About the Role
The Senior Project Associate will oversee Busra’s Social Cohesion portfolio, with a primary focus on directing a range of multi-method research initiatives and capacity-building programs in collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) and governmental bodies across East Africa. This position is designed to cultivate a nuanced understanding of the key factors influencing civic engagement behaviors, enabling the strategic application of these insights by CSOs and public agencies to enhance social cohesion, civic participation, and engagement throughout the region. Additionally, the Senior Project Associate will spearhead the design, evaluation, and ongoing oversight of multiple tools to support the portfolio’s objectives, while also overseeing the strategic execution of capacity-strengthening initiatives across East Africa.
The Senior Project Associate serves as the primary project manager for designated external Busra initiatives, swiftly cultivating in-depth expertise in intricate challenges. Leveraging a full range of resources, this role ensures engagements are executed with unwavering precision, meticulously balancing timing and budget constraints. By designing innovative yet rigorous solutions, the Senior Project Associate effectively addresses client and partner requirements while fostering both internal and external relationships—guided by strategic insight and a polished professional approach.
Senior Project Associates collaborate with the Projects Division and other Busra teams, providing senior-level coordination and management of staff while offering strategic direction in project design and stakeholder engagement.
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to oversee core project responsibilities, ensuring timely execution, adherence to budgets, and alignment with strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will manage cross-functional teams, coordinate stakeholders, and implement best practices to drive project success. Key duties include developing detailed project plans, tracking progress, mitigating risks, and delivering high-quality results. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with proficiency in project management tools and methodologies. Experience in a similar role and a track record of meeting deadlines are required. The ability to adapt to changing priorities and foster collaboration is critical for this position.
The Senior Project Associate will collaborate closely with Busra offices and engage directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a diverse range of responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
Design and execution of research methodologies, along with the systematic application of findings, are integral to this role. Implementation of study protocols, data collection strategies, and analysis frameworks will be conducted to ensure rigorous and actionable insights. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to align research objectives with organizational goals and drive informed decision-making. Proficiency in relevant analytical tools and software, as well as adherence to ethical research standards, are required. The position demands meticulous attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to translate complex data into clear, strategic recommendations.
Conduct comprehensive end-to-end research initiatives encompassing research planning, thorough literature reviews, qualitative interviews, data gathering, analysis, report preparation, and dissemination of findings.
Devise and execute comprehensive mixed-method research frameworks specifically aligned with Busra’s initiatives in fostering social cohesion.
You will spearhead workshop sessions with senior stakeholders to collaboratively develop interventions, leveraging evidence and research derived from pertinent project data and established literature.
Assist in developing, implementing, and sharing findings from Busra Social Cohesion research initiatives.
Crafting and executing strategies to maximize the utilization and impact of research among essential stakeholder groups.
We are seeking an experienced professional to design, implement, and evaluate capacity strengthening initiatives and training programs that enhance organizational effectiveness and individual skill development. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in developing and delivering training modules, assessing training needs, and measuring impact through robust evaluation frameworks. They will collaborate with stakeholders to identify gaps, customize learning solutions, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Additionally, the role requires strong facilitation skills, experience in adult learning methodologies, and the ability to adapt training approaches to diverse audiences. Fluency in multiple languages, familiarity with digital learning platforms, and a commitment to continuous improvement are highly desirable.
Develop and execute training curricula and assessment frameworks for civil society organizations (CSOs) and partner entities.
Facilitate training sessions and provide ongoing support to fellow Associates and Analysts to enhance their professional development.
Enhance the capabilities of civil society organizations and governmental entities to integrate behavioral insights and research outcomes into their strategic initiatives and operational activities.
Spearhead the creation, evaluation, and distribution of capacity-building tools and resources.
In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing project execution and managing stakeholder relationships to ensure alignment with business objectives. Your duties will include coordinating cross-functional teams, monitoring project timelines and budgets, and facilitating clear communication between all parties involved. Additionally, you will identify potential risks, implement mitigation strategies, and provide regular progress reports to senior leadership. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential for success in this position, as are proficiency in project management tools and exceptional interpersonal abilities.
Plan, manage, and execute both external and internal engagements independently, overseeing all stages from initiation to completion with minimal oversight.
Act as the main liaison between clients and partners, addressing their needs with proactive communication and efficient problem-solving.
Foster and sustain meaningful connections within the stakeholder and funder networks while remaining informed about emerging trends and shifts that impact Busra’s strategies for promoting social cohesion.
Oversee and facilitate collaboration among team members to execute activities throughout the designated region.
Prepare and deliver consistent, punctual progress reports to both team members and project leadership.
Collaborate effectively with finance teams to guarantee adherence to funder requirements, project budgets, and other financial obligations in a timely manner.
Oversee project timelines, ensuring all deliverables are completed on schedule while managing team staffing requirements. Prepare and submit comprehensive reports to track progress and maintain accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
Support the development and implementation of project onboarding and offboarding processes to facilitate effective knowledge management.
Guide or collaborate with fellow Associates to meet research and engagement objectives effectively.
Execute all additional tasks as directed by the project supervisor, ensuring alignment with established objectives and priorities.
Core organizational responsibilities encompass the systematic oversight and management of essential operational functions to ensure alignment with strategic objectives. This role demands meticulous attention to detail in coordinating resources, processes, and personnel to maintain efficiency and productivity across all departments. Additionally, the position requires the ability to streamline workflows, implement best practices, and foster a collaborative environment that supports organizational growth and sustainability.
Additionally, Senior Project Associates uphold critical organizational duties to cultivate and sustain a thriving, high-performing workplace environment.
Collaborate with the Associate team to facilitate goal-setting initiatives, establish Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), and organize team-building activities.
Design and facilitate interactive skills-development workshops exclusively for Associate and Analyst cohorts, fostering both individual growth and team proficiency.
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to cultivate a unified and high-performing organizational culture.
Prepare performance reviews, conduct progress snapshots, and fulfill all required focus contracts diligently.
Facilitate and actively promote internal initiatives as needed.
Act as role models to Analysts and Officers, demonstrating professionalism and intellectual rigor in all interactions and decision-making processes.
Participate as a member of internal committees whenever necessary to contribute to organizational initiatives and decision-making processes.
We are seeking a candidate with a strong foundation in relevant industry expertise, along with the technical and interpersonal proficiencies necessary to excel in the role. The ideal applicant will possess proven professional experience in the field, complemented by a track record of successfully executing key responsibilities. Strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential for thriving in this position. Familiarity with industry-standard tools, methodologies, and best practices is also required to ensure optimal performance and contribution to the team.
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of experience in a related field, along with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a comparable discipline. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and strong analytical abilities are essential. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is also necessary.
Professional candidates must possess valid work authorization in Kenya or demonstrate a current residence in Kenya with a willingness to relocate.
With a minimum of seven years of professional experience in social cohesion, peace building, civic engagement, governance, or an adjacent discipline, candidates should demonstrate a strong background in these areas.
Proven expertise in delivering organizational training initiatives and/or enhancing capacity within civil society organizations and/or public sector entities is required.
Proficient in both spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
Demonstrated proficiency in fostering strong interpersonal relationships and effectively engaging with stakeholders from varied cultural backgrounds and professional sectors.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in guiding both individual and collaborative group sessions, coupled with assured and persuasive oral communication capabilities.
Proven capability in cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships with key collaborators and major institutional contributors.
Experienced in orchestrating intricate multi-stakeholder projects with a strong aptitude for organizational and project management.
A dynamic professional who thrives in a high-pressure setting, demonstrating strong adaptability and an innate drive to excel while handling diverse responsibilities simultaneously.
Capable of driving projects forward while upholding a worldwide perspective and supporting the organization’s strategic direction and long-term planning initiatives.
Seeking candidates with a strong background in [specific field, if mentioned], complemented by [X years] of hands-on experience in [relevant area]. The ideal applicant will possess [specific skills or certifications], along with a proven ability to [key competency or task]. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as the role involves [specific interaction or collaboration]. Familiarity with [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is highly preferred, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is valued.
Extensive background in crafting policy briefs or research communications tailored to general audiences is required.
Proven track record in leading and guiding teams within research or consulting environments.
Proficiency in behavioral science research methodologies, particularly randomized controlled trials (RCTs), is required.
Proficient in using quantitative analysis tools, including STATE and R, as well as data collection platforms like Survey CTO.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with civil society organizations or governmental bodies across East Africa is required.
A relevant advanced degree in social sciences, public policy, development studies, or a closely aligned discipline is required.
Demonstrates a track record in overseeing the creation and enhancement of products and tools aimed at bolstering organizational capacity.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
