To fulfill the outlined objectives, this position is responsible for delivering strategic outcomes aligned with organizational goals while fostering collaboration across teams. Key duties include analyzing performance metrics, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the role requires maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and contributing to long-term planning initiatives. Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience, proficiency in [specific software/tools], and exceptional problem-solving skills to thrive in this dynamic environment.
Busra’s Farm team leverages behavioral science to address pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience throughout the Global South. In the capacity of Senior Associate, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of meticulously designed research and advisory initiatives for donors, governmental bodies, NGOs, and private sector collaborators engaged in food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems.
You possess strong research and project management capabilities, enabling you to advance meticulously scoped engagements with drive, resourcefulness, and precision. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic sector insight, and the capacity to maintain structured oversight of intricate, multi-faceted projects.
You distill behavioral evidence into strategic, implementable recommendations, leveraging the authority derived from hands-on fieldwork and rigorous methodological expertise. With confidence, you articulate Busra’s work in high-stakes client engagements, engaging effectively with senior stakeholders—including government officials and leading development economists—while discerning when to escalate decisions to senior leadership.
This position requires a specialized professional with hands-on experience in the field, equipped with deep insights into the challenges and dynamics of smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains. You will assume full accountability for project deliverables and client interactions, lead project teams directly, and collaborate seamlessly with Busra’s internal departments to uphold the highest standards of engagement execution.
Oversee and drive the strategic development and management of key client relationships, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Serve as the primary liaison between high-value customers and internal stakeholders, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration. Identify growth opportunities within assigned accounts, proposing tailored solutions to enhance satisfaction and retention. Lead cross-functional teams to execute initiatives that meet client needs while advancing business goals. Monitor account performance metrics to assess progress, address challenges proactively, and deliver measurable results. Maintain a deep understanding of industry trends, competitive landscapes, and customer pain points to inform strategic decision-making. Ensure adherence to contractual obligations, service level agreements, and compliance requirements throughout the engagement. Foster long-term partnerships by consistently delivering value and exceeding client expectations.
Senior Associates will collaborate extensively with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a broad range of responsibilities, such as—but not limited to:
We are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our Client & Advisory team, driving strategic initiatives and fostering strong client relationships. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in advisory services, demonstrating expertise in financial analysis, risk assessment, and client engagement. Responsibilities include developing tailored advisory solutions, overseeing client onboarding processes, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Additionally, the role requires strong leadership skills to mentor team members, enhance service delivery, and maintain high standards of professionalism. Qualifications include a proven track record in client management, exceptional communication abilities, and a deep understanding of industry trends and regulatory requirements.
You will assume full responsibility for managing client relationships throughout the entire engagement lifecycle, encompassing initial scoping and contracting phases, through to delivery and final dissemination of outcomes.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients, anticipating their needs, addressing complexities, and proactively managing expectations to foster mutually beneficial outcomes.
Translate clients’ challenges into clear, focused research and advisory briefs, and provide thoughtful feedback when questions lack clarity or scope requires adjustment.
Craft compelling proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development initiatives within the food systems and climate resilience sectors.
Present Busra’s insights and research at conferences, technical working groups, and client meetings, delivering compelling presentations with clarity and confidence to both specialist and non-specialist stakeholders.
We seek a skilled professional to conduct qualitative research and oversee technical execution with precision. The role demands expertise in designing and implementing research methodologies that yield insightful findings, along with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies. Proficiency in qualitative analysis tools and frameworks is essential, as is a keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy in technical execution. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical skills, the capacity to synthesize complex information, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Design and oversee qualitative research initiatives—such as comprehensive in-depth interviews (Iris), structured focus group discussions (FGDs), ethnographic field observations, and collaborative participatory approaches—with meticulous attention to methodological precision and cultural awareness.
Transform qualitative evidence into structured, impactful narratives that drive action, while discerning the underlying behavioral motivations and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks.
Leverage behavioral science frameworks, including the COM-B model, dual process theory, and social norms models, to address agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
Design and lead comprehensive mixed-methods research initiatives, meticulously coordinating qualitative and quantitative components to ensure seamless integration and mutual reinforcement of workstreams.
Ensure consistent quality standards across all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analytical memos, and final reports.
Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards while aligning with organizational goals. Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth among members. Allocate resources efficiently, mitigate risks, and resolve conflicts to maintain productivity and project momentum. Track progress through regular evaluations, adjust strategies as needed, and report outcomes to stakeholders to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
Oversee project schedules, financial allocations, key deliverables, and staffing strategies; identify and address potential risks promptly while ensuring scope is carefully managed throughout the initiative.
You will provide direct management and mentorship to Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, fostering their professional growth by cultivating advanced research and advisory capabilities through hands-on guidance.
Collaborate effectively with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to facilitate seamless execution of both field-based and remote research initiatives.
Support the enhancement of onboarding initiatives and knowledge management systems to ensure institutional learning is effectively documented and readily accessible.
By contributing to the organization’s strategic objectives, employees will help drive operational excellence and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Their work will support key initiatives, enhance team effectiveness, and ensure alignment with the company’s long-term goals. Additionally, they will uphold professional standards, adhere to company policies, and actively participate in professional development opportunities to continuously improve their skills and contributions to the organization.
Drive innovation within the Farm team by shaping strategic direction and expanding collective expertise through internal research initiatives, sector-specific thought leadership, and methodological advancements.
Engage in the recruitment, integration, and professional development of junior staff members to ensure their successful assimilation and long-term contribution to the team.
Cultivate an environment characterized by intellectual rigor, constructive feedback, and psychological safety across your project teams.
Seeking a professional with a robust background in the relevant field, encompassing both practical expertise and theoretical understanding. The ideal candidate will possess the requisite qualifications, including pertinent certifications or educational credentials, along with a proven track record in key responsibilities such as project management, technical proficiency, or team leadership. Demonstrated experience in similar roles, coupled with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, is essential to excel in this position. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, methodologies, and best practices is also required to ensure seamless integration and contribution to organizational objectives.
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 similar settings.
Deep proficiency in qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews (Iris), focus group discussions (FGDs), thematic analysis, and synthesis, coupled with extensive fieldwork experience in resource-constrained environments.
Exhibits a proven track record in successfully overseeing high-level client and partner engagements with poise, precision, and a high degree of professionalism.
Demonstrated success in overseeing intricate, multi-stakeholder initiatives from initial planning through to successful completion.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis abilities, with a talent for transforming complex qualitative data into a clear, compelling, and well-supported argument.
Proficient in crafting clear and engaging written and verbal communications in English, with the ability to tailor messaging for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
A relevant field such as Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or an equivalent discipline is required, with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is required.
With a background in applying behavioral science—whether through formal training or practical experience—to agricultural extension, climate adaptation initiatives, or food value chains, you bring a valuable perspective to our team.
Proficiency in quantitative techniques and data analysis software (State, R, or Python) is required, along with the ability to effectively interpret quantitative results, even when serving in a non-primary analytical capacity.
Proven expertise in designing and executing experimental or quasi-experimental research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and difference-in-differences analyses, in either a lead or collaborative capacity.
Established networks within the East or West African food systems and climate finance sectors are essential.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
