Role Purpose
As a Senior Associate within Busra’s Farm team, you will spearhead the execution of robust research and advisory initiatives, collaborating closely with the Engagement Director to support donors, governments, NGOs, and private-sector partners addressing food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems. Your role will focus on leveraging behavioral science to tackle pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South.
You possess strong research capabilities and project management skills, capable of advancing a well-defined engagement with discipline, proactivity, and meticulous attention to detail. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic sector expertise, and the organizational capacity to ensure the smooth execution of intricate, multi-faceted projects.
You distill behavioral evidence into practical, strategic guidance, supported by the authority of hands-on fieldwork and rigorous methodological expertise. You adeptly articulate Busra’s work in client-facing contexts, engaging confidently with high-level stakeholders—whether a senior government official or an experienced development economist—while exercising sound judgment to escalate matters to senior leadership when necessary.
We seek a specialist, not a generalist—an individual with hands-on experience in the sector and a deep grasp of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains. In this position, you will assume full accountability for project outcomes and client relationships, lead project staff directly, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal teams to uphold the highest standards of execution.
Oversee the management and strategic development of key client relationships to drive sustained business growth and ensure client satisfaction. Develop and implement tailored account plans to meet or exceed revenue targets and foster long-term partnerships. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and customer support, to align strategies with client needs and organizational objectives. Monitor and analyze account performance, identifying opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and retention initiatives. Maintain a deep understanding of industry trends, competitive landscape, and client business priorities to provide proactive solutions and anticipate future demands. Ensure adherence to contractual obligations and service-level agreements while addressing any escalations or issues promptly. Serve as the primary point of contact for key clients, building trust and ensuring seamless communication across all levels. Drive continuous improvement within the team by sharing insights, best practices, and feedback to enhance overall performance and client outcomes.
Senior Associates will collaborate with Busra offices while engaging directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake diverse responsibilities such as, but not limited to:
We seek a seasoned professional to provide strategic guidance and leadership in client relations and advisory services. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, a proven track record in client management, and the ability to develop tailored solutions to meet diverse business needs. Responsibilities include cultivating strong client relationships, offering expert advice on complex issues, and ensuring high levels of satisfaction and retention. Additionally, the role involves mentoring junior staff, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and staying current with industry best practices to drive continuous improvement.
You will manage the client relationship throughout the entire engagement lifecycle, encompassing scoping and contracting phases, as well as delivery and dissemination activities.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, governmental bodies, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, navigating intricate challenges, and skillfully managing expectations throughout the process.
Translate client challenges into clear, actionable research and advisory briefs, ensuring all objectives are well-defined and aligned with project scope, while thoughtfully challenging ill-conceived queries or requests that deviate from feasibility.
Craft compelling proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while driving strategic business development initiatives within the food systems and climate resilience sectors.
Represent Busra at conferences, technical working groups, and client meetings, delivering compelling presentations of findings to both specialized and general audiences with clarity and assurance.
We are seeking a skilled professional to conduct in-depth qualitative research and oversee its technical implementation, ensuring precision and reliability in data collection and analysis. The role demands expertise in designing research frameworks, employing advanced qualitative methodologies, and utilizing cutting-edge tools to extract meaningful insights. Additionally, the position requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations for stakeholders. Proficiency in qualitative software, such as Vivo or ATLAS.ti, and experience with diverse research techniques, including interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic studies, are essential. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate excellent communication skills to present research outcomes effectively and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive informed decision-making.
Design and spearhead qualitative research initiatives—such as comprehensive in-depth interviews (Iris), structured focus group discussions (FGDs), immersive ethnographic observation, and collaborative participatory approaches—with meticulous attention to methodological rigor and cultural nuance.
Transform qualitative data into clear, insightful narratives that drive meaningful action; analyze behavioral influences and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage established behavioral science frameworks—such as the COM-B model, dual process theory, and social norms models—to address critical challenges in agriculture and climate adaptation.
Design and manage comprehensive mixed-methods research initiatives, meticulously coordinating qualitative and quantitative research streams to ensure they complement and strengthen one another.
Ensure consistent quality control for all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
Experienced professionals in project and people management are sought to oversee and optimize team performance while ensuring project milestones are achieved efficiently. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, allocating resources effectively, and maintaining clear communication channels to foster collaboration. Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and proficiency in managing timelines and budgets. A proven track record of delivering projects on time and within scope, along with experience in mentoring and developing team members, is essential. Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools is required, and certification such as PMP or Agile is a plus.
Oversee all project timelines, financial allocations, deliverables, and staffing strategies; identify and communicate potential risks promptly while actively managing project scope to ensure alignment with objectives.
You will provide direct management and mentorship to Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their professional growth by actively developing their research and advisory capabilities.
Collaborate with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate seamless implementation of field and remote research initiatives.
Facilitate the development and maintenance of onboarding processes and knowledge management systems to ensure institutional knowledge is effectively documented and readily accessible.
Demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the organization’s objectives through consistent engagement and collaborative efforts. Plays an integral role in fostering a positive workplace culture by aligning personal contributions with the company’s mission and strategic priorities. Actively supports team initiatives, shares valuable insights, and adapts to evolving organizational needs to drive collective success. Maintains a proactive attitude in identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and contribute to sustainable growth. Upholds professional standards by demonstrating reliability, accountability, and a dedication to continuous improvement in all responsibilities.
Support the strategic direction and intellectual growth of the Farm team by engaging in internal research initiatives, publishing sector-focused thought leadership pieces, and pioneering methodological advancements.
Engage in the recruitment, integration, and ongoing evaluation of junior-level personnel to ensure optimal team performance and development.
Promote a culture characterized by intellectual rigor, constructive feedback, and psychological safety across your project teams.
We are seeking candidates with a robust background in the relevant field, encompassing both practical experience and theoretical understanding. Ideal applicants will have demonstrated proficiency in key competencies, coupled with a proven track record of success in similar roles. Proficiency in essential tools and methodologies is required, along with the ability to apply them effectively in dynamic work environments. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are highly valued. Prior experience in [specific industry/field, if applicable] is preferred, though exceptional candidates from adjacent sectors may also be considered. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities are necessary to collaborate seamlessly across departments and stakeholders.
Required
Seeking candidates with 5 to 8 years of professional experience in research, advisory, or program design, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience—particularly within sub-Saharan Africa or analogous environments.
Seasoned professional with advanced proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, thematic analysis, and synthesis, complemented by extensive fieldwork experience in resource-constrained environments.
Skilled in cultivating and maintaining high-level client and partner relationships with poise, precision, and professionalism.
Delivers successful outcomes on intricate, multi-stakeholder initiatives, guiding them seamlessly from initial conception through to final execution.
With exceptional analytical and synthesis capabilities, you possess the ability to transform complex qualitative data into a clear, well-supported argument.
Proficient in articulating ideas clearly and effectively in both spoken and written English, with the capacity to tailor messaging for diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline is required.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is required.
Applicants should have a background in leveraging behavioral science principles—either through formal training or practical application—in areas such as agricultural extension, climate adaptation strategies, or food value chain optimization.
Proficiency in quantitative methodologies and data analysis software (State, R, or Python) is required, along with the ability to interpret quantitative outcomes, even when not serving as the lead analyst.
Proven expertise in designing and implementing experimental or quasi-experimental methodologies—such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences analyses—either as a lead researcher or a contributing collaborator is required.
Within the East or West African food systems and climate finance ecosystems, established networks are already in place. These interconnected frameworks facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and strategic partnerships across sectors.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
