To fulfill this role, the primary objective is to achieve specific strategic goals through the execution of key responsibilities and the application of specialized expertise. The position requires an individual capable of demonstrating proficiency in relevant areas, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex challenges. Additionally, the candidate must exhibit exceptional communication abilities to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. The ideal candidate will possess the necessary qualifications and experience to drive performance, innovate solutions, and contribute to the overall success of the team and company.
As a Senior Associate within Busra’s Farm team, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of rigorous research and advisory initiatives for donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector clients focused on enhancing food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems. This role entails leveraging behavioral science to address pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South.
You possess strong research and project management skills, capable of advancing clearly defined engagements with discipline, proactive drive, and meticulous care. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic sector insight, and the capacity to maintain well-structured, multi-faceted projects on schedule.
You leverage real field experience and methodological expertise to transform behavioral evidence into practical, high-impact recommendations. With confidence, you articulate Busra’s insights in client engagements, engaging effectively with senior stakeholders—whether government officials or leading development economists—and discerning when to escalate matters to senior leadership.
This position requires a specialist with hands-on experience in the field, someone who has firsthand insight into the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and the workings of agri-food value chains. You will assume full responsibility for project outcomes and client partnerships, lead project staff directly, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal teams to uphold excellence in all project deliverables.
Oversee critical account management functions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client expectations. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to cultivate long-term partnerships and drive revenue growth. Monitor key performance indicators and provide regular updates to senior leadership to assess progress and address challenges proactively. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, and customer service, to deliver cohesive solutions and enhance client satisfaction. Maintain a deep understanding of market trends and competitive dynamics to position offerings effectively and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Serve as the primary liaison between clients and internal stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and resolving escalated issues with urgency and professionalism.
Senior Associates will collaborate with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a range of responsibilities, such as (but not limited to):
We seek a seasoned professional to oversee Client & Advisory Leadership, driving strategic initiatives and fostering high-impact client relationships. This role requires extensive experience in advisory services, leadership acumen, and a proven track record of delivering measurable results. Responsibilities include developing and executing client engagement strategies, mentoring advisory teams, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, a deep understanding of client needs, and the ability to navigate complex business challenges with confidence and clarity.
Oversee client engagements from initial scoping and contracting through delivery and dissemination, ensuring seamless management of the relationship throughout the entire lifecycle.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, collaborators, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders, proactively identifying needs, addressing intricate challenges, and aligning expectations effectively.
Prepare well-defined research and advisory briefs that accurately reflect client challenges, while offering constructive pushback when inquiries lack clarity or when project scope fails to align with objectives.
Craft compelling proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development initiatives within the food systems and climate resilience sectors.
At Busra, you will engage with conferences, technical working groups, and client meetings, delivering presentations that distill complex insights into clear, compelling narratives for both general and specialized audiences.
We specialize in conducting in-depth qualitative research and executing technical projects with precision. This role requires a strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex data. Responsibilities include designing research methodologies, gathering insights, and synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations. Familiarity with qualitative research tools and techniques is essential, along with proficiency in data analysis software. Experience in technical project execution is highly valued, ensuring seamless integration of research outcomes with practical implementation. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of delivering high-quality results in dynamic environments.
Design and oversee qualitative research initiatives—such as detailed individual interviews (Iris), collaborative focus group discussions (FGDs), ethnographic field observations, and participatory techniques—with a commitment to methodological precision and cultural awareness.
Transform qualitative evidence into clear, practical narratives; pinpoint behavioral drivers and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Apply behavioral science frameworks—such as the COM-B model, dual process theory, and social norms approaches—to address agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
Develop and implement a cohesive mixed-methods research framework, where qualitative and quantitative research streams are seamlessly integrated and strategically aligned to enhance mutual reinforcement.
Uphold rigorous quality standards across every research deliverable, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analytical memos, and final reports.
We are seeking a dynamic individual to oversee project and people management responsibilities, ensuring seamless coordination between teams and effective resource allocation. This role demands strategic planning, meticulous execution, and strong leadership to drive project success while fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Key duties include managing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, as well as mentoring and developing team members to enhance performance and engagement. The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in project leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to motivate cross-functional teams toward shared objectives. Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, along with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities, is essential for this position.
Own project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing plans while proactively managing scope and identifying risks at an early stage for timely escalation.
Directly oversee and guide Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your projects, fostering their professional growth by providing hands-on mentorship and enhancing their research and advisory capabilities.
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 onboarding process and enhance knowledge management initiatives to ensure institutional learning is effectively captured and readily accessible.
The role demands active engagement in fostering a collaborative work environment, ensuring alignment with team and company goals through dependable performance and proactive support. Your contributions will enhance operational efficiency by consistently meeting deadlines, maintaining clear communication, and adapting to evolving priorities. This position requires a commitment to upholding organizational values while delivering measurable results that contribute to the overall success of the team.
Assist in shaping the Farm team’s strategic direction and advancing collective knowledge through internal research initiatives, sector-specific thought leadership pieces, and methodological innovations.
Engage in the recruitment, integration, and ongoing development of entry-level employees.
Foster an environment where intellectual rigor, constructive feedback, and psychological safety thrive within your project teams.
Seeking a candidate with a robust background in [specific field/industry], encompassing both practical expertise and theoretical understanding. The ideal applicant should possess demonstrated proficiency in [key skills, e.g., project management, data analysis, or software development], along with a minimum of [X years] of relevant experience in [specific role or industry]. Additionally, familiarity with [specific tools, methodologies, or certifications] is required to ensure seamless integration into the team. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous professional development are essential for success in this position.
Required
A minimum of five to eight years of professional experience is required in research, advisory, or program design, with a strong emphasis on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience within sub-Saharan Africa or similar regional contexts.
Requires extensive proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), thematic analysis, and synthesis, complemented by substantial fieldwork experience in resource-constrained environments.
Proven expertise in cultivating and maintaining high-level client and partner relationships with poise, precision, and professional integrity.
Demonstrated expertise in successfully guiding multifaceted, cross-functional initiatives through every phase, from initial concept to final implementation.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis abilities, enabling you to transform complex qualitative data into a clear, well-supported argument.
You must possess strong written and verbal proficiency in English, with the ability to craft clear, effective communications tailored to both technical and general audiences.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline is required.
Strongly Preferred
Holding a master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is essential.
Applicants should possess practical exposure to applying behavioral science principles, whether through formal methodologies or informal approaches, within domains such as agricultural extension, climate adaptation, or food value chains.
Proficiency in quantitative methods and data analysis tools such as State, R, or Python is required, with the ability to interpret quantitative findings confidently, even when not serving as the primary analyst.
Experienced in designing and implementing experimental or quasi-experimental methodologies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences analyses, whether in a lead role or as a collaborative contributor.
With extensive experience in the East or West African food systems or climate finance ecosystems, candidates should demonstrate a deep understanding of existing networks within these domains.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
