To articulate the core purpose of this position, it involves driving strategic initiatives that align with organizational objectives while fostering innovation and operational excellence. This role demands a high degree of adaptability, as it requires collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement solutions that enhance productivity and achieve measurable outcomes. Additionally, the position entails overseeing key projects, ensuring adherence to deadlines, and maintaining rigorous standards of quality. Accountability for performance metrics, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement efforts is integral to success in this role.
As a Senior Associate within Busra’s Farm team, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of rigorous research and advisory initiatives for donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector partners engaged in food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems. Your role will involve applying behavioral science to address pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience throughout the Global South.
You possess strong research acumen and the capacity to advance meticulously scoped projects with drive, autonomy, and precision. Your background includes extensive qualitative research skills, authentic sector insight, and exceptional organizational capabilities, ensuring seamless management of intricate, multi-faceted initiatives.
You craft practical, evidence-based recommendations from behavioral insights, supported by hands-on field experience and robust methodological expertise. You adeptly present Busra’s work in client environments, engaging confidently with high-level stakeholders—whether senior government officials or seasoned development economists—and determining when to escalate key decisions to senior leadership.
We seek a specialist with hands-on experience in the sector, one who has firsthand insight into the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and the complexities of agri-food value chains. This position demands accountability for project outcomes and client partnerships, alongside leadership in supervising project staff and seamless collaboration with Busra’s internal teams to uphold the highest standards of execution.
Oversee and manage key stakeholder relationships to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and client expectations. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to drive growth and enhance customer satisfaction across high-value accounts. Lead cross-functional teams to execute on deliverables, ensuring timely and high-quality service delivery. Monitor account performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to identify opportunities for improvement and mitigate risks. Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly and professionally. Collaborate with internal departments to align resources and optimize account profitability. Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for senior leadership highlighting account status, trends, and strategic recommendations. Stay abreast of industry trends and competitive landscape to inform account strategies and maintain a competitive edge.
Senior Associates will collaborate closely with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to execute a diverse range of responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Dedicated to cultivating and guiding client relationships while leading advisory initiatives, this role requires a seasoned professional capable of driving strategic growth and delivering exceptional service. The position involves overseeing high-impact client engagements, ensuring seamless advisory support, and fostering long-term partnerships through insightful guidance. Candidates must possess strong leadership acumen, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record in client management and advisory excellence. Key responsibilities include developing tailored solutions, mentoring advisory teams, and aligning client objectives with organizational strategies to maximize value and satisfaction.
Oversee the client relationship throughout each phase of the engagement, beginning with initial scoping and contracting and extending through delivery and final dissemination of results.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, government ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, addressing complexities, and effectively aligning expectations.
Craft comprehensive research and advisory briefs by interpreting client challenges, and provide constructive feedback when initial inquiries lack clarity or when project parameters are misaligned.
Craft compelling proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks to drive business development initiatives within the food systems and climate resilience sector.
Skilled in representing Busra across conferences, technical working groups, and client meetings, you will deliver presentations that distill complex insights into clear, compelling narratives for both specialist and non-specialist audiences with confidence and precision.
We are seeking a skilled professional to lead qualitative research initiatives and execute technical tasks with precision. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in designing and conducting qualitative studies, analyzing data through thematic approaches, and translating findings into actionable insights. Additionally, they will oversee technical execution, ensuring adherence to methodological rigor and project timelines. Proficiency in qualitative analysis software and strong communication skills are essential to effectively present research outcomes to stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Design and spearhead comprehensive qualitative research initiatives—such as in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), ethnographic observation, and participatory approaches—while maintaining methodological precision and cultural awareness.
Synthesize qualitative evidence to create insightful, actionable narratives; discern behavioral drivers and barriers within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage behavioral science frameworks such as the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, dual process theory, and social norms models to address challenges in agriculture and climate adaptation.
Manage mixed-methods research designs, ensuring seamless integration and mutual reinforcement between qualitative and quantitative workstreams.
Ensure rigorous quality control measures are applied consistently to all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and stakeholder expectations. Lead cross-functional teams, delegate responsibilities, and foster a collaborative environment to maximize productivity and efficiency. Monitor project progress, identify and mitigate risks, and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain timelines and budgets. Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and transparency throughout all project phases. Mentor and support team members to enhance their professional growth and ensure high-performance standards.
Oversee project timelines, financial allocations, deliverables, and staffing strategies while identifying potential risks at the earliest stages and maintaining vigilant control over project scope to ensure successful outcomes.
You will provide direct management and mentorship to Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their professional growth by guiding and enhancing their research and advisory capabilities.
Leverage cross-functional collaboration between Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate seamless execution of both field-based and remote research initiatives.
Facilitate the enhancement of onboarding processes and knowledge management systems to ensure institutional learning is effectively documented and accessible.
Demonstrates a commitment to fostering a collaborative and productive work environment by actively contributing to team objectives and organizational goals. Plays a key role in aligning individual efforts with broader company strategies to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness. Supports colleagues through shared workloads, constructive feedback, and a willingness to assist in achieving collective success. Ensures that personal and team accomplishments align with the company’s mission and long-term vision.
Drive the strategic direction and knowledge advancement of the Farm team by conducting internal research, producing insightful sector thought pieces, and pioneering innovative methodologies.
Assist with the recruitment, integration, and ongoing development of junior team members, ensuring their successful assimilation and growth within the organization.
Drive the cultivation of an intellectually rigorous environment where team members are empowered to provide candid, constructive feedback and feel secure in taking thoughtful risks.
A strong foundation in the required knowledge, abilities, and professional background is essential for this role. Candidates must possess a proven track record in relevant areas, along with demonstrated expertise in key responsibilities. Prior experience in similar positions is highly desirable, as is familiarity with industry-specific tools and methodologies. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical proficiency and soft skills, ensuring seamless integration into the team and effective execution of assigned duties.
Required
A minimum of five to eight years of professional experience is required, with a strong emphasis on research, advisory, or program design, particularly within food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience. This experience should be situated in sub-Saharan Africa or analogous environments, demonstrating a deep contextual understanding of these regions.
Proven mastery in qualitative research techniques—including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, thematic analysis, and synthesis—coupled with extensive fieldwork in resource-constrained environments.
Proven expertise in cultivating and maintaining high-level client and partner relationships with poise, precision, and professionalism.
Demonstrated expertise in successfully leading intricate, multi-stakeholder initiatives from initial concept through to final execution.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis capabilities, enabling you to transform complex qualitative data into clear, well-supported conclusions.
You must possess strong written and verbal proficiency in English, capable of crafting clear and effective communications tailored for both technical and general audiences.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline is required.
Strongly Preferred
Hold a master’s degree in a relevant academic discipline.
Individuals should possess a demonstrated ability to apply behavioral science principles—whether through formal training or practical experience—to initiatives within agricultural extension, climate adaptation, or food value chains.
Proficiency in quantitative techniques and data analysis software, including State, R, or Python, is required, along with the ability to interpret quantitative results, even in the absence of primary analyst responsibilities.
Proficiency in experimental or quasi-experimental research methodologies—such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), difference-in-differences, and related approaches—demonstrated through leadership or collaborative roles in research initiatives.
Proven experience collaborating with established networks in East or West African food systems or climate finance sectors is essential.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
