related field is preferred, along with experience in project management. The role demands meticulous attention to detail and the capacity to adapt methodologies to diverse research objectives.
Design and spearhead qualitative research initiatives—such as in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), ethnographic observation, and participatory methodologies—with meticulous attention to rigor and cultural nuance.
Transform qualitative evidence into clear, practical insights by extracting key behavioral motivations and obstacles within intricate social and institutional settings.
Behavioral science frameworks, including COM-B, dual process theory, and social norms models, should be applied to address challenges in agriculture and climate adaptation.
Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive research approach that seamlessly combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, fostering collaboration between both workstreams to enhance their mutual effectiveness and overall impact.
Ensure rigorous quality control for all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
Oversee project and personnel management responsibilities to ensure timely delivery and team effectiveness. Develop and implement comprehensive project plans, clearly outlining objectives, timelines, and resource allocation. Lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and accountability among members. Monitor progress through regular check-ins and performance evaluations, addressing any obstacles promptly. Ensure alignment with organizational goals while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. Possess strong organizational skills, adaptability to changing priorities, and proficiency in project management tools or software.
Develop, oversee, and adhere to project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing allocations while identifying and communicating potential risks promptly and mitigating scope creep through proactive management strategies.
You will provide direct oversight and mentorship to Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their development in research and advisory capabilities through hands-on guidance and coaching.
Collaborate with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate seamless implementation of field and remote research initiatives.
Assist in the development and implementation 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 goals through active participation in team efforts, adherence to company values, and alignment with strategic objectives. Contributes to a collaborative work environment by supporting colleagues, fostering open communication, and participating in initiatives that enhance overall productivity and workplace culture. Exhibits reliability by consistently meeting deadlines, maintaining attention to detail, and ensuring tasks are completed with accuracy. Aligns personal performance with organizational standards to drive collective success and long-term growth.
Play a key role in shaping the Farm team’s strategic direction and fostering knowledge advancement through contributions such as internal research initiatives, sector-focused thought leadership pieces, and the advancement of innovative methodologies.
Engage in the recruitment, integration, and professional development of junior-level employees to ensure their successful assimilation and growth within the team.
Foster an environment characterized by intellectual discipline, collaborative critique, and a strong sense of psychological security within your project teams.
We seek candidates with a robust background in relevant expertise, demonstrated through prior professional experience and educational qualifications. The ideal applicant will possess strong analytical abilities, effective communication skills, and a proven track record of achieving measurable results in their field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools, methodologies, and best practices is essential, as is the ability to collaborate efficiently within cross-functional teams. Additionally, the role demands adaptability to evolving challenges, a commitment to continuous learning, and a keen attention to detail in executing responsibilities.
Required
We seek candidates with five to eight years of professional experience in research, advisory, or program design roles, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or comparable environments.
Proven expertise in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, thematic analysis, and synthesis, coupled with extensive fieldwork experience in resource-constrained environments.
A proven track record in cultivating and sustaining high-level client and partner relationships with poise, precision, and professional acumen.
Accomplished in steering intricate, multi-stakeholder initiatives through every phase, from initial planning to final execution.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis abilities, enabling you to transform complex qualitative data into clear, well-supported conclusions.
Proficient in both written and spoken English, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
A relevant field such as Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or any closely related discipline is required, with a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is essential.
Demonstrated expertise in applying behavioral science principles, whether formally or informally, to agricultural extension initiatives, climate adaptation strategies, or food value chain operations.
Proficiency in quantitative methods and data analysis tools, such as State, R, or Python, is required, along with the ability to interpret quantitative findings even when not serving as the primary analyst.
Proven expertise in designing and implementing experimental or quasi-experimental studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences analyses, either in a leadership capacity or as part of a collaborative research team.
Established networks in East or West African food systems or climate finance ecosystems are required.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
