To fulfill the designated role, the incumbent will be responsible for executing the primary objectives and strategic initiatives outlined for the position, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering sustainable growth. The individual in this capacity will oversee critical functions, drive operational efficiency, and contribute to decision-making processes that enhance productivity and innovation. Additionally, the role demands adherence to established policies, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and the ability to adapt to evolving business demands while maintaining high standards of professionalism and accountability.
Busra’s Food Systems, Resilience, and Markets (Farm) team leverages behavioral science to address pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience throughout the Global South. In the capacity of Senior Associate, you will partner with the Engagement Director to oversee the execution of meticulously designed research and advisory initiatives for a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector collaborators engaged in food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems.
You possess strong research capabilities and project execution skills, capable of advancing a clearly defined engagement through diligence, proactivity, and meticulousness. Your background includes substantial qualitative research experience, authentic industry insight, and the capacity to manage intricate, multi-faceted projects effectively.
You convert behavioral evidence into practical, data-driven recommendations, supported by the authority of hands-on fieldwork and rigorous methodology. You confidently articulate Busra’s insights in client engagements, engaging effectively with high-level stakeholders—such as senior government officials or experienced development economists—while discerning when to escalate matters to senior leadership for additional guidance.
We seek a specialist with hands-on experience in agricultural and agri-food systems, particularly in smallholder farming contexts. This role demands deep familiarity with the practical challenges and realities of value chains at the grassroots level. You will be responsible for driving project outcomes and maintaining client partnerships, leading project staff directly, and collaborating cross-functionally with Busra’s internal teams to uphold excellence in all engagements.
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:
Senior Associates will collaborate extensively with Busra offices and interact directly with academic researchers and advisory clients, undertaking a diverse range of responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:
We seek a dynamic leader to oversee client and advisory functions, driving strategic growth and cultivating high-performing teams. This role demands a seasoned professional with a proven track record in consultative engagement, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration. Responsibilities include guiding client relationships, shaping advisory frameworks, and ensuring alignment between client needs and organizational objectives. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership acumen, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to deliver actionable insights that enhance both client satisfaction and business performance.
Responsibilities involve overseeing the client relationship throughout the entirety of the engagement, covering initial scoping and contracting phases through to delivery and final dissemination of results.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, addressing complexities, and aligning expectations throughout the engagement.
Prepare client challenges into concise, actionable research and advisory briefs, ensuring clarity and alignment with project objectives. When necessary, offer constructive feedback to refine ambiguous inquiries or adjust misaligned scopes, fostering productive collaboration and precise problem-solving.
Craft compelling proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks to support strategic growth initiatives in the food systems and climate resilience sectors.
Deliver compelling presentations of Busra’s insights and findings at conferences, technical working groups, and client convening, engaging both non-specialist and expert audiences with clarity and conviction.
We are seeking a skilled professional to conduct qualitative research and execute technical tasks with precision. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and experience in designing and implementing qualitative studies. Responsibilities include gathering and interpreting data, analyzing trends, and developing actionable insights. Additionally, the role requires proficiency in technical execution, including data analysis tools and methodologies. Experience in research project management is preferred, along with the ability to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.
Design and spearhead qualitative research initiatives—such as comprehensive in-depth interviews (Iris), structured focus group discussions (FGDs), immersive ethnographic observation, and collaborative participatory methods—with meticulous attention to scientific rigor and cultural awareness.
Transform qualitative evidence into clear, practical narratives that drive informed decision-making; discern the behavioral motivations and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage behavioral science models such as the COM-B framework, dual process theory, and social norms models to address challenges in agriculture and climate adaptation.
Develop and manage a comprehensive mixed-methods research framework, meticulously balancing qualitative and quantitative components to ensure they complement and strengthen one another throughout the study.
Ensure rigorous quality control is consistently applied to all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
Oversee project execution and team coordination with precision and strategic insight, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and adherence to established timelines and budgets. Lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth while mitigating risks and resolving conflicts to maintain productivity and morale. Develop and implement structured project plans, establish clear performance metrics, and track progress through regular assessments, delivering measurable outcomes that drive operational excellence and sustainable success.
Oversee project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing allocations while identifying and escalating risks promptly and managing scope effectively.
You will provide direct management and mentorship to Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their professional growth by delivering targeted coaching in research and advisory competencies.
Collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate the efficient implementation of both field-based and remote research initiatives.
Facilitate the development of onboarding programs and knowledge management systems to ensure institutional learning is effectively documented and accessible.
Drives valuable contributions to organizational objectives through strategic collaboration, process optimization, and proactive problem-solving, ensuring alignment with overarching goals while enhancing operational efficiency and team synergy.
Collaborate on shaping the strategy and expanding the knowledge base of the Farm team through internal research, thought leadership pieces on industry trends, and the advancement of innovative methodologies.
Engage in the recruitment, integration, and performance evaluation processes for junior-level employees.
Foster an environment characterized by rigorous intellectual pursuit, constructive critique, and a strong sense of psychological safety within your project teams.
We are seeking a candidate with a solid foundation in relevant industry principles, demonstrated through formal education or equivalent practical experience. The ideal applicant will bring a minimum of [X] years of hands-on expertise in [specific field or function], complemented by proficiency in [key tools, software, or methodologies]. Strong analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail are essential, as the role requires evaluating complex information and ensuring accuracy in all outputs. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to articulate insights clearly and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Additionally, the position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, adaptability in dynamic environments, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Required
Seeking candidates with a solid track record of 5 to 8 years in research, advisory, or program design positions, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or similar settings.
Deep proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), thematic analysis, and synthesis, coupled with extensive fieldwork experience in resource-constrained environments.
Proven expertise in cultivating and sustaining high-level client and partner relationships with poise, precision, and professionalism.
Demonstrates a strong history of successfully spearheading intricate projects involving multiple stakeholders, overseeing their entire lifecycle from initial planning through to final execution.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis capabilities, enabling you to transform unstructured qualitative data into clear, well-supported conclusions.
Proficient in both written and verbal communication in English, with the capacity to convey information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a related field is required.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is required.
Professional candidates will have applied behavioral science principles—whether through formal study or practical experience—to agricultural extension initiatives, climate adaptation strategies, or food value chain operations.
Proficiency in quantitative methodologies and data analysis software such as State, R, or Python is essential, along with the ability to interpret quantitative results effectively, even when not serving as the lead analyst.
Familiarity with experimental or quasi-experimental methodologies—including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), difference-in-differences, and related approaches—demonstrated through leadership or collaborative contributions in research initiatives is essential.
Seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of established networks in East or West African food systems or climate finance ecosystems are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
