About the Role
The Senior Project Associate position will be fully dedicated to Busra’s Social Cohesion portfolio, with a primary focus on spearheading a variety of multi-method research initiatives and capacity-building programs in collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) and government agencies across East Africa. The role is designed to cultivate a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing civic engagement behaviors and to translate these insights into actionable strategies that CSOs and government agencies can employ to foster stronger social cohesion, civic participation, and engagement throughout the region. Additionally, the Senior Project Associate will oversee the creation, evaluation, and ongoing management of multiple tools designed to enhance the portfolio’s operations, while also strategically directing capacity-strengthening efforts across the region.
As the lead project manager for dedicated external Busra initiatives, the Senior Project Associate swiftly acquires in-depth expertise in addressing intricate challenges, leveraging every available resource to deliver engagements of the utmost quality while meticulously adhering to timelines and budget constraints. Tasked with designing innovative yet rigorous solutions to meet client and partner demands, the Senior Project Associate also cultivates and oversees both internal and external relationships with strategic insight and a polished, professional approach.
Senior Project Associates will work closely with the Projects Division and other Busra teams, providing coordination and leadership to team members while contributing senior-level expertise and strategic direction to project design and stakeholder engagement.
This role involves leading and executing core project tasks, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and delivering measurable outcomes within specified timelines. The position demands meticulous planning, proactive problem-solving, and seamless coordination among cross-functional teams to maintain project momentum. Accountability for budget adherence, resource allocation, and risk mitigation is essential, alongside regular progress tracking and stakeholder reporting. Collaboration with leadership and subject-matter experts is required to refine project scope and address potential obstacles. Additionally, the role includes identifying opportunities for process improvements and driving efficiencies to enhance overall project performance.
The Senior Project Associate will collaborate extensively with Busra’s offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a diverse range of duties, which include but are not limited to:
Design, develop, and execute research methodologies to ensure comprehensive and accurate data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align research objectives with organizational goals, ensuring relevance and impact. Implement innovative tools and techniques to enhance research efficiency and effectiveness, while maintaining rigorous standards. Document findings thoroughly and present insights in clear, actionable formats to support informed decision-making.
Drive comprehensive research initiatives from inception to completion, encompassing research planning, literature reviews, qualitative interviews, data gathering, analysis, reporting, and the dissemination of findings.
Develop and execute sophisticated 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 grounded in evidence-based research and relevant project data.
Assist in the conceptualization, implementation, and sharing of Busra Social Cohesion research initiatives.
Crafting and executing strategies to maximize the utilization and impact of research findings among key stakeholder groups.
We are seeking to enhance organizational effectiveness through targeted capacity strengthening and comprehensive training initiatives. The role involves developing and delivering tailored training programs designed to build core competencies and foster professional growth among staff and partners. Key responsibilities include assessing training needs, designing curriculum, executing workshops, and evaluating program impact to ensure measurable skill enhancement and sustainable development. Ideal candidates will possess expertise in instructional design, facilitation, and change management, along with a proven track record of designing impactful learning solutions. Strong communication, analytical, and project management skills are essential to drive engagement and achieve desired outcomes.
Design, develop, and oversee the creation and rollout of training programs and assessment systems tailored for civil society organizations (CSOs) and partner entities.
Provide guidance and assistance to fellow Associates and Analysts by conducting training sessions and leading facilitation efforts.
Enhance the capabilities of civil society organizations and public sector professionals to integrate behavioral insights and research findings into their programmatic initiatives.
Oversee the creation, evaluation, and distribution of capacity-building tools and resources.
Project and stakeholder management involves overseeing project execution and ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations through effective communication and coordination. Key responsibilities include developing project plans, monitoring progress, and resolving issues to meet deadlines and budget constraints. Additionally, the role requires identifying stakeholder needs, managing relationships, and facilitating collaboration to drive project success. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills are essential, along with proficiency in project management tools and methodologies. Experience in managing diverse stakeholders and delivering projects within scope, time, and cost parameters is highly valued.
Orchestrate, oversee, and deliver both external and internal engagements autonomously, ensuring end-to-end completion with minimal oversight.
Act as the main liaison between clients and partners, addressing their needs by maintaining open, proactive communication and resolving issues promptly.
Develop and nurture connections across the wider stakeholder and funder networks while remaining informed about emerging trends that influence Busra’s strategies for fostering social cohesion.
Oversee and facilitate the collaboration of team members in executing activities throughout the designated region.
Deliver consistent and punctual progress reports to colleagues and project managers on a regular basis.
Collaborate effectively with finance teams to uphold strict adherence to funder mandates, project financial allocations, and all relevant fiscal obligations in a timely manner.
Oversee project timelines, ensure timely delivery of outputs, prepare comprehensive reports, and manage staffing allocations.
Facilitate the seamless integration and transition of personnel within knowledge management initiatives by participating in onboarding and offboarding processes.
Provide leadership or assistance to fellow Associates in meeting all research and engagement obligations.
Execute any additional tasks as designated by the project supervisor.
Duties include aligning strategic initiatives with organizational goals, overseeing cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures. The role demands meticulous attention to detail in managing budgets, optimizing resource allocation, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, you will be responsible for driving performance metrics, fostering a culture of accountability, and spearheading continuous improvement efforts across departments to enhance operational efficiency.
Additionally, Senior Project Associates are tasked with assuming vital organizational responsibilities to cultivate and sustain a thriving, high-performing organization.
Collaborate closely with the Associate team to facilitate goal-setting initiatives, establish objectives and key results (OKRs), and organize team-building activities.
Play a pivotal role in designing, facilitating, and overseeing skills-development workshops tailored for Associate and Analyst teams.
Facilitate collaboration and coordination among various organizational teams to cultivate a unified and effective workplace culture.
Prepare performance reviews, conduct progress snapshots, and fulfill required focus contracts in accordance with established timelines.
Provide support for and actively promote internal initiatives whenever required.
Act as mentors to Analysts and Officers, exemplifying professionalism and intellectual rigor in all interactions.
Participate in internal committees as needed to contribute to organizational initiatives.
Seeking a candidate with a proven track record in [specific field or role], demonstrating expertise in key areas such as [list 2-3 critical skills or knowledge areas]. The ideal applicant will bring [X years] of relevant experience, preferably in [specific industry or type of organization], along with a strong background in [another skill or responsibility]. Responsibilities include [list 1-2 primary duties], ensuring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to industry standards. Proficiency in [specific tool, software, or methodology] is required, as is the ability to [describe a key soft skill, e.g., collaborate effectively under tight deadlines]. Prior experience in [specific task or project type] is highly advantageous, as is familiarity with [relevant regulation, framework, or best practice]. The role demands a self-driven professional capable of [describe a critical responsibility, e.g., driving process improvements or managing stakeholder relationships].
• Must possess at least three years of hands-on experience in a related field
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is essential
• Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard software and tools is required
• Strong problem-solving aptitude and analytical mindset are mandatory
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines is crucial
• Prior supervisory or team-lead experience is highly desirable
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to compliance standards is expected
Individuals must possess valid work authorization in Kenya or demonstrate a current residence in Kenya, or be prepared to relocate to the country.
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 proven track record in these areas.
Proven track record in delivering organizational training and/or capacity-building initiatives for civil society organizations and/or public sector stakeholders.
Proficient in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili, with strong communication abilities.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds and professional domains, fostering strong interpersonal connections and clear communication.
Accomplished in both individual and collaborative facilitation, along with the ability to deliver presentations with clarity and confidence.
Proven skill in cultivating and overseeing strategic alliances with partner organizations and major institutional donors is essential.
Proven ability to organize and lead intricate projects involving multiple stakeholders, demonstrating exceptional project management expertise.
Highly adaptable and driven, capable of prioritizing and executing multiple responsibilities effectively within a dynamic and fast-paced setting.
Demonstrated capability to successfully manage projects while aligning with a global perspective and supporting the organization’s strategic initiatives and long-term planning efforts.
Qualified candidates for this opportunity will exemplify advanced expertise in relevant technical domains, complemented by exceptional communication and organizational proficiencies. Ideal applicants should possess a proven track record of delivering measurable results in similar roles, along with robust analytical capabilities to interpret complex data and guide strategic decision-making. A commitment to continuous professional development and the capacity to thrive in dynamic team environments are equally essential. Bachelor’s or advanced degrees in pertinent fields are highly preferred, as are certifications that validate specialized skills. Additionally, familiarity with industry-standard tools and a dedication to upholding compliance with regulatory and ethical standards are required.
Experienced in crafting policy briefs and research communications tailored for non-technical audiences.
Individuals should possess demonstrated expertise in leading or guiding teams within a research-oriented or consulting environment.
Proficiency in behavioral science research methodologies, particularly randomized controlled trials (RCTs), is essential.
Proficiency in quantitative analysis tools, including STATE and R, as well as experience with data collection platforms like Survey CTO, is essential.
Individuals with a background in collaborating with civil society organizations or government entities across East Africa are strongly encouraged to apply.
A master’s or doctoral degree in social sciences, public policy, development studies, or a closely related discipline is required.
Proven track record in leading and overseeing the development of products and tools dedicated to capacity enhancement.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
