To deliver exceptional support in operational and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and enhancing overall efficiency. This position is responsible for overseeing critical processes, collaborating across departments, and driving continuous improvement within the team. Key responsibilities include managing workflows, resolving complex issues, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proven leadership abilities, and a track record of achieving measurable results in fast-paced environments. Additionally, they must demonstrate proficiency in relevant tools and technologies, along with the capacity to adapt to evolving business demands.
Busra’s Farm team leverages behavioral science to address pressing challenges within food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South. In this role, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of robust research and advisory initiatives for a diverse clientele, including donors, government entities, NGOs, and private sector partners engaged in food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems.
You possess strong research and project execution capabilities, with the capacity to advance a clearly defined engagement through meticulous planning, proactive problem-solving, and precision. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic sector expertise, and the organizational discipline required to manage intricate, multi-faceted projects efficiently.
You leverage real-world field experience and rigorous methodology to convert behavioral evidence into practical, impactful recommendations. With confidence, you articulate Busra’s work in client-facing engagements, engaging effectively with senior stakeholders—whether government officials or seasoned development economists—and discerning when to escalate matters to senior leadership.
This position requires deep specialization, not broad generalist experience. We seek a candidate with hands-on experience in the field, equipped with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and the complexities of agri-food value chains. You will assume full responsibility for project deliverables and client relationships, oversee project staff directly, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal teams to uphold the highest standards in execution.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients to drive customer satisfaction and retention. Oversee the management of high-value accounts, ensuring alignment with business objectives and client needs. Collaborate across departments to deliver tailored solutions and address complex client requirements. Monitor account performance, identify growth opportunities, and report on key metrics to stakeholders. Provide strategic guidance to clients, fostering long-term partnerships and maximizing revenue potential. Lead cross-functional teams to execute account plans and achieve predefined targets.
Senior Associates will collaborate extensively with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a diverse range of responsibilities, such as, but not limited to:
We seek a seasoned professional to spearhead client and advisory leadership initiatives, driving strategic engagement and fostering enduring relationships with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in consultative advisory roles, coupled with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to navigate complex business landscapes. Responsibilities include cultivating high-value client partnerships, providing actionable insights to senior leadership, and overseeing the development of tailored advisory solutions that align with organizational objectives. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in stakeholder management, strategic planning, and delivering measurable impact across diverse industries. A minimum of [X] years of relevant experience and a [degree or certification, if applicable] are required.
Oversight of the client relationship is required throughout the entire engagement lifecycle, encompassing all phases from initial scoping and contracting to final delivery and dissemination of results.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, government ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, addressing complexities, and setting clear expectations from the outset.
Translate client issues into clearly defined research and advisory briefs, and provide constructive feedback when questions lack clarity or project parameters are misaligned.
Craft compelling proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development initiatives in the food systems and climate resilience sector.
Represent Busra at conferences, technical working groups, and client gatherings, delivering presentations with precision and assurance to both general and specialist audiences.
We are seeking a skilled professional to conduct in-depth qualitative research and oversee precise technical execution. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical abilities and hands-on experience in qualitative methodologies, including interviews, focus groups, and observational studies. Proficiency in data collection, transcription, and thematic analysis is essential, along with the ability to synthesize complex findings into clear, actionable insights. Additionally, the role requires meticulous attention to detail in technical implementation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established protocols. Strong communication skills are necessary to present findings effectively to stakeholders and collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams.
Design and oversee 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 precision and cultural nuance.
Analyze and integrate qualitative evidence to craft clear, actionable narratives while pinpointing key behavioral drivers and barriers within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage established behavioral science frameworks—such as the COM-B model, dual process theory, and social norms frameworks—to address key challenges in agriculture and climate adaptation.
Design and manage a comprehensive research framework that combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, fostering seamless collaboration between the two to enhance overall study coherence and impact.
Ensure consistent quality standards are upheld for all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
We are seeking a seasoned professional to oversee both project execution and team leadership, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment with organizational goals. This role demands meticulous planning, proactive issue resolution, and strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration across departments. You will be responsible for driving project timelines, managing resource allocation, and cultivating a high-performing team culture. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in project management, with the ability to mentor team members and optimize workflows for maximum efficiency.
Oversee project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing plans while identifying and addressing risks promptly and managing scope effectively.
Directly supervise and develop Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your projects; cultivate their research and advisory capabilities through hands-on mentorship and guidance.
Collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate the seamless execution of both field-based and remote research initiatives.
Facilitate the development and maintenance of onboarding processes and knowledge management systems to ensure institutional learning is systematically documented and readily accessible.
Demonstrates a commitment to fostering a collaborative and productive workplace by actively contributing to team goals and departmental objectives. Supports colleagues through open communication, shared resources, and mutual accountability to enhance overall efficiency and outcomes. Consistently aligns individual efforts with the broader mission of the organization to drive continuous improvement and sustainable success.
Play a key role in shaping the Farm team’s strategic direction and advancing its collective knowledge by conducting internal research, publishing insightful sector thought pieces, and driving innovation in methodologies.
Engage actively in the recruitment process, facilitate seamless integration of new hires, and oversee the ongoing development and evaluation of junior team members to ensure optimal performance and alignment with organizational goals.
Foster an environment characterized by rigorous intellectual discourse, constructive critique, and psychological safety across all project teams.
Seeking a candidate with a proven background in the specified field, including comprehensive expertise and hands-on experience. The ideal applicant will possess strong analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and a track record of successfully managing complex projects. Proficiency in relevant software, tools, and methodologies is essential, along with the capacity to collaborate effectively within a team environment. Previous experience in a similar role, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, will be highly advantageous.
Required
Candidates should possess 5 to 8 years of professional experience in research, advisory, or program design, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or analogous environments.
Seeking a 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.
Proven track record in cultivating and maintaining high-level client and partner relationships, characterized by confidence, clarity, and professional discretion.
Delivers a demonstrated history of successfully directing intricate, multi-stakeholder initiatives through each phase, from initial planning to final execution.
With exceptional analytical and synthesis capabilities, you excel at transforming complex qualitative data into a clear, well-supported argument.
Proficient in articulate English communication, both written and verbal, with the capacity to craft messages tailored for diverse audiences, ranging from technical experts to general readership.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in fields such as Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or related disciplines is required.
Strongly Preferred
A relevant field master’s degree is required.
Individuals should have a demonstrated ability to apply behavioral science principles, whether through formal training or practical experience, to domains such as agricultural extension, climate adaptation initiatives, or food value chain development.
Proficiency in quantitative methodologies and data analysis software—such as State, R, or Python—is essential, along with the ability to effectively interpret quantitative insights, even when serving in a secondary analytical role.
Skilled in implementing experimental or quasi-experimental methodologies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences approaches, with a proven track record of leading or contributing to research initiatives.
With established networks in the East and West African food systems and climate finance ecosystems, the ideal candidate will bring valuable connections and insights to the role.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
