To deliver strategic leadership and operational oversight, this position is responsible for driving organizational goals, ensuring alignment with business objectives, and fostering a high-performance culture. Key responsibilities include spearheading cross-functional initiatives, optimizing workflows, and maintaining accountability for key performance metrics. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in [specific industry/function], complemented by [X years] of progressive experience in [relevant field]. Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills are essential, along with the ability to navigate complex challenges while fostering collaboration across teams.
As a Senior Associate within Busra’s Farm team, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of robust research and advisory initiatives for a diverse clientele, including donors, governmental bodies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders engaged in food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems. Your role will involve applying behavioral science methodologies to address intricate challenges spanning food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South.
You possess strong research capabilities and the capacity to advance a clearly defined project with precision, proactive effort, and meticulous care. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic industry insight, and the administrative skills necessary to ensure the successful execution of intricate, multi-faceted initiatives.
You craft actionable recommendations from behavioral evidence, grounded in the credibility of hands-on field experience and rigorous methodological expertise. With ease, you articulate Busra’s work in client engagements, engaging confidently with senior government officials or experienced development economists while discerning the appropriate moments to escalate matters to senior leadership.
We seek a highly specialized professional with deep field experience and a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains. This position demands a hands-on leader who will assume full responsibility for project outcomes and client partnerships, lead a dedicated project team, and collaborate seamlessly with internal stakeholders to uphold uncompromising standards in execution.
Drive the strategic management of key client relationships to ensure sustained business growth and customer satisfaction. Develop and maintain strong, long-term partnerships with top-tier clients by understanding their needs and aligning solutions accordingly. Oversee the delivery of high-quality services or products to meet or exceed client expectations consistently. Lead cross-functional teams to execute account plans, address challenges, and capitalize on opportunities for expansion. Monitor account performance metrics, report on progress, and recommend improvements to enhance client retention and revenue generation. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including sales, marketing, and operations, to ensure cohesive and integrated client engagement strategies. Provide executive-level reporting and insights to senior leadership to support data-driven decision-making. Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, service-level agreements, and company policies while mitigating risks. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the account management team to drive operational excellence.
Senior Associates will collaborate closely with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients, undertaking a diverse range of responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:
We are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our Client & Advisory team, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring exceptional service delivery. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in client management, advisory services, and team leadership, with a minimum of five years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include cultivating high-value client relationships, providing expert guidance on complex business challenges, and overseeing the development of innovative advisory solutions. Strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and mentor a high-performing team are essential. A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field is required, and an advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CFA, CPA) is highly preferred.
Own the entire client engagement from initial scoping and contract negotiation through to final delivery and results dissemination.
Conduct high-level engagements with donors, implementing partners, government ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, navigating intricate challenges, and managing expectations with foresight and precision.
Translate client challenges into clear, actionable research and advisory briefs, ensuring precision and relevance. Provide thoughtful feedback to refine poorly structured inquiries or adjust misaligned project scopes, fostering constructive dialogue and alignment throughout the engagement.
Craft compelling proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while playing a key role in advancing business development initiatives within the food systems and climate resilience sectors.
Engage in conferences, technical working groups, and client meetings on behalf of Busra, delivering insights with precision and assurance to both specialized and general audiences.
We are seeking a skilled professional to conduct comprehensive qualitative research and oversee meticulous technical execution. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical abilities and a deep understanding of qualitative research methodologies. Responsibilities include designing and implementing research studies, analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable insights. Additionally, the role requires expertise in technical execution, ensuring precision and efficiency in all processes. Proficiency in relevant software tools and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality are essential. Strong communication skills are also necessary to present research outcomes effectively to stakeholders.
Design and oversee 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 rigor and cultural nuance.
Transform qualitative evidence into clear, practical narratives; pinpoint behavioral motivators and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage behavioral science frameworks—including COM-B, dual process theory, and social norms models—to address agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
Design and execute mixed-methods research initiatives, meticulously coordinating qualitative and quantitative components to create a cohesive and mutually beneficial framework.
Ensure rigorous quality control is upheld for all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee project and people management responsibilities. The ideal candidate will excel in coordinating multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. They will also be responsible for leading and developing teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to delegate tasks effectively and motivate team members. Experience in project management methodologies and a proven track record of successful team leadership are required.
Own project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing plans; proactively identify and escalate risks while managing scope effectively to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
Directly supervise and develop Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their research and advisory expertise through hands-on guidance and mentorship.
Collaborate effectively with Data, Programming, and Operations teams at Busra to facilitate seamless planning and implementation 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 readily accessible.
Consistently contributes to the organization’s overall success by ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and in alignment with strategic goals. Demonstrates a strong commitment to teamwork and fosters collaboration to achieve shared objectives. Plays an active role in identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing innovative solutions to enhance productivity. Supports colleagues by sharing knowledge and best practices, thereby strengthening collective performance. Adheres to company policies and maintains a professional demeanor in all interactions.
Drive the strategic direction and knowledge expansion of the Farm team through internal research initiatives, sector-focused thought leadership, and methodological advancements.
Collaborate in the recruitment, integration, and evaluation processes for junior-level employees.
Foster an environment characterized by rigorous intellectual discourse, the provision of constructive feedback, and a strong emphasis on psychological safety within your project teams.
Seeking a candidate with a robust educational background in a relevant field, complemented by hands-on experience in the industry. The ideal applicant will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with proficiency in industry-specific software and tools. Familiarity with project management methodologies and the ability to work effectively in a team environment are essential. Additionally, excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to convey complex ideas clearly and collaborate with stakeholders. Experience in [specific industry or role] is highly advantageous, as is a track record of delivering measurable results in previous positions. The role demands adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced setting.
Required
Seeking a candidate with five to eight years of engagement in research, advisory, or program design, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or analogous environments.
Proven mastery of qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), thematic analysis, and synthesis, coupled with extensive hands-on fieldwork experience in resource-constrained environments.
Proven expertise in cultivating and sustaining high-level client and partner relationships through confident, articulate, and professional communication.
Delivers successful outcomes on intricate, multi-stakeholder initiatives, overseeing all phases from initial conception through final execution.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis capabilities, enabling you to transform complex qualitative data into clear, well-supported conclusions.
Possesses strong proficiency in English communication, both written and verbal, with the capability to tailor messages effectively for diverse audiences—ranging from technical experts to general stakeholders.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in fields such as Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a related discipline is required.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in an applicable discipline is required.
Professional candidates should possess practical experience—whether formal or informal—in integrating behavioral science principles within agricultural extension programs, climate adaptation initiatives, or food value chain frameworks.
Proficient in quantitative methodologies and data analysis software, including State, R, or Python, with the ability to effectively interpret quantitative results even when not serving as the lead analyst.
Possesses a strong background in experimental or quasi-experimental methodologies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or difference-in-differences analyses, with prior involvement as either a research lead or active collaborator.
Established networks in the East or West African food systems and climate finance ecosystems present key advantages.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
