To fulfill the role of [Job Title], the purpose encompasses the strategic execution of [specific goals or objectives]. This position demands a comprehensive understanding of [relevant field or industry], coupled with the ability to [specific skills or competencies]. Key responsibilities involve [core tasks or duties], ensuring alignment with organizational priorities while fostering innovation and efficiency. Candidates must possess [required qualifications or experience], demonstrating proficiency in [technical or soft skills] to achieve measurable outcomes. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to [specific objectives or projects], driving cohesive results and sustainable growth.
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 addressing critical issues in food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems. This role focuses on applying behavioral science to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South.
You excel as a seasoned researcher and project leader, adept at advancing meticulously defined projects with precision, proactivity, and meticulous care. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic sector insights, and strong organizational skills, enabling you to seamlessly manage intricate, multi-faceted initiatives.
You transform behavioral evidence into practical, data-driven recommendations, supported by the authority of hands-on fieldwork and rigorous methodology. Comfortable articulating Busra’s findings in high-stakes client environments, you navigate discussions with confidence—whether engaging with senior government officials or seasoned development economists—and recognize the appropriate moments to escalate matters to senior leadership.
We seek a specialist, not a generalist, with hands-on experience in the field and a deep grasp of smallholder farmers’ realities and agri-food value chains. You will assume full responsibility for project deliverables and client engagements, lead project teams directly, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal departments to uphold the highest execution standards.
Overseeing a portfolio of key accounts to ensure sustained revenue growth and client satisfaction through strategic relationship management and service delivery excellence. Developing and implementing tailored account plans to meet or exceed sales targets, while identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling products or services. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and customer support, to align on client needs and deliver integrated solutions. Monitoring account performance metrics, such as revenue, retention rates, and customer feedback, to proactively address challenges and optimize outcomes. Leading negotiations for contract renewals, expansions, or modifications to secure long-term partnerships and maximize profitability. Acting as the primary point of contact for key clients, ensuring clear communication and addressing escalations with professionalism and urgency.
Senior Associates will collaborate extensively with Busra offices while serving as the primary liaison between academic researchers and advisory clients, executing an array of critical tasks. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
As a Client & Advisory Leadership professional, you will oversee strategic initiatives and provide high-level guidance to clients, ensuring alignment with their business objectives and fostering long-term partnerships. Your responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams, driving client engagement, and delivering tailored advisory solutions that enhance operational efficiency and growth. Additionally, you will mentor junior staff, cultivate client relationships, and contribute to the development of innovative service offerings to meet evolving market demands. This role demands exceptional communication skills, a deep understanding of industry trends, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Drive the complete client relationship throughout each phase of engagement—from initial scoping and contract finalization through final delivery and post-project dissemination.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, addressing complexities, and setting clear expectations.
Translate client challenges into clear, actionable research and advisory briefs, offering constructive feedback when initial inquiries lack clarity or project parameters are misaligned.
Create proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development efforts in the food systems and climate resilience sectors.
Represent Busra at various forums, including conferences, technical working groups, and client gatherings, delivering insights with precision and assurance to diverse audiences, ranging from non-specialists to subject-matter experts.
We are seeking a skilled professional to conduct qualitative research and oversee technical execution. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in analyzing complex data and synthesizing findings into actionable insights. Responsibilities include designing research frameworks, managing data collection, and ensuring high-quality technical implementation. Proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, strong analytical skills, and meticulous attention to detail are essential. Familiarity with relevant software tools and compliance with industry standards are required. The role demands the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.
Design and spearhead qualitative research initiatives—such as in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), ethnographic observation, and participatory techniques—with meticulous attention to rigor and cultural nuance.
Transform qualitative evidence into clear, impactful narratives that inform strategic decisions; analyze underlying behavioral drivers and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Apply behavioral science frameworks—such as the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, dual process theory, and social norms frameworks—to address agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
Design and manage mixed-methods research frameworks, emphasizing the seamless integration and synergistic enhancement of qualitative and quantitative components.
Ensure consistent quality control in all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
Experienced professionals are sought to oversee project coordination and team leadership responsibilities. This role demands strong skills in organizing tasks, guiding team members, and ensuring project milestones are achieved efficiently. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in managing resources, communicating goals clearly, and resolving conflicts to maintain productivity. A commitment to delivering high-quality results within deadlines is essential, along with the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic work environment.
Oversee project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing plans while identifying and escalating risks promptly and managing scope effectively.
Oversee and guide Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their professional growth by providing hands-on mentorship and developing their research and advisory capabilities.
Collaborate with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate the seamless execution of both field and remote research initiatives.
Facilitate the development and maintenance of onboarding programs and knowledge management systems to ensure institutional knowledge is systematically documented and readily accessible.
Demonstrates a commitment to fostering a collaborative and efficient workplace by proactively supporting team goals and departmental objectives. Actively participates in meetings, contributes ideas, and assists colleagues to enhance productivity and innovation. Ensures alignment with company values and policies while maintaining a positive and adaptable attitude in dynamic work environments.
Collaborate on the formulation and advancement of the Farm team’s strategy and knowledge base through internal research initiatives, sector-focused thought leadership, and pioneering methodological advancements.
Collaborate in the recruitment, integration, and ongoing development of junior team members to ensure their success within the organization.
Foster an environment characterized by intellectual diligence, collaborative critique, and a secure atmosphere for psychological well-being within your project teams.
Seeking a candidate with a robust background in relevant expertise, proven technical proficiencies, and hands-on experience in the field. The ideal applicant will demonstrate strong analytical abilities, effective communication skills, and the capacity to manage complex tasks efficiently. Familiarity with industry-specific tools and methodologies is essential, along with a track record of delivering measurable results. Prior experience in leadership or collaborative environments is highly valued, as is the ability to adapt to evolving challenges and priorities. Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous learning are also required.
Required
Seeking professionals with 5 to 8 years of hands-on experience in research, advisory, or program design, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or similar regions.
Experts in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), thematic analysis, and synthesis, paired with extensive practical experience conducting fieldwork in low-resource environments.
Consistently cultivates and maintains high-level client and partner relationships with assurance, precision, and professionalism.
Demonstrated success in overseeing intricate, multi-stakeholder initiatives from initial planning through final execution.
You possess exceptional skills in analysis and synthesis, enabling you to transform complex qualitative data into clear, well-supported conclusions.
Proficient in both written and verbal English communication, with the ability to tailor messaging effectively for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in fields such as Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline is required.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in a related discipline is required.
Professional candidates will possess formal or informal experience in applying behavioral science principles to agricultural extension initiatives, climate adaptation strategies, or food value chains.
Proficiency in quantitative methodologies and data analysis software (such as State, R, or Python) is required, along with the ability to interpret quantitative results confidently, even when not serving as the lead analyst.
Skilled in designing and implementing experimental and quasi-experimental research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences analyses, with prior experience as either a lead researcher or contributing collaborator.
Established networks within food systems or climate finance ecosystems in East and West Africa.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
