We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled professional to fill this critical position, which entails a diverse array of strategic and operational responsibilities. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of success in similar roles, along with the ability to drive results through innovative problem-solving and collaboration. Key qualifications include relevant experience in the field, a strong educational background, and exceptional communication and organizational skills. This role demands adaptability, a commitment to excellence, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
The Senior Project Associate will spearhead Busra’s Social Cohesion portfolio, overseeing a diverse array of multi-method research initiatives and capacity-building collaborations with civil society organizations (CSOs) and government agencies throughout East Africa. The primary objective is to cultivate a nuanced comprehension of the factors influencing civic engagement behaviors and to translate these insights into actionable strategies that CSOs and government agencies can deploy to enhance social cohesion, civic engagement, and participation across the region. Additionally, the Senior Project Associate will guide the design, piloting, and ongoing refinement of critical tools to bolster portfolio operations, while strategically directing capacity-strengthening efforts throughout the region.
The Senior Project Associate serves as the primary project manager for dedicated external Busra initiatives, swiftly acquiring deep expertise in intricate challenges to deliver engagements with meticulous attention to timing and budget. By leveraging all available resources, they ensure project execution meets the highest standards. In addressing client and partner needs, the role combines innovative and rigorous problem-solving approaches while adeptly managing both internal and external relationships with strategic insight and a professional demeanor.
Senior Project Associates work closely with the Projects Division and other Busra teams, providing senior-level strategic direction in project design and stakeholder engagement. They are responsible for coordinating and managing staff efficiently while ensuring robust oversight of project execution and relationship management.
Overseeing the core project initiatives represents a primary focus, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include managing project timelines, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and maintaining rigorous quality standards throughout execution. Additionally, the role demands proactive risk assessment, budget oversight, and adherence to compliance protocols to safeguard project integrity. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to drive results under tight deadlines are essential for success in this position. Experience in project management frameworks and proficiency with relevant tools are required, along with effective communication to engage stakeholders and report progress accurately.
The Senior Project Associate will collaborate closely with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a broad spectrum of responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to:
Design and execute research projects, ensuring methodologies are rigorously applied and aligned with organizational objectives. Develop and implement structured approaches to data collection, analysis, and interpretation to derive actionable insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine research questions, validate methodologies, and disseminate findings effectively. Maintain meticulous documentation of processes and outcomes to uphold transparency and reproducibility. Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in research design to enhance the quality and impact of deliverables.
Lead comprehensive research initiatives encompassing the entire project lifecycle, from initial research design and thorough literature reviews to conducting qualitative interviews, systematic data collection, rigorous analysis, and final reporting, as well as sharing findings with relevant stakeholders.
Design and craft robust mixed-method research frameworks specifically aligned with Busra’s initiatives in social cohesion, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis.
Facilitate high-level stakeholder workshops to co-develop interventions, leveraging evidence-based insights from project data and existing research.
Collaborate on the conceptualization, implementation, and dissemination of research initiatives focused on social cohesion within the scope of Busra projects.
Crafting and executing strategies to maximize the utilization and influence of research findings among essential stakeholders is a core responsibility.
Capacity-building and professional development initiatives are essential components of our mandate, designed to equip individuals and organizations with the requisite skills, knowledge, and tools to enhance their operational effectiveness and sustainability. The role involves designing, implementing, and evaluating training programs, workshops, and capacity-strengthening activities tailored to organizational and sector-specific needs. Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience in training, curriculum development, or organizational capacity enhancement, along with a proven track record in designing impactful learning interventions. Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills are required, as is the ability to assess training needs, develop tailored solutions, and measure outcomes. Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.
Spearhead the development and execution of training programs and assessment structures for civil society organizations (CSOs) and collaborating entities.
Collaborate with fellow Associates and Analysts by providing training delivery and facilitation support.
Enhance the capabilities of civil society and public sector stakeholders to integrate behavioral insights and research findings into their programmatic efforts.
Spearhead the creation, evaluation, and distribution of capacity-building tools and resources.
We excel in overseeing project execution and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration and successful outcomes. This role demands meticulous planning, clear communication, and the ability to align diverse interests toward common objectives. Key responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines and budgets, and mitigating risks to uphold project integrity. Additionally, we prioritize proactive engagement with stakeholders, addressing concerns promptly, and delivering updates to maintain transparency and trust. Ideal candidates will possess a proven track record in project leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and the adaptability to navigate evolving priorities while maintaining high standards of efficiency and accountability.
Plan, oversee, and carry out both external and internal engagements entirely, assuming full accountability from initiation to completion with minimal oversight.
Act as the main liaison for clients and partners, expertly addressing stakeholder requirements by anticipating needs and resolving issues promptly through clear, proactive communication.
Develop and nurture connections across the broader stakeholder and funder networks while remaining informed about emerging trends and shifts that influence Busra’s strategies for fostering social cohesion.
Oversee and facilitate the collaboration of team members in executing activities throughout the designated region.
Consistently deliver timely updates to team members and project leadership.
Collaborate effectively with finance teams to guarantee adherence to funder requirements, project budgets, and other financial obligations in a timely manner.
Oversee project schedules, ensure timely delivery of outcomes, prepare comprehensive reports, and manage staffing allocations effectively.
Facilitate the seamless integration and disengagement of team members within the knowledge management framework through project onboarding and offboarding initiatives.
Guide or collaborate with fellow team members to complete research and engagement tasks effectively.
Execute any additional responsibilities as directed by the project supervisor when necessary.
Core organizational duties entail ensuring the efficient operation of administrative systems, optimizing workflow processes, and maintaining meticulous documentation to support departmental and company-wide initiatives. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional projects, facilitating interdepartmental communication, and aligning tasks with strategic objectives to enhance productivity and operational coherence. Additionally, the role involves monitoring compliance with organizational policies, tracking key performance metrics, and implementing improvements to streamline operations while adhering to established guidelines and best practices.
In addition to overseeing project deliverables, Senior Project Associates are tasked with fulfilling key organizational duties to foster a thriving and efficient workplace environment.
Collaborate with the Associate team to establish and execute goal-setting initiatives, define objectives and key results (OKRs), and facilitate team-building activities.
Develop and facilitate skills-enhancement workshops tailored for Associate and Analyst teams, driving both individual and group learning initiatives.
Facilitate interaction and collaboration among various organizational teams to cultivate a unified and productive work environment.
You will be responsible for fulfilling required focus contracts, conducting comprehensive performance reviews, and maintaining regular progress snapshots to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.
Provide support for and actively promote internal initiatives as needed.
Provide guidance and support to Analysts and Officers by demonstrating and fostering professionalism and intellectual rigor.
When called upon, participate in internal committee assignments to contribute to organizational initiatives and decision-making processes.
Seeking candidates with a strong background in relevant fields along with proven expertise in key areas. The ideal applicant will possess hands-on experience, specialized skills, and a track record of success in their profession. Familiarity with industry best practices, technical proficiencies, and a minimum of [X] years of practical experience are essential. Additionally, the role demands the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively within a team environment. Strong problem-solving capabilities and exceptional communication skills are also required to thrive in this position.
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, along with three or more years of professional experience in software development or a related technical role. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential, along with strong problem-solving abilities and a capacity for collaborative work. Familiarity with version control systems, agile methodologies, and software development best practices is required. Excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders are also necessary. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills and the capacity to troubleshoot technical issues efficiently.
Professional individuals with valid authorization to work in Kenya or those willing to relocate there are encouraged to apply.
A minimum of seven years of professional experience in social cohesion, peace building, civic engagement, governance, or a related discipline is required.
Demonstrated expertise in delivering organizational training initiatives and/or enhancing capacity within civil society organizations and/or public sector institutions is required.
Proficient in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili, with demonstrated fluency in conveying ideas clearly and effectively.
Proficient in fostering strong interpersonal relationships and adept at engaging effectively with stakeholders from varied cultural backgrounds and professional sectors to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.
Exceptional facilitation skills, both independently and collaboratively, along with polished and persuasive oral presentation capabilities.
Established proficiency in cultivating and sustaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including collaborating organizations and major institutional donors, is required.
Proven ability to effectively organize and manage intricate projects involving multiple stakeholders, alongside strong project management expertise.
Highly adaptable and driven, capable of prioritizing and completing multiple tasks effectively within a dynamic setting.
Capable of successfully managing projects with a global perspective while aligning contributions with institutional strategy and long-range planning initiatives.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred. Proficiency in specific software or tools relevant to the role is highly advantageous. Prior experience in a similar position or industry is desirable. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential. Familiarity with applicable regulations or standards is a plus.
Seasoned professionals with a proven track record in crafting policy briefs or research communications tailored to audiences lacking technical expertise are encouraged to apply.
Proven track record in leading and guiding teams within a research-driven or consulting environment.
Proficiency in behavioral science research methodologies, particularly randomized controlled trials (RCTs), is required.
Proficiency in quantitative analysis tools, including STATE and R, as well as data collection platforms like Survey CTO, is required.
Professional candidates should possess prior work experience either directly within or in collaboration with civil society organizations or governmental bodies situated in East Africa.
An advanced degree in social sciences, public policy, development studies, or a comparable discipline is required for this position.
Proven track record in leading the design and implementation of capacity-strengthening tools and products.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
