To fulfill the designated role, the position is responsible for executing core functions aligned with organizational objectives, ensuring seamless integration with team goals while maintaining high standards of efficiency and professionalism. The position serves a pivotal function in driving project momentum, collaborating across departments to streamline processes, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and accountability. Key responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, optimizing resource allocation, and delivering measurable results that contribute to the sustained growth and success of the organization. Candidates must possess a relevant academic background, applicable professional experience, and a demonstrable commitment to continuous improvement, with strong analytical, communication, and leadership capabilities essential for navigating dynamic business challenges.
Busra’s Farm team leverages behavioral science to address intricate challenges within food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience throughout the Global South. In the role of Senior Associate, you will collaborate 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 capabilities and a proven ability to advance well-defined projects with precision, proactivity, and meticulous care. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic sector insight, and the capacity to manage intricate, multi-faceted initiatives efficiently.
You distill behavioral evidence into practical, impactful recommendations, drawing on the credibility earned through hands-on fieldwork and rigorous methodological expertise. Comfortable articulating Busra’s insights in high-stakes client engagements, you navigate discussions with senior government officials or experienced development economists with confidence, while discerning when to escalate matters to senior leadership for strategic input.
We seek a specialist, not a generalist—someone with firsthand experience in the field who comprehends the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and the complexities of agri-food value chains. In this position, you will assume full responsibility for project deliverables and client relationships, lead project staff directly, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal teams to uphold the highest standards of engagement execution.
Deliver comprehensive account management by overseeing strategic client relationships, ensuring consistent satisfaction and retention while driving revenue growth. Develop and execute detailed account plans aligned with client objectives and business goals, identifying expansion opportunities and mitigating risks. Serve as the primary liaison between clients and internal teams, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration to meet deliverables and exceed performance expectations. Monitor key performance indicators, analyze trends, and provide actionable insights to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making. Foster long-term partnerships through proactive engagement, regular business reviews, and customized solutions tailored to evolving client needs.
Senior Associates will collaborate extensively with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a diverse range of responsibilities, such as:
We are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our Client & Advisory team, driving strategic initiatives and fostering strong client relationships. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in advisory services, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing client-centric strategies, managing high-profile engagements, and mentoring junior team members. Strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex business challenges are essential. A deep understanding of industry trends and a commitment to delivering measurable results are required to excel in this role.
Own the entire client relationship throughout every stage of the engagement journey—from initial scoping and contract finalization to project delivery and results dissemination.
Conduct high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, navigating intricate challenges, and skillfully managing expectations.
Transform client challenges into clear, concise research and advisory briefs, offering constructive pushback when inquiries lack structure or when objectives are misaligned.
Craft compelling 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 meetings, delivering insights with precision and assurance to both general and specialized audiences.
We seek a skilled professional to conduct qualitative research and execute technical tasks with precision. The role requires gathering and analyzing in-depth insights through interviews, focus groups, and observational studies while applying robust methodologies to interpret data accurately. Additionally, candidates must possess technical expertise to implement solutions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure seamless integration of research findings into actionable strategies. Proficiency in qualitative analysis tools, data management systems, and research frameworks is essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex information into clear, strategic recommendations.
Design and oversee qualitative research initiatives—such as comprehensive in-depth interviews (Iris), structured focus group discussions (FGDs), immersive ethnographic observation, and collaborative participatory methods—with precision and deep cultural awareness.
Produce insightful, actionable narratives by integrating qualitative evidence while discerning key behavioral drivers and obstacles that operate within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage behavioral science frameworks—such as the COM-B model, dual process theory, and social norms models—to tackle challenges in agriculture and climate adaptation.
Manage the comprehensive research strategy, ensuring seamless integration and mutual reinforcement between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Ensure consistent quality control across all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to oversee project execution and team leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while fostering collaboration and productivity. This role demands strategic planning, meticulous coordination, and the ability to inspire cross-functional teams to achieve deliverables within defined timelines and budgets. Key responsibilities include resource allocation, risk mitigation, performance monitoring, and maintaining transparent communication channels to stakeholders. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership acumen, problem-solving skills, and a proven track record in managing diverse teams and complex initiatives. Proficiency in project management methodologies, advanced organizational capabilities, and exceptional interpersonal skills are essential for success in this position.
Drive project execution by owning timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing plans while proactively identifying and escalating risks to mitigate scope creep.
You will oversee and guide Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their professional growth by providing hands-on mentorship and targeted coaching to enhance their research and advisory capabilities.
Collaborate with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate seamless execution of field and remote research initiatives.
Facilitate the development of onboarding processes and knowledge management systems to ensure institutional learning is systematically captured, preserved, and readily accessible.
We value your ability to enhance team effectiveness through active participation in meetings, sharing insights, and collaborating on strategic initiatives. Your commitment to maintaining clear communication channels ensures alignment across departments, fostering a cohesive work environment. Additionally, your dedication to upholding company values and policies contributes to a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Drive strategic initiatives and enhance knowledge within the Farm team by engaging in internal research, producing insightful sector thought leadership pieces, and pioneering innovative methodologies.
Contribute to the recruitment, integration, and ongoing development of junior staff members.
Promote an environment where intellectual rigor, constructive feedback, and psychological safety are prioritized within project teams.
Seeking a candidate with a strong foundation in relevant expertise, professional competencies, and hands-on experience. The ideal individual must demonstrate proficiency in key areas through prior work or academic achievements, ensuring they can effectively meet the demands of the role. Prior experience within a similar industry or position is highly advantageous, as it indicates familiarity with operational challenges and best practices. Additionally, the ability to apply specialized skills to achieve measurable results will be essential for success in this position.
Required
With a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or analogous environments, candidates should possess 5 to 8 years of professional experience in research, advisory, or program design capacities.
Seasoned professional with extensive proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, thematic analysis, and synthesis, complemented by robust fieldwork experience in resource-constrained environments.
Proven expertise in leading high-level interactions with clients and partners, characterized by unwavering confidence, articulate communication, and a polished level of professionalism.
Delivers consistent success in spearheading intricate, cross-functional initiatives from initial concept through to final execution.
With your exceptional capacity for analytical and synthesis-based reasoning, you possess the ability to transform complex, unstructured qualitative data into a clear, logically sound, and compelling argument.
Proficient in both written and spoken English, with the capability to articulate ideas effectively to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline is required.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is required.
Formal or informal application of behavioral science principles within agricultural extension, climate adaptation initiatives, or food value chain operations is required.
Proficiency in quantitative techniques and data analysis software such as State, R, or Python is required, along with the ability to evaluate quantitative results even when not serving as the lead analyst.
Proficiency in designing and executing experimental or quasi-experimental methodologies—such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or difference-in-differences analyses—is required, preferably with prior experience in either a lead or collaborative research capacity.
Established networks within the food systems or climate finance ecosystems of East and West Africa.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
