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Home Jobs Nairobi Senior Project Leadership Associate

Senior Project Leadership Associate

Busara Center  · Consulting

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 4 September 2026
Posted June 7, 2026

We are seeking an experienced professional to join our team in the capacity of [Job Title]. The successful candidate will be responsible for [list key responsibilities, e.g., managing client accounts, developing strategic initiatives, overseeing project execution, and analyzing market trends]. Additionally, the ideal applicant must possess [list required qualifications, e.g., a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, 5+ years of experience in a similar role, proficiency in industry-specific software, and strong leadership capabilities]. This position requires the ability to [list essential skills, e.g., collaborate effectively across departments, communicate complex ideas clearly, adapt to evolving business needs, and deliver measurable results]. The role offers [list key benefits, e.g., competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment] to support both personal growth and organizational success.

The Senior Project Associate will be responsible for overseeing Busra’s Social Cohesion portfolio, with a primary focus on directing a range of multi-method research initiatives and capacity-building programs in collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) and government agencies across East Africa. The position aims to cultivate a nuanced comprehension of the factors influencing civic engagement behaviors, utilizing these insights to empower CSOs and government entities in fostering enhanced social cohesion, civic participation, and engagement throughout the region. Additionally, the Senior Project Associate will spearhead the design, piloting, and ongoing management of various tools designed to advance the portfolio’s objectives, while strategically overseeing capacity-strengthening efforts throughout the area.

The Senior Project Associate serves as the primary project manager for dedicated external Busra initiatives, rapidly cultivating deep expertise in intricate challenges and leveraging all available resources to deliver engagements with precision, adhering to strict timelines and budgetary constraints. By designing innovative yet meticulous solutions tailored to client and partner requirements, they expertly steward both internal and external relationships, demonstrating strategic acumen and unwavering professionalism throughout the process.

Senior Project Associates collaborate with the Projects Division and other Busra teams, providing leadership in staff coordination and management while contributing senior-level perspective and strategic direction to project design and stakeholder engagement.

We are seeking a highly motivated professional to oversee and execute core project responsibilities, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational objectives. Key duties include strategic planning, resource allocation, progress monitoring, and stakeholder communication to maintain project momentum and accountability. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills, coupled with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Proficiency in project management tools, methodologies, and relevant industry standards is essential, along with a proven track record of successfully delivering projects within scope, budget, and deadline constraints. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, adherence to best practices, and a commitment to continuous improvement are critical for success in this role.

The Senior Project Associate will collaborate extensively with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a broad spectrum of duties, which encompass, among other responsibilities:

Design and execute comprehensive research initiatives, ensuring meticulous planning and systematic execution to achieve accurate and insightful outcomes. Develop robust methodologies tailored to specific objectives, while implementing rigorous data collection and analysis techniques to validate findings. Utilize advanced tools and technologies to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and maintain the highest standards of integrity throughout the research lifecycle.

Conduct comprehensive research initiatives from inception to completion, encompassing research design, literature reviews, qualitative interviews, data collection, analysis, reporting, and the dissemination of findings.

Design and develop robust mixed-method research frameworks specifically aligned with Busra’s initiatives in social cohesion.

Facilitate high-level stakeholder workshops to co-create interventions, leveraging evidence and research derived from pertinent project data and established literature.

Assist in the development, implementation, and sharing of research initiatives focused on social cohesion within the Busra framework.

Crafting and executing strategies to maximize the utilization and impact of research findings among critical stakeholder groups is essential.

We are seeking a professional to lead our Capacity Strengthening & Training initiatives, ensuring the development and enhancement of our team’s skills and competencies. The ideal candidate will design, implement, and evaluate training programs tailored to organizational needs, fostering continuous improvement and sustainable growth. Responsibilities include identifying skill gaps, curating relevant training materials, and delivering engaging sessions to diverse audiences. Additionally, the role involves monitoring progress, gathering feedback, and refining programs to maximize impact. A strong background in instructional design, adult learning principles, and experience in organizational development is required. Proficiency in needs assessment methodologies and training evaluation frameworks is essential. The candidate should demonstrate excellent communication, facilitation, and project management skills to drive successful outcomes.

Spearhead the development and rollout of training programs and assessment mechanisms for civil society organizations and collaborative partners.

Provide guidance and mentorship to fellow Associates and Analysts by leading and delivering training sessions to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Enhance the capabilities of civil society organizations and public sector professionals to integrate behavioral insights and research outcomes into their program design and implementation.

Develop, test, and disseminate capacity-strengthening tools and products to enhance organizational and individual performance.

Our role involves overseeing project execution and fostering effective stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables, as well as ensuring alignment with organizational goals. You will be expected to identify and mitigate risks, maintain clear communication channels, and resolve conflicts to drive project success. Additionally, you will cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring their needs and expectations are met while balancing competing priorities. The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills, along with a proven track record in project management and stakeholder relations.

Plan, organize, and oversee all external and internal meetings and events with minimal oversight, ensuring completion from inception to conclusion.

Act as the main liaison for clients and partners, skillfully addressing stakeholder requirements by anticipating needs, facilitating open dialogue, and resolving issues promptly.

Develop and sustain strong connections across the stakeholder and funder network, ensuring ongoing awareness of trends and changes that influence Busra’s strategy for fostering social cohesion.

Oversee and facilitate collaboration among team members to execute activities throughout the designated region.

Offer consistent and prompt progress reports to fellow 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 timelines, deliverables, reports, and staffing requirements to ensure successful execution and completion.

Assist in the development and implementation of project onboarding and offboarding processes specifically designed for knowledge management initiatives.

Drive collaborative efforts with fellow Associates to successfully complete essential research and engagement tasks.

Execute all additional responsibilities as directed by the project supervisor.

Organizational responsibilities include maintaining core business functions, ensuring operational efficiency, and fostering a productive work environment. This involves overseeing administrative tasks, coordinating workflows, and managing resources effectively. Additionally, the role requires developing and implementing policies to uphold organizational standards, facilitating communication between departments, and supporting strategic initiatives. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize competing demands are essential for success in this position.

In addition to their project-related duties, Senior Project Associates are tasked with key organizational responsibilities designed to cultivate a thriving and efficient workplace environment.

Collaborate with the Associate team to facilitate goal-setting initiatives, establish objectives and key results (OKRs), and organize team-building activities.

Facilitate and spearhead skills-development workshops tailored for Associate and Analyst cohorts, driving engagement and fostering continuous learning initiatives.

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and dialogue to cultivate a unified and high-performing organizational culture.

Prepare and finalize mandatory focus contracts, conduct thorough performance reviews, and compile regular progress snapshots to ensure alignment with established objectives.

Provide support for and actively promote internal initiatives as needed.

Act as mentors to Analysts and Officers, demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism and intellectual rigor.

Participate in internal committees as needed to contribute to organizational initiatives and decision-making processes.

Seeking a candidate with a robust background in [relevant field or industry], demonstrated through formal education, hands-on training, or professional experience. The ideal applicant will possess key competencies such as [specific skill 1], [specific skill 2], and [specific skill 3], along with a proven track record in [specific responsibility or achievement]. Familiarity with [specific tool, software, or methodology] is essential, and proficiency in [another skill or area] is highly desirable. The role requires the ability to [specific responsibility], while also exhibiting strong [soft skill, e.g., communication, problem-solving, or leadership] capabilities. Experience in [specific industry or type of project] is preferred, as is a keen understanding of [relevant concept or standard]. The successful hire will be adept at [additional responsibility], ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices.

Our position necessitates that applicants hold a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field. We require candidates to demonstrate at least three years of hands-on experience in a comparable role, with a proven track record of achieving measurable results. Proficiency in industry-standard software tools and a strong understanding of regulatory compliance are essential. Additionally, excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—alongside the ability to collaborate effectively in team environments are mandatory. Candidates must also exhibit problem-solving capabilities and adaptability to dynamic workplace demands. Compliance with company policies and the capacity to work under tight deadlines without compromising quality are also required.

Applicants must possess valid work authorization for Kenya or be prepared to reside in or relocate to Kenya.

With a minimum of seven years of expertise in social cohesion, peace building, civic engagement, governance, or a closely related discipline, candidates are expected to meet this essential requirement.

Proven track record in delivering organizational training and/or capacity-building initiatives for civil society organizations and/or public sector stakeholders is required.

Fluent proficiency in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili is essential.

Proven ability to engage effectively with stakeholders from varied cultural backgrounds and professional sectors, demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills and clear communication.

Skilled in leading both individual and collaborative sessions with proficiency, and adept at delivering presentations with assurance and clarity.

Demonstrated expertise in cultivating and sustaining strategic partnerships with collaborating organizations and major institutional donors.

Accomplished organizational and project management abilities, demonstrated through leadership of intricate multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Resourceful and results-driven, adept at prioritizing and executing multiple responsibilities with precision in dynamic settings.

Executes projects with a global perspective, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and planning.

Seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Technology. Ideal applicants will possess 3–5 years of industry experience, including proficiency in project management and software development methodologies. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication are essential. Familiarity with agile frameworks, cloud computing, and cybersecurity principles is highly preferred.

Proven experience in crafting policy briefs or research communications tailored for non-technical audiences is required.

Proven track record in leadership or guidance of teams within research or consulting environments.

Proficiency in behavioral science research methodologies, particularly randomized controlled trials (RCTs), is required.

Candidates should possess proficiency in quantitative analysis tools, including STATE and R, as well as experience with data collection platforms like Survey CTO.

Professional experience within civil society organizations or government entities across East Africa is required.

A master’s or doctoral degree in social sciences, public policy, development studies, or a closely related discipline is required.

Experienced in overseeing the development of products and tools designed to enhance capacity-building initiatives.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND

Experience Required

7 years

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