About the Role
The Senior Project Associate will spearhead initiatives within Busra’s Social Cohesion portfolio, overseeing a diverse range of multi-method research projects and capacity-building initiatives with civil society organizations (CSOs) and government agencies across 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 for CSOs and government agencies, thereby fostering enhanced social cohesion, civic engagement, and participation throughout the region. Additionally, the Senior Project Associate will be responsible for designing, piloting, and overseeing the ongoing management of several tools designed to bolster portfolio operations, while also strategically directing capacity-strengthening activities across the region.
As the lead project manager for specific external Busra initiatives, the Senior Project Associate swiftly acquires deep expertise in intricate challenges, leveraging all available resources to deliver engagements with excellence—meticulously balancing timing and budget constraints. They design innovative yet thorough solutions tailored to client and partner requirements while deftly managing both internal and external relationships, guided by strategic insight and professionalism.
Senior Project Associates collaborate closely with the Projects Division and other Busra teams, providing senior-level expertise and strategic direction to project design and stakeholder engagement. They are tasked with leading and supervising staff to ensure seamless coordination and high-performance outcomes.
You will be responsible for leading and executing key project deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and stakeholder expectations. This role requires meticulous planning, resource allocation, and performance tracking to meet deadlines and budgetary constraints. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and drive continuous improvement in project execution. Additionally, you will monitor progress through regular status updates, adjust plans as necessary, and report outcomes to leadership and stakeholders. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in project management tools will be essential to achieve measurable results.
The Senior Project Associate will collaborate closely with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a diverse range of responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to:
Design and execution of research methodologies, encompassing both conceptualization and practical application, are the core responsibilities. This involves formulating robust study designs, selecting appropriate data collection techniques, and ensuring rigorous data analysis to derive meaningful insights. Additionally, the role entails overseeing the implementation of research projects, monitoring progress, and ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and ethical standards throughout the process.
Conduct comprehensive research projects from inception to completion, encompassing research design, literature reviews, qualitative interviews, data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination.
Develop and execute comprehensive mixed-method research frameworks specifically designed to align with Busra’s initiatives in fostering social cohesion.
Facilitate high-level stakeholder workshops to collaboratively design interventions, leveraging evidence-based insights from project data and existing research.
Assist in the development, implementation, and sharing of research projects focused on social cohesion within the Busra framework.
Crafting and executing strategies to maximize the utilization and impact of research outputs among essential stakeholder groups is a key responsibility.
We are seeking to enhance organizational capabilities and workforce proficiency through targeted capacity strengthening and training initiatives. The ideal candidate will design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive training programs tailored to organizational needs. Responsibilities include identifying skill gaps, developing relevant curricula, delivering engaging instruction, and measuring program effectiveness to drive continuous improvement. Proficiency in adult learning principles, instructional design, and performance assessment is required, along with experience in stakeholder engagement and change management. Qualifications include a relevant advanced degree or equivalent experience, with a proven track record in capacity development within dynamic environments.
Spearhead the development and execution of training programs and assessment systems for civil society organizations (CSOs) and partner entities to enhance their capabilities and measure outcomes effectively.
Provide guidance and support to fellow Associates and Analysts by delivering and facilitating training sessions.
Enhance the capabilities of civil society organizations and public sector professionals to integrate behavioral insights and research findings into their operational strategies and initiatives.
Oversee the creation, evaluation, and distribution of tools and resources designed to enhance organizational capabilities.
Experienced professionals are sought to oversee project execution and stakeholder relations, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and timely delivery of outcomes. The role demands meticulous coordination across teams, proactive communication with stakeholders, and adept management of diverse project portfolios to meet business needs. Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership in navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, resolving conflicts, and maintaining transparent reporting structures. Proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, and frameworks is essential, along with the ability to adapt to dynamic environments and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Plan, oversee, and carry out both external and internal engagements autonomously, from initial stages through completion, with minimal oversight.
Act as the primary liaison for clients and partners, addressing their needs with proactive communication and efficient troubleshooting.
Develop and nurture connections across the stakeholder and funder networks, while remaining informed about emerging trends that may influence Busra’s strategies for promoting social cohesion.
Oversee and facilitate collaborative efforts among regional team members to ensure seamless execution of activities.
Ensure consistent and prompt communication of progress to both team members and project leadership.
Collaborate effectively with finance teams to guarantee prompt adherence to funder requirements, project budgets, and other financial obligations.
Oversee project timelines, ensure timely completion of deliverables, prepare comprehensive reports, and manage staffing requirements to support project objectives.
Collaborate on the development and implementation of project onboarding and offboarding processes to enhance knowledge management initiatives.
Facilitate the execution of research and engagement tasks by leading or collaborating with other Associates to ensure all requirements are met efficiently.
Assist the project supervisor with any additional responsibilities as required to ensure the successful completion of tasks and objectives.
Core organizational duties entail developing and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, aligning departmental objectives with overarching company goals, and overseeing cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration. Responsibilities include establishing robust governance frameworks, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement through performance metrics and process optimizations. Additionally, the role demands proactive stakeholder engagement to identify and address organizational challenges, while ensuring resource allocation aligns with both short-term priorities and long-term vision.
Additionally, Senior Project Associates shoulder key organizational duties to foster a thriving and efficient workplace environment.
Collaborate closely with the Associate team to facilitate goal-setting initiatives, establish objectives and key results (OKRs), and organize team-building activities.
Design and facilitate professional development workshops tailored for Associate and Analyst teams to enhance their skill sets.
Foster organizational cohesion by facilitating effective communication among diverse teams, thereby strengthening the overall functional culture of the enterprise.
Prepare and finalize mandatory focus contracts, conduct thorough performance evaluations, and generate insightful progress snapshots.
Provide support for and actively promote internal initiatives as needed.
Provide guidance and support to Analysts and Officers, exemplifying professionalism and intellectual rigor in all interactions.
Participate in internal committees as needed to support organizational initiatives and decision-making processes.
We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of relevant professional experience, specialized technical expertise, and a strong educational background in the field. The ideal applicant must demonstrate proficiency in key methodologies, possess advanced analytical skills, and exhibit the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges. Additionally, familiarity with industry-specific tools and technologies is required, along with a minimum of [X] years of hands-on experience in a comparable role. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities are essential, as the position demands collaboration with cross-functional teams and the capacity to deliver results under tight deadlines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field is required. Active license as a registered nurse (RN) in good standing is mandatory. Candidates must possess at least three years of clinical experience in an acute care setting, with demonstrated proficiency in patient assessment, critical thinking, and care coordination. Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and strong communication skills are essential. The ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams is a must. Familiarity with evidence-based practice and adherence to regulatory standards are required.
Professional Rewriting:
Applicants must possess valid work authorization in Kenya or demonstrate a willingness to relocate to Kenya.
With a minimum of seven years of professional experience in social cohesion, peace building, civic engagement, governance, or a closely related discipline, candidates should demonstrate a strong background in these areas.
Proven track record in delivering organizational training and/or capacity-building initiatives tailored for civil society organizations and/or public sector stakeholders.
Fluent proficiency in both English and Kiswahili, both in verbal and written communication, is required.
Demonstrated proficiency in fostering strong relationships and facilitating clear, effective communication with stakeholders from varied cultural backgrounds and professional domains.
Accomplished in leading both individual and group sessions with poise, alongside delivering articulate and compelling oral presentations.
Demonstrated proficiency in cultivating and sustaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including partner organizations and major institutional donors, is essential.
You possess strong organizational and project management capabilities, with a proven track record of overseeing intricate multi-stakeholder initiatives effectively.
A dynamic and driven professional capable of prioritizing and executing multiple tasks with precision in a high-pressure setting.
Execute projects with a global perspective while actively contributing to institutional strategy and planning efforts.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, along with proven experience in [specific area, e.g., project management, data analysis, etc.]. Proficiency in [specific software, tools, or methodologies] is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Familiarity with industry standards and best practices is a plus. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of delivering results in similar roles.
Skilled in producing policy briefs or research communications tailored for non-technical audiences.
Professional experience in leading and guiding teams within research or consulting environments.
Proficient in behavioral science research methodologies, with particular expertise in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Proficiency in quantitative analysis tools, including STATE and R, as well as data collection platforms like Survey CTO, is essential.
Individuals should possess a proven track record of engagement with civil society organizations or government agencies across East Africa.
Applicants must possess a postgraduate qualification in social sciences, public policy, development studies, or an equivalent discipline.
Proficiency in overseeing the creation and enhancement of products and tools aimed at bolstering organizational capacity is required.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
