To ensure the role fulfills its primary objectives, the incumbent will be responsible for driving key initiatives aligned with organizational goals, fostering collaboration across departments, and delivering measurable outcomes that contribute to sustained growth and operational excellence. This position demands strategic oversight, exceptional analytical abilities, and the capacity to lead cross-functional teams while maintaining a results-driven approach. Additionally, the role requires strong communication skills, adaptability to evolving business needs, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
As part of Busra’s Farm team, you will contribute to the application of behavioral science to address pressing challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience throughout the Global South. In the role of Senior Associate, you will collaborate closely with the Engagement Director to spearhead the execution of robust research and advisory initiatives for a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities focused on food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems.
You possess strong research capabilities and the ability to effectively manage projects, advancing them with precision, proactivity, and meticulous care. Your background includes extensive qualitative research experience, authentic sector insights, and the capacity to coordinate intricate, multi-faceted initiatives while ensuring they remain on schedule.
You transform behavioral evidence into practical, data-driven recommendations, supported by a foundation of hands-on field experience and robust methodological expertise. Equally adept at articulating Busra’s work in client engagements, you confidently engage with high-level stakeholders—including senior government officials and experienced development economists—while recognizing the appropriate moments to escalate issues to senior leadership.
We seek a specialist, not a generalist—an individual with hands-on experience in the field and a deep grasp of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains. You will assume full responsibility for project deliverables and client relationships, oversee project staff directly, and ensure seamless coordination with Busra’s internal teams to uphold the highest standards of execution.
Oversee critical accountabilities and deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and client expectations. Execute key responsibilities, including strategic account management, client relationship development, and performance monitoring to drive sustainable growth. Manage day-to-day operations with precision, addressing challenges proactively while fostering long-term partnerships. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless service delivery and value creation for high-priority accounts.
Senior Associates will collaborate extensively with Busra offices while engaging directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to undertake a wide range of responsibilities, such as—but not limited to—
We are seeking a seasoned professional to spearhead client advisory initiatives and provide strategic leadership within our organization. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, enabling them to build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with high-profile clients. A proven track record in advisory roles, coupled with a deep understanding of client needs and market dynamics, is essential. Responsibilities include developing tailored advisory solutions, driving business growth through innovative strategies, and ensuring client satisfaction remains at the forefront of all engagements. The role demands a collaborative approach, as the successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive advisory services and uphold the company’s reputation for excellence.
Own the full spectrum of client engagement, overseeing each phase from initial scoping and contracting to final delivery and knowledge dissemination.
Engage in high-level discussions with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients, proactively identifying needs, navigating intricate challenges, and effectively managing expectations to foster productive relationships.
Craft comprehensive research and advisory briefs by accurately interpreting client challenges, and provide thoughtful feedback when initial inquiries lack clarity or project parameters require adjustment.
Craft persuasive proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks while advancing business development initiatives within the food systems and climate resilience sector.
Deliver compelling presentations of Busra’s insights and methodologies at conferences, technical working groups, and client gatherings, effectively engaging both specialist and non-specialist audiences with clarity and conviction.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee qualitative research initiatives and ensure precise technical execution. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in designing and implementing qualitative methodologies, analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable insights. Proficiency in qualitative analysis tools and software is essential, along with strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Responsibilities include conducting interviews, focus groups, and observations, as well as documenting and presenting research outcomes to stakeholders. Collaboration with cross-functional teams to align research objectives with business goals will be a key part of this role. Strong communication and project management abilities are required to deliver high-quality results efficiently.
Design and spearhead 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 rigor and cultural nuance.
Translate qualitative evidence into clear, practical narratives, pinpointing behavioral motivations and obstacles within intricate social and institutional frameworks to inform strategic decision-making.
Apply behavioral science frameworks—such as the COM-B model, dual process theory, and social norms models—to address agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
Direct the execution of a comprehensive mixed-methods research framework, meticulously coordinating qualitative and quantitative research components to ensure they function cohesively and enhance one another’s findings.
Ensure consistent quality standards across all research deliverables, including guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
The role involves overseeing project execution and leading team members to ensure timely delivery and high-quality outcomes. Responsibilities include coordinating tasks, managing resources, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Requirements entail strong organizational skills, the ability to delegate effectively, and experience in both project and people management. The ideal candidate will drive efficiency, mitigate risks, and maintain clear communication throughout all phases of the project lifecycle.
Oversee project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing plans; identify and communicate risks promptly while actively managing project scope to ensure alignment with objectives.
You will oversee and guide Analysts and Project Leads assigned to your engagements, providing hands-on mentorship to enhance their research and advisory capabilities.
Collaborate effectively with Busra’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to guarantee the seamless execution of both field and remote research initiatives.
Facilitate the development of onboarding initiatives and knowledge management systems to ensure that valuable institutional learning is preserved and readily accessible.
Organizational Contribution
Demonstrate a commitment to advancing the company’s mission by actively engaging in team-based initiatives, fostering collaboration, and contributing innovative ideas that enhance operational efficiency and overall performance. Play a pivotal role in aligning individual contributions with broader organizational goals through consistent participation in cross-functional projects, problem-solving discussions, and strategic planning sessions. Uphold a culture of accountability by meeting deadlines, maintaining high standards of work quality, and supporting colleagues in achieving collective success. Embrace adaptability by responding to changing priorities, embracing new processes, and continuously seeking opportunities to add value to the organization’s growth and sustainability.
Support the strategic direction and knowledge advancement of the Farm team through contributions to internal research initiatives, sector-specific thought leadership pieces, and methodological innovations.
Collaborate in the recruitment, integration, and evaluation processes for junior team members to ensure their successful development and alignment with organizational goals.
Foster an environment characterized by intellectual rigor, constructive feedback, and psychological safety across your project teams.
Seeking a candidate with a robust background in the field, encompassing both practical expertise and theoretical understanding. The ideal applicant must possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience, along with a track record of successfully delivering projects within tight deadlines. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, as is the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Strong problem-solving capabilities and a commitment to continuous learning are required to thrive in this dynamic environment. Additionally, excellent communication skills and a customer-centric approach are highly valued.
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 within sub-Saharan Africa or analogous environments.
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.
Capable of effectively overseeing high-level client and partner relationships with assurance, precision, and professional poise.
Demonstrated expertise in guiding intricate initiatives involving multiple stakeholders through every phase, from initial conception to successful completion.
You possess exceptional analytical and synthesis capabilities, enabling you to transform complex qualitative data into a clear, well-supported argument.
Proficient in both written and spoken English, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly for technical and non-technical stakeholders alike.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline is required.
Strongly Preferred
A master’s degree in a field pertinent to the position is required.
Skilled in formally or informally integrating behavioral science principles into agricultural extension programs, climate adaptation strategies, or food value chain processes.
Proficiency in quantitative methodologies and data analysis software, including State, R, or Python, is required, along with the ability to effectively interpret quantitative results, even in the absence of a primary analyst role.
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 food systems or climate finance ecosystems of East or West Africa.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 8 years
