Role Purpose
As a Senior Associate within Busra’s Farm team, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to oversee the execution of robust research and advisory initiatives targeted at donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders engaged in food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems. This role focuses on applying behavioral science to address pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South.
You possess strong research capabilities and the ability to effectively manage projects, ensuring each engagement is executed with precision, proactive problem-solving, and meticulous attention to detail. Your extensive background in qualitative research, combined with authentic industry insight, enables you to oversee intricate, multi-faceted initiatives while maintaining clear organization and progress.
You craft actionable insights from behavioral evidence, grounded in the credibility of hands-on fieldwork and rigorous methodological expertise. Skilled at articulating Busra’s contributions in client-facing environments, you confidently engage with high-level stakeholders—whether senior government officials or seasoned development economists—and discern when to escalate critical discussions to senior leadership.
We seek a specialist, not a generalist—someone with deep, hands-on experience in the sector who truly grasps the challenges’ smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains face. You will assume full responsibility for project outcomes and client partnerships, lead project teams directly, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal divisions to uphold the highest standards of delivery.
Key responsibilities encompass managing and nurturing critical client relationships, driving revenue growth, and ensuring customer satisfaction through strategic account planning and execution of tailored solutions. This role involves identifying business opportunities, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet or exceed sales targets. Additionally, the position requires maintaining a deep understanding of market trends, competitive landscapes, and client needs to provide actionable insights and foster long-term partnerships. Regular reporting on account performance and proactive problem-solving are essential to achieve organizational objectives.
Senior Associates will collaborate closely with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a diverse range of responsibilities, such as—but not limited to—
We seek a seasoned professional to lead our Client & Advisory Leadership team, driving strategic initiatives and fostering strong client relationships. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of advisory services, and a proven track record in managing high-performing teams. Responsibilities include developing client engagement strategies, overseeing service delivery, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, strong communication abilities, and a results-driven mindset are essential. Familiarity with industry best practices and a commitment to continuous improvement will be key to success in this role.
Drive the entire client engagement journey, overseeing every phase from initial scoping and contract negotiation to final delivery and knowledge dissemination.
Conduct high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, addressing complexities, and effectively managing expectations.
Translate client problems into well-defined research and advisory briefs; push back constructively when questions are ill-formed or scope is misaligned.
Craft compelling proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while playing a pivotal role in advancing business development initiatives within the food systems and climate resilience sectors.
Represent Busra at various events, including conferences, technical working groups, and client meetings, delivering insights with clarity and conviction to both specialist and general audiences.
We are seeking a skilled professional to lead qualitative research initiatives and ensure meticulous technical execution. The ideal candidate will design and implement research studies, analyze findings, and deliver actionable insights to stakeholders. Proficiency in qualitative methodologies, including interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic studies, is essential. Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to communicate complex data effectively are required. Additionally, experience with data management tools and research software is preferred. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to align research objectives with business goals and presenting findings in clear, compelling formats.
Design and oversee comprehensive qualitative research initiatives—such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, ethnographic observation, and participatory approaches—with meticulous attention to detail and cultural awareness.
Transform qualitative evidence into clear, practical narratives, while discerning behavioral motivations and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage behavioral science frameworks such as the COM-B model, dual process theory, and social norms models to address agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
Design and lead mixed-methods research initiatives, harmonizing qualitative and quantitative approaches to create cohesive, mutually beneficial workflows that enhance overall project outcomes.
Oversee stringent quality control measures for every research deliverable, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee project execution and team leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing resources effectively, and maintaining clear communication throughout project lifecycles. Responsibilities include planning, monitoring progress, mitigating risks, and delivering results within specified constraints. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to lead teams while fostering collaboration and accountability.
Develop and oversee project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing allocations; identify and communicate risks promptly while actively managing project scope to ensure alignment with objectives.
You will provide direct management and mentorship to Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their professional growth by actively coaching and developing their research and advisory capabilities.
Collaborate with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate seamless execution of both field and remote research initiatives.
Support the enhancement of onboarding processes and knowledge management initiatives to ensure institutional learning is effectively documented and readily accessible.
You will play a valuable role in fostering collaboration and efficiency by ensuring seamless integration of your work with the broader objectives of the team. Your efforts will directly support the achievement of collective goals, enhancing overall productivity and alignment with the organization’s mission. By maintaining clear communication and actively participating in team processes, you will contribute to a cohesive and high-performing work environment. Your commitment to these principles will help drive continuous improvement and sustained success.
Facilitate the strategic direction and intellectual growth of the Farm team by conducting internal research, crafting insightful sector thought leadership pieces, and pioneering methodological advancements.
Collaborate in the recruitment, integration, and development processes for junior team members to ensure their successful assimilation and growth within the organization.
Cultivate an environment characterized by intellectual rigor, constructive feedback, and psychological safety across all project teams.
A strong background in relevant areas, coupled with a proven ability to apply key competencies effectively, is essential. Candidates must possess the required qualifications and hands-on experience to fulfill the duties of the role competently. Familiarity with industry standards and best practices is highly valued, as is the capacity to adapt to evolving demands and challenges. Demonstrated expertise in core responsibilities, along with a track record of achieving measurable results, will be prioritized. Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous improvement are also critical for success in this position.
Required
Requires 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in research, advisory, or program design positions, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or similar environments.
A demonstrated mastery of qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, thematic analysis, and synthesis, coupled with extensive fieldwork experience in low-resource environments.
Possesses a proven track record in cultivating and overseeing high-level client and partner relationships with unwavering confidence, articulate communication, and a polished, professional demeanor.
Demonstrated expertise in successfully spearheading intricate initiatives involving diverse stakeholders, guiding them from initial planning through to final execution.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis capabilities, adept at transforming complex qualitative data into a clear, well-supported argument.
You must possess strong proficiency in both written and spoken English, with the ability to tailor communication effectively for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a related field is required.
Strongly Preferred
A relevant field of study culminating in a Master’s degree is required.
With a background in applying behavioral science—whether through formal methods or practical experience—to agricultural extension initiatives, climate adaptation strategies, or food value chains, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of these domains.
Proficiency in quantitative methodologies and data analysis software such as State, R, or Python is required, along with the ability to interpret quantitative results even in cases where you are not the lead analyst.
Skilled in applying experimental or quasi-experimental methodologies—such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or difference-in-differences designs—in leadership or collaborative research roles.
Established networks within the East or West African food systems and climate finance sectors are leveraged to enhance collaboration and innovation in these critical areas.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
