[{"additionalPlain":"Data Privacy Statement \nAs part of Busara’s recruitment process, personal information provided by an applicant through various means will be collected and stored. This includes but is not limited to the information which the candidate provides to Busara in their application and profile, any data from role assessments, interviews information including video interviews and data provided to us by your referees. This data will be used to evaluate the application, communicate with the candidate, and where a candidate has selected this option, for future recruitment opportunities. All this information will be treated as part of each job application record and only retained for the required record retention period. \nBy choosing to apply for this position at Busara, you are giving Busara your consent to process your personal data as described above. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is secure.","additional":"Data Privacy Statement
As part of Busara’s recruitment process, personal information provided by an applicant through various means will be collected and stored. This includes but is not limited to the information which the candidate provides to Busara in their application and profile, any data from role assessments, interviews information including video interviews and data provided to us by your referees. This data will be used to evaluate the application, communicate with the candidate, and where a candidate has selected this option, for future recruitment opportunities. All this information will be treated as part of each job application record and only retained for the required record retention period.
By choosing to apply for this position at Busara, you are giving Busara your consent to process your personal data as described above. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is secure.
","categories":{"commitment":"Contract","department":"Research, Advisory and Practice","location":"Nairobi","team":"Advisory","allLocations":["Nairobi"]},"createdAt":1789629051252,"descriptionPlain":"Role Purpose Statement:\nThe Analyst supports the advisory arm of Busara in making informed decisions and setting priorities on projects. This Analyst position will be hosted in the Social Cohesion portfolio.\nThe Analyst shall assist senior staff across multiple projects and clients by providing support on client deliverables and other internal portfolio objectives by engaging in capacity strengthening, knowledge development and dissemination, qualitative and quantitative research activities.\nAnalysts will be tasked with supporting the structuring and composing of reports, client deliverables, and analysis on ongoing projects, in close coordination with the Associates and Engagement Directors. \nKey Accountabilities/Responsibilities\nCORE PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES:\n","description":"\n
Role Purpose Statement:
\n
The Analyst supports the advisory arm of Busara in making informed decisions and setting priorities on projects. This Analyst position will be hosted in the Social Cohesion portfolio.
\n
The Analyst shall assist senior staff across multiple projects and clients by providing support on client deliverables and other internal portfolio objectives by engaging in capacity strengthening, knowledge development and dissemination, qualitative and quantitative research activities.
\n
Analysts will be tasked with supporting the structuring and composing of reports, client deliverables, and analysis on ongoing projects, in close coordination with the Associates and Engagement Directors.
\n
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
\n
CORE PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES:
\n
\n\n
\nIdentify, troubleshoot, and resolve inquiries on external and internal research data and act as a research resource person for senior leadership, internal teams, staff, and external parties.
\n\n
\nWork closely, when necessary, with other team members to source, clean, and structure data.
\n\n
\nSupport the design of effective quantitative and qualitative survey instruments and coordinate all activities associated with survey development including research, formatting, liaising with survey programming teams, analyzing, summarizing, and presenting results; write reports highlighting key findings and present results.
\n\n
\nSupport the design and implementation of capacity strengthening initiatives with targeted stakeholder groups. The support will include: analyzing needs assessment and feedback surveys, organizing virtual and in-person learning events on pre-determined, supporting partner engagements and attending external events.
\n\n
\nSupport Associates/Senior Associates in preparing materials such as, but not limited to, training materials, drafts of client reports, experimental designs, literature reviews, proposals, and pitch decks.
\n\n
\nCoordinate external stakeholder engagement using various appropriate channels including but not limited to; written outputs, webinars, in-person events and virtual learning sessions.
\n\n
\nSupport multiple large-scale research and advisory projects at a given time as may be required.
\n\n
\nClarify research requests to identify potential data sources and informational resources; identify, and discuss research needs with Associates and Engagement Directors.
\n\n
\nCarry out general logistics planning for project activities as it relates to content outcomes such as phasing of field activities, coordinating meetings, etc. Work closely with the Project Operations team and the project team to plan logistics for field operations, knowledge dissemination, capacity strengthening, data collection, and data quality assurance.
\n\n
\nParticipate in field work for assigned projects as may be required.
\n\n
\nEnsure that all project coordination work is communicated with the relevant teams at Busara to ensure proper roll-out of the engagement. This includes, but is not limited to, finance, procurement, operations, facilities, and wellness.
\n\n
\nPerform any other duty as may be assigned by the project supervisor.
\n\n\n
\n\n
\nA Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Economics, Social Sciences, or related fields.
\n\n
\nExperience and interest in working on topics of social cohesion (e.g., identity, trust, governance, conflict resolution, civic engagement etc.)
\n\n
\nExperience in client and partner relationship management
\n\n
\nExperience in developing and disseminating learning materials
\n\n
\nUnderstanding of key issues affecting social cohesion in the East African region.
\n\n
\nHigh level of self-motivation and energy, an optimistic “can-do” attitude.
\n\n
\nStrong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
\n\n
\nQualitative and quantitative research or data analytic skills preferred.
\n\n
\nExcellent organizational skills.
\n\n
\nFlexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player.
\n\n
\nInterest and experience working in a fast-paced working environment.
\n\n
\nFluency and excellent communication and writing skills with a mastery of English and (if applicable) at least one other appropriate language for the office in which they will be based.
\n\n
\nExtreme attention to detail while sustaining a global focus and vision for institutional planning and decision making.
\n\n
\nAbility to work independently and as part of a team.
\n\n
\nAbility, interest and willingness to travel to all project locations as assigned which may include in-country, regional and international locations in the Global South.
\n\n\n
\n\n
\nFamiliarity with randomized controlled trials preferred.
\n\n
\nFamiliarity with behavioral science.
\n\n
\nFamiliarity with client and partner relationship management
\n\n
\nFamiliarity with developing learning materials and facilitating learning sessions
\n\n
\nFamiliarity with R, STATA, Python, SAS, and/or other programming languages
\n\n
\nExposure to large-scale research and consulting projects in countries in which Busara has an office.
\n\n\n
\n
Role Purpose Statement:
\n
The Analyst supports the advisory arm of Busara in making informed decisions and setting priorities on projects. This Analyst position will be hosted in the Social Cohesion portfolio.
\n
The Analyst shall assist senior staff across multiple projects and clients by providing support on client deliverables and other internal portfolio objectives by engaging in capacity strengthening, knowledge development and dissemination, qualitative and quantitative research activities.
\n
Analysts will be tasked with supporting the structuring and composing of reports, client deliverables, and analysis on ongoing projects, in close coordination with the Associates and Engagement Directors.
\n
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
\n
CORE PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES:
\n
We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Data Privacy Statement
As part of Busara’s recruitment process, personal information provided by an applicant through various means will be collected and stored. This includes but is not limited to the information which the candidate provides to Busara in their application and profile, any data from role assessments, interviews information including video interviews and data provided to us by your referees. This data will be used to evaluate the application, communicate with the candidate, and where a candidate has selected this option, for future recruitment opportunities. All this information will be treated as part of each job application record and only retained for the required record retention period.
By choosing to apply for this position at Busara, you are giving Busara your consent to process your personal data as described above. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is secure.
","categories":{"commitment":"Full-time","department":"Research, Advisory and Practice","location":"Nairobi","team":"Advisory","allLocations":["Nairobi"]},"createdAt":1789638289398,"descriptionPlain":"About Busara\nSince 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like agriculture, health, governance and inclusive finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America. \n \nAbout the role:\nThe Senior Associate supports both the advisory and research arms of Busara by leading the execution of Busara projects.\n \nAs the primary project manager and technical lead for all external Busara projects, a Senior Associate quickly gains an expert understanding of the project, challenges, relationships, and research questions and uses best practices and tools, both within and outside Busara to execute to the highest degree, with careful consideration of timelines and budget. They view research problems with a behavioural lens and have good intuition about potential barriers and levers, while drawing on problem-specific and general behavioral science knowledge.\n \nThe Senior Associate works directly with clients and partners and takes ownership of the overall project and its end products. \n \nThe Senior Associate directly manages and effectively coordinates other project staff that work on their project as well as liaise with other Busara teams. This includes strong upward management skills to engage the Project Division’s vice presidents on substantive components of the project.\n \nThe Senior Associate works closely with Busara leaders and directly with researchers, clients and partners to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:\n","description":"About Busara
\nSince 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like agriculture, health, governance and inclusive finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America.
\n
\nAbout the role:
\nThe Senior Associate supports both the advisory and research arms of Busara by leading the execution of Busara projects.
\n
\nAs the primary project manager and technical lead for all external Busara projects, a Senior Associate quickly gains an expert understanding of the project, challenges, relationships, and research questions and uses best practices and tools, both within and outside Busara to execute to the highest degree, with careful consideration of timelines and budget. They view research problems with a behavioural lens and have good intuition about potential barriers and levers, while drawing on problem-specific and general behavioral science knowledge.
\n
\nThe Senior Associate works directly with clients and partners and takes ownership of the overall project and its end products.
\n
\nThe Senior Associate directly manages and effectively coordinates other project staff that work on their project as well as liaise with other Busara teams. This includes strong upward management skills to engage the Project Division’s vice presidents on substantive components of the project.
\n
\nThe Senior Associate works closely with Busara leaders and directly with researchers, clients and partners to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:
","id":"a8129c18-baa7-45e1-96df-bd53c6e8779f","lists":[{"text":"Research Design and Execution: ","content":"\nDesign high-quality qualitative, quantitative and experimental research, which takes into account key sampling, instrument, research integrity and ethics, analysis and interventions considerations on a variety of internal and external projects.\nIncorporate behavioral science into research projects. \nLeads the design and the iteration of prototypes.\nExecute the core project responsibilities with the highest degree with respect to creativity, rigor, relevance, detail, and timeliness.\n"},{"text":" Project Oversight and Leadership:","content":"\nMaintain an understanding of the high-level engagement, the goals of the clients, partners, and teams within Busara, and continually push the project teams to realign around those goals.\nManage the most sensitive or complex projects, typically of medium to large-scale research and advisory projects, end to end, with minimal supervision or support.\nEngage the leadership team and align on substantive components of the project\nLead or support Associates and Analysts to fulfill engagement requirements.\nDevelop and manage execution of project plans, budgets, work plans, and task schedules.\nManage resources, financials, and adhere to the project plan throughout the full project life cycle.\nMonitor, track, and control outcomes to resolve issues, dependencies, and critical path deliverables.\nManage project kick-off, on-boarding, and off-boarding for knowledge management.\nResponsible for project timelines, deliverables, reports, and staffing.\nParticipate in field work for assigned projects as may be required. \nMonitor and review project team performance.\n"},{"text":"External Relationship Management:","content":"\nManage higher-level conversations and partnerships with clients and partners.\nPlan, manage and execute external and internal engagements from start to finish with minimal supervisory engagement.\nServe as a point of contact for clients and partners and effectively manage the needs of stakeholders through proactive communication and troubleshooting.\nIdentify opportunities to deepen engagement with clients and partners. \nPresent at conferences, networking events, and client meetings.\n"},{"text":"People Management and Organizational Engagement:","content":"\nEnsure the engagement of direct and indirect reports by driving the development and nurture of Busara’s culture and values and oversee efforts related to their well-being\nContribute to skills-building for projects’ teams and other teams as required.\nManage performance and serve as mentors to Associates, Analysts, and Project team members, as required.\nServe as champions for the projects team, manage the team and bring forward all relevant and actionable requests to the leadership team.\nMaintain team morale and organizational alignment\nCoordinate hiring and onboarding of Analysts, Interns, and new Associates as needed.\nCoordinate across teams to ensure healthy work relationships are maintained. Mediate and escalate (to supervisors, people or wellness teams) any issues that require attention.\nCommunicate across organizational teams to ensure a healthy and functioning organization.\nContribute to the design, execution, and dissemination of Busara internal research projects and initiatives\nPerform any other duty as may be assigned by the Engagement Director or equivalent.\n"},{"text":"Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Minimum Requirements ","content":"\nA Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related fields. \nStrong qualitative, quantitative, research, and data analytic skills.\nProficient project management skills.\nMinimum of 5 years’ work experience in the global south, with at least 3 years in project and team management in a related field. \nStrong academic behavioral science background.\nExtensive experience managing large-scale projects in developing countries.\nDemonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations.\nExcellent management and organizational skills.\nFlexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player.\nInterest and experience working in a fast-paced working environment.\nFluency and excellent communication and writing skills with a mastery of English.\nAbility to execute projects while sustaining a global focus and vision for institutional planning and decision making.\nAbility, interest, and willingness to travel to all project locations as assigned which may include in-country, regional, and international locations in the Global South. \n"},{"text":"Desired Qualifications:","content":"\nA Master’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related fields is strongly preferred.\nExperience managing or mentoring staff.\nTechnical understanding and practical experience of randomized controlled trials and/or quasi-experimental designs\nTechnical understanding and practical experience of qualitative research techniques.\nExperience in applying behavioral science to real-world problems.\nProficiency in Stata, R, or Python\n"}],"text":"Senior Associate - Governance","country":"KE","workplaceType":"hybrid","opening":"","openingPlain":"","descriptionBody":"About Busara
\nSince 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like agriculture, health, governance and inclusive finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America.
\n
\nAbout the role:
\nThe Senior Associate supports both the advisory and research arms of Busara by leading the execution of Busara projects.
\n
\nAs the primary project manager and technical lead for all external Busara projects, a Senior Associate quickly gains an expert understanding of the project, challenges, relationships, and research questions and uses best practices and tools, both within and outside Busara to execute to the highest degree, with careful consideration of timelines and budget. They view research problems with a behavioural lens and have good intuition about potential barriers and levers, while drawing on problem-specific and general behavioral science knowledge.
\n
\nThe Senior Associate works directly with clients and partners and takes ownership of the overall project and its end products.
\n
\nThe Senior Associate directly manages and effectively coordinates other project staff that work on their project as well as liaise with other Busara teams. This includes strong upward management skills to engage the Project Division’s vice presidents on substantive components of the project.
\n
\nThe Senior Associate works closely with Busara leaders and directly with researchers, clients and partners to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:
","descriptionBodyPlain":"About Busara\nSince 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like agriculture, health, governance and inclusive finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America. \n \nAbout the role:\nThe Senior Associate supports both the advisory and research arms of Busara by leading the execution of Busara projects.\n \nAs the primary project manager and technical lead for all external Busara projects, a Senior Associate quickly gains an expert understanding of the project, challenges, relationships, and research questions and uses best practices and tools, both within and outside Busara to execute to the highest degree, with careful consideration of timelines and budget. They view research problems with a behavioural lens and have good intuition about potential barriers and levers, while drawing on problem-specific and general behavioral science knowledge.\n \nThe Senior Associate works directly with clients and partners and takes ownership of the overall project and its end products. \n \nThe Senior Associate directly manages and effectively coordinates other project staff that work on their project as well as liaise with other Busara teams. This includes strong upward management skills to engage the Project Division’s vice presidents on substantive components of the project.\n \nThe Senior Associate works closely with Busara leaders and directly with researchers, clients and partners to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:\n","hostedUrl":"https://jobs.lever.co/BusaraCenter/a8129c18-baa7-45e1-96df-bd53c6e8779f","applyUrl":"https://jobs.lever.co/BusaraCenter/a8129c18-baa7-45e1-96df-bd53c6e8779f/apply"},{"additionalPlain":"Busara is an equal opportunity employer committed to building diverse, inclusive teams. \n\n\nWe particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience in the communities and contexts we work in.\n\n\nWe will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.\n\n\nData Privacy Statement \nAs part of Busara’s recruitment process, personal information provided by an applicant through various means will be collected and stored. This includes but is not limited to the information which the candidate provides to Busara in their application and profile, any data from role assessments, interviews information including video interviews and data provided to us by your referees. This data will be used to evaluate the application, communicate with the candidate, and where a candidate has selected this option, for future recruitment opportunities. All this information will be treated as part of each job application record and only retained for the required record retention period. \nBy choosing to apply for this position at Busara, you are giving Busara your consent to process your personal data as described above. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is secure.","additional":"\n
Busara is an equal opportunity employer committed to building diverse, inclusive teams.
\n
\n
We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience in the communities and contexts we work in.
\n
\n
We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
\n
Data Privacy Statement
As part of Busara’s recruitment process, personal information provided by an applicant through various means will be collected and stored. This includes but is not limited to the information which the candidate provides to Busara in their application and profile, any data from role assessments, interviews information including video interviews and data provided to us by your referees. This data will be used to evaluate the application, communicate with the candidate, and where a candidate has selected this option, for future recruitment opportunities. All this information will be treated as part of each job application record and only retained for the required record retention period.
By choosing to apply for this position at Busara, you are giving Busara your consent to process your personal data as described above. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is secure.
","categories":{"commitment":"Full-time","department":"Research, Advisory and Practice","location":"Nairobi","team":"Advisory","allLocations":["Nairobi"]},"createdAt":1775542593098,"descriptionPlain":"About Busara\n \nSince 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like agriculture, health, governance and inclusive finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America. \n \nRole Purpose \n \nBusara's FaRM team applies behavioral science to some of the most complex challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South. As a Senior Associate, you will work closely with the Engagement Director to lead the delivery of rigorous research and advisory projects for donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector clients working on food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems. \n \nYou are a skilled researcher and project executor, someone who can take a well-scoped engagement and drive it forward with rigor, initiative, and attention to detail. You bring deep qualitative research expertise, genuine sector knowledge, and the organizational ability to keep complex, multi-method projects on track. \n \nYou translate behavioral evidence into actionable recommendations, backed by the credibility that comes from real field experience and methodological depth. You are comfortable representing Busara's work in client settings and holding your own in a room with a senior government official or seasoned development economist while knowing when to loop in senior leadership.\n \nThis is not a role for generalists. We are looking for someone who has spent meaningful time in the field and understands the lived realities of smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains. In this role, you will take ownership of project deliverables and client relationships, directly manage project staff, and coordinate effectively across Busara's internal teams to ensure engagements are executed to the highest standard.\n \nKey Accountabilities/Responsibilities:\nSenior Associates will work closely with Busara offices and directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to perform a variety of tasks, including, but not limited to:\n","description":"\n
About Busara
\n
\n
Since 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like agriculture, health, governance and inclusive finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America.
\n
\n
Role Purpose
\n
\n
Busara's FaRM team applies behavioral science to some of the most complex challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South. As a Senior Associate, you will work closely with the Engagement Director to lead the delivery of rigorous research and advisory projects for donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector clients working on food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems.
\n
\n
You are a skilled researcher and project executor, someone who can take a well-scoped engagement and drive it forward with rigor, initiative, and attention to detail. You bring deep qualitative research expertise, genuine sector knowledge, and the organizational ability to keep complex, multi-method projects on track.
\n
\n
You translate behavioral evidence into actionable recommendations, backed by the credibility that comes from real field experience and methodological depth. You are comfortable representing Busara's work in client settings and holding your own in a room with a senior government official or seasoned development economist while knowing when to loop in senior leadership.
\n
\n
This is not a role for generalists. We are looking for someone who has spent meaningful time in the field and understands the lived realities of smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains. In this role, you will take ownership of project deliverables and client relationships, directly manage project staff, and coordinate effectively across Busara's internal teams to ensure engagements are executed to the highest standard.
\n
\n
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:
\n
Senior Associates will work closely with Busara offices and directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to perform a variety of tasks, including, but not limited to:
\n
\n
\n- Own the client relationship across the full engagement lifecycle — from scoping and contracting through delivery and dissemination.
\n- Lead senior-level conversations with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients; anticipate needs, navigate complexity, and manage expectations proactively.
\n- Translate client problems into well-defined research and advisory briefs; push back constructively when questions are ill-formed or scope is misaligned.
\n- Develop proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks; contribute to business development within the food systems and climate resilience space.
\n- Represent Busara at conferences, technical working groups, and client convenings — presenting findings with clarity and confidence to non-specialist and expert audiences alike.
\n\n
\n
\n- Design and lead qualitative research components — including in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), ethnographic observation, and participatory methods — with rigor and cultural sensitivity.
\n- Synthesize qualitative evidence into coherent, actionable narratives; identify behavioral drivers and barriers embedded in complex social and institutional contexts.
\n- Apply behavioral science frameworks (e.g., COM-B, dual process theory, social norms models) to agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
\n- Oversee mixed-methods research design, ensuring qualitative and quantitative workstreams are well-integrated and mutually reinforcing.
\n- Maintain quality control across all research outputs — guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.
\n\n
\n
\n- Own project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing plans; escalate risks early and manage scope proactively.
\n- Directly manage and mentor Analysts and Project Leads embedded on your engagements; build their research and advisory skills through active coaching.
\n- Coordinate across Busara's Data, Programming, and Operations teams to ensure smooth execution of field and remote research activities.
\n- Contribute to onboarding and knowledge management so institutional learning is captured and usable.
\n\n
\n
\n- Contribute to FaRM team strategy and knowledge development — including internal research, sector thought pieces, and methodology innovation.
\n- Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance management of junior team members.
\n- Champion a culture of intellectual rigor, constructive feedback, and psychological safety within your project teams.
\n\n
\n
Required
\n
\n
\n- 5–8 years of experience in research, advisory, or program design roles with a meaningful focus on food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa or comparable contexts.
\n- Deep expertise in qualitative research methods — IDIs, FGDs, thematic analysis, and synthesis with strong fieldwork experience in low-resource settings.
\n- Demonstrated ability to manage senior client and partner relationships with confidence, clarity, and professional maturity.
\n- Proven track record leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects from inception to delivery.
\n- Strong analytical and synthesis skills, you can turn messy qualitative data into a crisp, defensible argument.
\n- Excellent written and verbal communication in English; able to write for both technical and non-technical audiences.
\n- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or related).
\n\n
\nStrongly Preferred
\n
\n\n- Master's degree in a relevant field.
\n- Experience applying behavioral science formally or informally to agricultural extension, climate adaptation, or food value chains.
\n- Familiarity with quantitative methods and data analysis tools (Stata, R, or Python); comfort interpreting quantitative findings even if not the primary analyst.
\n- Experience with experimental or quasi-experimental designs (RCTs, difference-in-differences, etc.) as a research lead or collaborator.
\n- Existing networks within the East or West African food systems or climate finance ecosystem.
\n\n
\n
About Busara
\n
\n
Since 2014, Busara has evolved from a small behavioral science lab in Nairobi into a boutique research and advisory organization. Our diverse team of over 130 staff from 15+ countries has engaged in diverse projects across more than 50 countries in sectors like agriculture, health, governance and inclusive finance. While headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, we have expanded our footprint with offices now in India, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Latin America.
\n
\n
Role Purpose
\n
\n
Busara's FaRM team applies behavioral science to some of the most complex challenges in food systems, smallholder agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South. As a Senior Associate, you will work closely with the Engagement Director to lead the delivery of rigorous research and advisory projects for donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector clients working on food security, climate adaptation, and agricultural market systems.
\n
\n
You are a skilled researcher and project executor, someone who can take a well-scoped engagement and drive it forward with rigor, initiative, and attention to detail. You bring deep qualitative research expertise, genuine sector knowledge, and the organizational ability to keep complex, multi-method projects on track.
\n
\n
You translate behavioral evidence into actionable recommendations, backed by the credibility that comes from real field experience and methodological depth. You are comfortable representing Busara's work in client settings and holding your own in a room with a senior government official or seasoned development economist while knowing when to loop in senior leadership.
\n
\n
This is not a role for generalists. We are looking for someone who has spent meaningful time in the field and understands the lived realities of smallholder farmers and agri-food value chains. In this role, you will take ownership of project deliverables and client relationships, directly manage project staff, and coordinate effectively across Busara's internal teams to ensure engagements are executed to the highest standard.
\n
\n
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:
\n
Senior Associates will work closely with Busara offices and directly with academic researchers and advisory clients to perform a variety of tasks, including, but not limited to:
\n
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications, shortlisted candidates will be notified accordingly.
Data Privacy Statement
As part of Busara’s recruitment process, personal information provided by an applicant through various means will be collected and stored. This includes but is not limited to the information which the candidate provides to Busara in their application and profile, any data from role assessments, interviews information including video interviews and data provided to us by your referees. This data will be used to evaluate the application, communicate with the candidate, and where a candidate has selected this option, for future recruitment opportunities. All this information will be treated as part of each job application record and only retained for the required record retention period.
By choosing to apply for this position at Busara, you are giving Busara your consent to process your personal data as described above. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is secure.
","categories":{"commitment":"Full-time","department":"Research, Advisory and Practice","location":"Kenya","team":"Advisory","allLocations":["Kenya"]},"createdAt":1788309826086,"descriptionPlain":"About Busara\nFounded in 2014, Busara is a leading behavioral science and research organization dedicated to improving development outcomes by understanding and influencing human behavior. Busara Uganda partners with governments, development agencies, foundations, research institutions, NGOs, and private sector organizations to design solutions that are evidence-based, contextually grounded, and capable of achieving impact at scale. Over the past decade, Busara has grown into one of the largest behavioral science organizations globally, combining global expertise with deep local knowledge and implementation experience. Busara's mission is to advance and apply behavioral science to help people and organizations make better decisions. The organization's distinctive value lies in its ability to connect rigorous research with practical implementation. Busara combines behavioral science, adult learning principles, human-centered design, systems thinking, and applied research methods to identify the behavioral, social, and institutional factors that influence program outcomes. This enables partners to move beyond understanding what challenges exist to understanding why they exist and how to address them sustainably. Busara supports partners across the full program lifecycle, including assessments, behavioral diagnostics, curriculum development, training and capacity strengthening, program design, monitoring and evaluation, adoption measurement, and knowledge generation.\nThe Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy aims to enable 7 million young women and men across Kenya to access dignified and fulfilling work. Through partnerships with financial institutions, training providers, enterprise support organizations, and other ecosystem actors, the initiative supports programs designed to expand employment opportunities and strengthen pathways to sustainable livelihoods for youth. Over its implementation, the scale and diversity of supported programs have grown substantially across sectors and geographies. As the strategy has matured, the Foundation’s learning priorities have shifted to place greater emphasis on understanding the nature and durability of the outcomes these programs generate. The central evidence question has shifted from assessing how many young people are reached to examining whether they can access and sustain dignified and fulfilling work as a result of these interventions. In this context, the Foundation wants to understand several interrelated dimensions of program outcomes. These include the sustainability of employment and livelihood outcomes over time, differences in outcomes across youth segments, and the extent to which interventions contribute to broader institutional and ecosystem changes.\nBusara is partnering with Mastercard Foundation as its Impact Partner Organization (IPO) in Kenya to conduct Program Outcomes Assessments (POA) and Strategic Reviews across Foundation-supported programs under the Young Africa Works Strategy. These assessments and reviews combine quantitative and qualitative inquiry structured around four core POA question areas, including Reach and Access, Progression to Dignified and Fulfilling Work, Improvements in Quality of Life, and Systems and Institutional Contribution, alongside program-specific objectives for each Implementing Partner reviewed.\nBusara seeks the services of a Workforce Development Thematic Expert, with a focus on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector on a short-term basis to support work across the TVET sector, including programs that deliver technical, vocational, and market-relevant skills training; vocational institutional strengthening and trade certification; vocational and hybrid upskilling; and Accelerated Education Programming, among others. \nPurpose of the Role\nThe Workforce Development Thematic Expert brings extensive knowledge and expertise in Kenya’s TVET sector, as well as the ability to assess current approaches, outcomes, and gaps, and recommend actionable strategies to strengthen youth employment and enterprise development through TVET skilling and institutional capacity building. The expert will help Busara and Mastercard Foundation Kenya establish: \nHow trends in Kenya’s TVET sector are impacting youth employment opportunities where the strategy is active in Kenya.\nThe extent to which the strategy, partnerships, and investments are positioned to respond to and capitalize on these trends.\nThe barriers, gaps, and opportunities for meaningful participation of young women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and refugee communities in the digital economy.\nOpportunities, risks, and gaps in the strategy’s TVET positioning, and practical, prioritized recommendations to strengthen it.\n","description":"About Busara
\nFounded in 2014, Busara is a leading behavioral science and research organization dedicated to improving development outcomes by understanding and influencing human behavior. Busara Uganda partners with governments, development agencies, foundations, research institutions, NGOs, and private sector organizations to design solutions that are evidence-based, contextually grounded, and capable of achieving impact at scale. Over the past decade, Busara has grown into one of the largest behavioral science organizations globally, combining global expertise with deep local knowledge and implementation experience. Busara's mission is to advance and apply behavioral science to help people and organizations make better decisions. The organization's distinctive value lies in its ability to connect rigorous research with practical implementation. Busara combines behavioral science, adult learning principles, human-centered design, systems thinking, and applied research methods to identify the behavioral, social, and institutional factors that influence program outcomes. This enables partners to move beyond understanding what challenges exist to understanding why they exist and how to address them sustainably. Busara supports partners across the full program lifecycle, including assessments, behavioral diagnostics, curriculum development, training and capacity strengthening, program design, monitoring and evaluation, adoption measurement, and knowledge generation.
\nThe Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy aims to enable 7 million young women and men across Kenya to access dignified and fulfilling work. Through partnerships with financial institutions, training providers, enterprise support organizations, and other ecosystem actors, the initiative supports programs designed to expand employment opportunities and strengthen pathways to sustainable livelihoods for youth. Over its implementation, the scale and diversity of supported programs have grown substantially across sectors and geographies. As the strategy has matured, the Foundation’s learning priorities have shifted to place greater emphasis on understanding the nature and durability of the outcomes these programs generate. The central evidence question has shifted from assessing how many young people are reached to examining whether they can access and sustain dignified and fulfilling work as a result of these interventions. In this context, the Foundation wants to understand several interrelated dimensions of program outcomes. These include the sustainability of employment and livelihood outcomes over time, differences in outcomes across youth segments, and the extent to which interventions contribute to broader institutional and ecosystem changes.
\nBusara is partnering with Mastercard Foundation as its Impact Partner Organization (IPO) in Kenya to conduct Program Outcomes Assessments (POA) and Strategic Reviews across Foundation-supported programs under the Young Africa Works Strategy. These assessments and reviews combine quantitative and qualitative inquiry structured around four core POA question areas, including Reach and Access, Progression to Dignified and Fulfilling Work, Improvements in Quality of Life, and Systems and Institutional Contribution, alongside program-specific objectives for each Implementing Partner reviewed.
\nBusara seeks the services of a Workforce Development Thematic Expert, with a focus on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector on a short-term basis to support work across the TVET sector, including programs that deliver technical, vocational, and market-relevant skills training; vocational institutional strengthening and trade certification; vocational and hybrid upskilling; and Accelerated Education Programming, among others.
\nPurpose of the Role
\nThe Workforce Development Thematic Expert brings extensive knowledge and expertise in Kenya’s TVET sector, as well as the ability to assess current approaches, outcomes, and gaps, and recommend actionable strategies to strengthen youth employment and enterprise development through TVET skilling and institutional capacity building. The expert will help Busara and Mastercard Foundation Kenya establish:
\n\n- \n
How trends in Kenya’s TVET sector are impacting youth employment opportunities where the strategy is active in Kenya.
\n \n- \n
The extent to which the strategy, partnerships, and investments are positioned to respond to and capitalize on these trends.
\n \n- \n
The barriers, gaps, and opportunities for meaningful participation of young women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and refugee communities in the digital economy.
\n \n- \n
Opportunities, risks, and gaps in the strategy’s TVET positioning, and practical, prioritized recommendations to strengthen it.
\n \n
","id":"7c3f0c7c-c3f9-4d2a-a576-017b1f6eebc1","lists":[{"text":"Key Responsibilities","content":"\n\n
\nConduct a literature review on the TVET ecosystem and review relevant Young Africa Works Strategy documents, reports, and results data from Kenya’s implementing partners, with attention to labor-market demand, employer linkages, and graduate outcomes.
\n\n
\nProvide technical input to assessments and reviews related to TVET system indicators, including quality, relevance, access, completion, certification, and post-training transitions.
\n\n
\nMap sector actors, policy and financing shifts, and current trends in Kenya’s TVET sector relevant to youth employment and upskilling, and benchmark against relevant associated strategies in East Africa.
\n\n
\nConduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and consultations with relevant stakeholders and ecosystem actors, including employers, training providers, regulators, youth, women, PWDs, and refugee representatives.
\n\n
\nAssess the extent to which current programs address critical TVET sector challenges, including access to TVET institutions, affordability, geographic barriers, inclusion, trainer capacity, curriculum relevance, and the impact of technology on the sector.
\n\n
\nAssess the TVET sector relevance and positioning of Young Africa Works Strategy in Kenya’s current partner portfolio and flagship interventions, including alignment with national TVET policy priorities, accreditation requirements, and competency-based training approaches.
\n\n
\nIdentify barriers and opportunities for youth participation in the TVET sub-sectors, disaggregated by young women, PWDs, refugees, and host communities, to strengthen skilling outcomes, including potential new partnerships, delivery models, priority sub-sectors, or areas of focus.
\n\n
\nEvaluate the effectiveness of TVET skilling, mentorship, work-based learning, enterprise support, and linkages to dignified and fulfilling work, including livelihood sustainability and financial outcomes for youth participants.
\n\n
\nProduce a report with findings, learnings, and recommendations, and a prioritization framework for dissemination to Busara and the Young Africa Works stakeholders, highlighting key gaps, risks, and actionable next steps for the TVET strategy.
\n\n\n
\n\n
An inception report covering the methodology, work plan, and budget.\n
\nKey Informant Interview (KII) discussion guides tailored to various stakeholders.
\n\n
\nAudio recordings and notes from Key Informant Interview (KII) discussions.
\n\n
\nA draft narrative report including an executive summary, findings, learnings and recommendations, and a prioritized action matrix.
\n\n
\nA PowerPoint slide deck for presentation to the Foundation.
\n\n
\nHold a validation and dissemination session with the Foundation.
\n\n
\nA final PowerPoint slide deck incorporating input from the validation and dissemination session.
\n\n
\nParticipate in sensemaking sessions with the Foundation, Implementing Partners, and other relevant ecosystem actors, as required.
\n\n
\nA final narrative report incorporating input from the validation, dissemination, and sensemaking sessions.
\n\n\n
\n\n
\nAdvanced degree in Education, Vocational Training, or a related field.
\n\n
\nMinimum 8-10 years of experience in TVET program design, delivery, or evaluation in Kenya, ideally within youth employment or skilling programs serving refugee or host community populations.
\n\n
\nDemonstrated experience designing and conducting qualitative fieldwork (IDIs, FGDs, KIIs), including life journey/storytelling techniques, with TVET trainees, instructors, and institutions.
\n\n
\nProven track record and consulting experience conducting strategic reviews, evaluations, or advisory assignments for donor-funded or foundation-funded workforce development programs.
\n\n
\nWorking knowledge of Kenya’s TVET policy framework, competency-based training and assessment, and institutional accreditation processes with the ability to translate policy into system-level strategy, reform options, or implementation trade-offs.
\n\n
\nFamiliarity with Kenya’s refugee response context (including major refugee-hosting districts) and labor market systems relevant to TVET graduates is strongly preferred.
\n\n
\nStrong facilitation skills in relevant Kenyan local languages, or demonstrated experience working effectively through local language facilitators and interpreters.
\n\n
\nPrior experience contributing to donor-funded evaluations or strategic reviews, ideally within mixed methods, Made in Africa evaluation-aligned designs, as well as hands-on familiarity with curriculum development, assessment standards, or institutional quality assurances an advantage.
\n\n\n
\n
Ten(10) working days over a period of three (3) months (starting September 2026).
\n
The timelines above are indicative and will be finalized jointly with the successful consultant during the inception phase, in line with the specific review cycle for which they are engaged.
\n
About Busara
\nFounded in 2014, Busara is a leading behavioral science and research organization dedicated to improving development outcomes by understanding and influencing human behavior. Busara Uganda partners with governments, development agencies, foundations, research institutions, NGOs, and private sector organizations to design solutions that are evidence-based, contextually grounded, and capable of achieving impact at scale. Over the past decade, Busara has grown into one of the largest behavioral science organizations globally, combining global expertise with deep local knowledge and implementation experience. Busara's mission is to advance and apply behavioral science to help people and organizations make better decisions. The organization's distinctive value lies in its ability to connect rigorous research with practical implementation. Busara combines behavioral science, adult learning principles, human-centered design, systems thinking, and applied research methods to identify the behavioral, social, and institutional factors that influence program outcomes. This enables partners to move beyond understanding what challenges exist to understanding why they exist and how to address them sustainably. Busara supports partners across the full program lifecycle, including assessments, behavioral diagnostics, curriculum development, training and capacity strengthening, program design, monitoring and evaluation, adoption measurement, and knowledge generation.
\nThe Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy aims to enable 7 million young women and men across Kenya to access dignified and fulfilling work. Through partnerships with financial institutions, training providers, enterprise support organizations, and other ecosystem actors, the initiative supports programs designed to expand employment opportunities and strengthen pathways to sustainable livelihoods for youth. Over its implementation, the scale and diversity of supported programs have grown substantially across sectors and geographies. As the strategy has matured, the Foundation’s learning priorities have shifted to place greater emphasis on understanding the nature and durability of the outcomes these programs generate. The central evidence question has shifted from assessing how many young people are reached to examining whether they can access and sustain dignified and fulfilling work as a result of these interventions. In this context, the Foundation wants to understand several interrelated dimensions of program outcomes. These include the sustainability of employment and livelihood outcomes over time, differences in outcomes across youth segments, and the extent to which interventions contribute to broader institutional and ecosystem changes.
\nBusara is partnering with Mastercard Foundation as its Impact Partner Organization (IPO) in Kenya to conduct Program Outcomes Assessments (POA) and Strategic Reviews across Foundation-supported programs under the Young Africa Works Strategy. These assessments and reviews combine quantitative and qualitative inquiry structured around four core POA question areas, including Reach and Access, Progression to Dignified and Fulfilling Work, Improvements in Quality of Life, and Systems and Institutional Contribution, alongside program-specific objectives for each Implementing Partner reviewed.
\nBusara seeks the services of a Workforce Development Thematic Expert, with a focus on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector on a short-term basis to support work across the TVET sector, including programs that deliver technical, vocational, and market-relevant skills training; vocational institutional strengthening and trade certification; vocational and hybrid upskilling; and Accelerated Education Programming, among others.
\nPurpose of the Role
\nThe Workforce Development Thematic Expert brings extensive knowledge and expertise in Kenya’s TVET sector, as well as the ability to assess current approaches, outcomes, and gaps, and recommend actionable strategies to strengthen youth employment and enterprise development through TVET skilling and institutional capacity building. The expert will help Busara and Mastercard Foundation Kenya establish:
\n\n- \n
How trends in Kenya’s TVET sector are impacting youth employment opportunities where the strategy is active in Kenya.
\n \n- \n
The extent to which the strategy, partnerships, and investments are positioned to respond to and capitalize on these trends.
\n \n- \n
The barriers, gaps, and opportunities for meaningful participation of young women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and refugee communities in the digital economy.
\n \n- \n
Opportunities, risks, and gaps in the strategy’s TVET positioning, and practical, prioritized recommendations to strengthen it.
\n \n
","descriptionBodyPlain":"About Busara\nFounded in 2014, Busara is a leading behavioral science and research organization dedicated to improving development outcomes by understanding and influencing human behavior. Busara Uganda partners with governments, development agencies, foundations, research institutions, NGOs, and private sector organizations to design solutions that are evidence-based, contextually grounded, and capable of achieving impact at scale. Over the past decade, Busara has grown into one of the largest behavioral science organizations globally, combining global expertise with deep local knowledge and implementation experience. Busara's mission is to advance and apply behavioral science to help people and organizations make better decisions. The organization's distinctive value lies in its ability to connect rigorous research with practical implementation. Busara combines behavioral science, adult learning principles, human-centered design, systems thinking, and applied research methods to identify the behavioral, social, and institutional factors that influence program outcomes. This enables partners to move beyond understanding what challenges exist to understanding why they exist and how to address them sustainably. Busara supports partners across the full program lifecycle, including assessments, behavioral diagnostics, curriculum development, training and capacity strengthening, program design, monitoring and evaluation, adoption measurement, and knowledge generation.\nThe Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy aims to enable 7 million young women and men across Kenya to access dignified and fulfilling work. Through partnerships with financial institutions, training providers, enterprise support organizations, and other ecosystem actors, the initiative supports programs designed to expand employment opportunities and strengthen pathways to sustainable livelihoods for youth. Over its implementation, the scale and diversity of supported programs have grown substantially across sectors and geographies. As the strategy has matured, the Foundation’s learning priorities have shifted to place greater emphasis on understanding the nature and durability of the outcomes these programs generate. The central evidence question has shifted from assessing how many young people are reached to examining whether they can access and sustain dignified and fulfilling work as a result of these interventions. In this context, the Foundation wants to understand several interrelated dimensions of program outcomes. These include the sustainability of employment and livelihood outcomes over time, differences in outcomes across youth segments, and the extent to which interventions contribute to broader institutional and ecosystem changes.\nBusara is partnering with Mastercard Foundation as its Impact Partner Organization (IPO) in Kenya to conduct Program Outcomes Assessments (POA) and Strategic Reviews across Foundation-supported programs under the Young Africa Works Strategy. These assessments and reviews combine quantitative and qualitative inquiry structured around four core POA question areas, including Reach and Access, Progression to Dignified and Fulfilling Work, Improvements in Quality of Life, and Systems and Institutional Contribution, alongside program-specific objectives for each Implementing Partner reviewed.\nBusara seeks the services of a Workforce Development Thematic Expert, with a focus on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector on a short-term basis to support work across the TVET sector, including programs that deliver technical, vocational, and market-relevant skills training; vocational institutional strengthening and trade certification; vocational and hybrid upskilling; and Accelerated Education Programming, among others. \nPurpose of the Role\nThe Workforce Development Thematic Expert brings extensive knowledge and expertise in Kenya’s TVET sector, as well as the ability to assess current approaches, outcomes, and gaps, and recommend actionable strategies to strengthen youth employment and enterprise development through TVET skilling and institutional capacity building. The expert will help Busara and Mastercard Foundation Kenya establish: \nHow trends in Kenya’s TVET sector are impacting youth employment opportunities where the strategy is active in Kenya.\nThe extent to which the strategy, partnerships, and investments are positioned to respond to and capitalize on these trends.\nThe barriers, gaps, and opportunities for meaningful participation of young women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and refugee communities in the digital economy.\nOpportunities, risks, and gaps in the strategy’s TVET positioning, and practical, prioritized recommendations to strengthen it.\n","country":null,"hostedUrl":"https://jobs.lever.co/BusaraCenter/7c3f0c7c-c3f9-4d2a-a576-017b1f6eebc1","applyUrl":"https://jobs.lever.co/BusaraCenter/7c3f0c7c-c3f9-4d2a-a576-017b1f6eebc1/apply"},{"additionalPlain":"As applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.\n\n\nData Privacy Statement \nAs part of Busara’s recruitment process, personal information provided by an applicant through various means will be collected and stored. This includes but is not limited to the information which the candidate provides to Busara in their application and profile, any data from role assessments, interviews information including video interviews and data provided to us by your referees. This data will be used to evaluate the application, communicate with the candidate, and where a candidate has selected this option, for future recruitment opportunities. All this information will be treated as part of each job application record and only retained for the required record retention period. \nBy choosing to apply for this position at Busara, you are giving Busara your consent to process your personal data as described above. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is secure.","additional":"As applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Data Privacy Statement
As part of Busara’s recruitment process, personal information provided by an applicant through various means will be collected and stored. This includes but is not limited to the information which the candidate provides to Busara in their application and profile, any data from role assessments, interviews information including video interviews and data provided to us by your referees. This data will be used to evaluate the application, communicate with the candidate, and where a candidate has selected this option, for future recruitment opportunities. All this information will be treated as part of each job application record and only retained for the required record retention period.
By choosing to apply for this position at Busara, you are giving Busara your consent to process your personal data as described above. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is secure.
","categories":{"commitment":"Full-time","department":"Research, Advisory and Practice","location":"Nairobi","team":"Advisory","allLocations":["Nairobi"]},"createdAt":1787664107308,"descriptionPlain":"What does Busara do?\n \nBusara implements research for organizations around the world, ranging from qualitative in-depth studies to lab experiments to large-scale randomized controlled trials. In addition, Busara’s advisory arm works with governments, non-profit organizations and private sector enterprises on improving their policies and products.\n \nThrough incorporating insights from behavioral economics, we help organizations understand decision-making and enable them and the people they serve to make better and more informed choices.\n \nAs Busara continues to grow, we are strengthening our practice areas, expanding our partnerships, and building the capabilities required to translate our expertise into greater and more sustainable impact. \n \nRole Purpose Statement:\nThe Vice President, Practice is a senior executive responsible for leading Busara’s Practice areas and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scalable, and financially sustainable impact.\nReporting directly to the CEO, the VP, Research, Advisory & Practice holds enterprise-level accountability for research, advisory & practice strategy, business development, delivery excellence, and leadership development across sectors, geographies, and portfolios. The role ensures that Busara’s Behavioral science expertise is consistently translated into effective programs, strong partnerships, and enduring institutional capabilities.\nThis is a leadership role that combines strategic vision with operational execution, requiring the ability to drive growth, oversee complex delivery portfolios, and build the systems and teams necessary for long-term success.\nWho We’re Looking For\nWe are looking for a leader who has successfully operated at scale and can lead across strategy, business development, delivery, people, and organizational development.\nYou will be someone who is comfortable building where there is ambiguity, creating systems without creating unnecessary bureaucracy, and bringing different teams and portfolios together around a shared mission. You will combine strong commercial and operational judgment with intellectual curiosity, a deep understanding of behavioral science, and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.\nMost importantly, we are looking for someone who can help Busara move from strong individual practices and portfolios toward an increasingly integrated, scalable, and sustainable organization.\n","description":"What does Busara do?
\n
\nBusara implements research for organizations around the world, ranging from qualitative in-depth studies to lab experiments to large-scale randomized controlled trials. In addition, Busara’s advisory arm works with governments, non-profit organizations and private sector enterprises on improving their policies and products.
\n
\nThrough incorporating insights from behavioral economics, we help organizations understand decision-making and enable them and the people they serve to make better and more informed choices.
\n
\nAs Busara continues to grow, we are strengthening our practice areas, expanding our partnerships, and building the capabilities required to translate our expertise into greater and more sustainable impact.
\n
\nRole Purpose Statement:
\n\n
The Vice President, Practice is a senior executive responsible for leading Busara’s Practice areas and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scalable, and financially sustainable impact.
\n
Reporting directly to the CEO, the VP, Research, Advisory & Practice holds enterprise-level accountability for research, advisory & practice strategy, business development, delivery excellence, and leadership development across sectors, geographies, and portfolios. The role ensures that Busara’s Behavioral science expertise is consistently translated into effective programs, strong partnerships, and enduring institutional capabilities.
\n
This is a leadership role that combines strategic vision with operational execution, requiring the ability to drive growth, oversee complex delivery portfolios, and build the systems and teams necessary for long-term success.
\n
Who We’re Looking For
\n
We are looking for a leader who has successfully operated at scale and can lead across strategy, business development, delivery, people, and organizational development.
\n
You will be someone who is comfortable building where there is ambiguity, creating systems without creating unnecessary bureaucracy, and bringing different teams and portfolios together around a shared mission. You will combine strong commercial and operational judgment with intellectual curiosity, a deep understanding of behavioral science, and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
\n
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can help Busara move from strong individual practices and portfolios toward an increasingly integrated, scalable, and sustainable organization.
\n
The Vice President, Research, Advisory & Practice will provide enterprise-level leadership across Busara’s practice areas, with responsibility for translating strategy into sustainable growth, high-quality delivery, strong partnerships, and organizational capability. The role will work across practices, geographies, and functions to ensure that Busara operates as an integrated organization and continues to deliver meaningful impact at scale. The key areas of responsibility include and not limited to:\n
Strategy and Practice Leadership
\n\n
Define and lead Busara’s overall research, advisory & practice strategy across sectors and regions in alignment with Busara’s overall organizational strategy\n
\nEnsure coherence and integration across practices, geographies, and portfolios
\n\n
\nIdentify and develop new practice areas, service lines, and strategic opportunities in development and adjacent sectors.
\n\n
\nTranslate research, delivery experience, and learning into scalable tools, frameworks, and approaches to strengthen institutional adoption
\n\n
\nDesign and model the norms that ensure different portfolios operate as a unit towards a singular mission
\n\n
\nEnsure the overall sustainability of every practice area, measured against revenue, margin, utilization, share of practice partnerships and overall contribution to Busara's mission.
\n\n\n
Commercial Leadership and Partnerships
\n\n
\nOwn revenue growth, margin performance, utilization, and renewal targets across practice areas
\n\n
\nOversee the full business development lifecycle, including pipeline management, forecasting, and conversion
\n\n
\nLead or support the development of major proposals, partnerships, and contracts
\n\n
\nBuild and maintain senior relationships with funders, governments, multilaterals, and implementing partners
\n\n
\nStrengthen commercial discipline, including pricing, opportunity selection, and portfolio balance
\n\n
\nCoach and support senior leaders in business development and account management
\n\n
\nAllocate resources strategically across practices.
\n\n\n
Delivery Excellence and Impact
\n\n
\nHold overall accountability for the quality, rigor, and impact of program delivery
\n\n
\nStrengthen and enforce quality assurance systems across all projects and portfolios
\n\n
\nImprove delivery reliability, including timelines, staffing models, and execution consistency
\n\n
\nMonitor portfolio performance and address delivery risks proactively
\n\n
\nStrengthen implementation capability across teams and geographies
\n\n
\nBuild and maintain knowledge management systems to support learning and reuse
\n\n
\nDrive continuous improvement based on performance data and feedback
\n\n\n
Leadership and Organizational Development
\n\n
\nLead, coach, and develop senior leaders across practices and portfolios
\n\n
\nBuild a strong leadership pipeline and succession plans for critical roles
\n\n
\nClarify roles, decision-making structures, and accountability across teams
\n\n
\nStrengthen management capability, including performance management and delegation
\n\n
\nPartner with the People function on recruitment, retention, and talent development
\n\n
\nPartner with Director Voice on designing and co-creating impact strategies that are rooted in practice area relationships but can be supported with voice outputs
\n\n
\nFoster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
\n\n\n
\n
Experience
\n\n
\n12–15+ years of experience in global development, consulting, research, or advisory environments with at least 5 years at the senior executive level
\n\n
\nProven track record of leading strategy, business development, and delivery at scale
\n\n
\nExperience managing complex, multi-country portfolios or programs
\n\n
\nDemonstrated success in building partnerships with funders, governments, or multilaterals
\n\n
\nExperience leading and developing senior teams
\n\n
\nDeep familiarity with applied behavioral science, psychology, economics, or a related discipline.
\n\n
\nExperience working across Africa and South Asia strongly preferred; lived or worked
\n\n\n
Skills and Capabilities
\n\n
\nStrategic thinking with operational discipline – able to hold the long arc and the near-term simultaneously.
\n\n
\nDeep commercial acumen, including revenue growth, margins, and pipeline management
\n\n
\nEntrepreneurial builder – comfortable creating structure where none exists, and evolving it as the organization grows.
\n\n
\nPeople leadership – a coach and talent developer who builds diverse, high-trust teams.
\n\n
\nBehavioral science fluency – able to translate rigorous methods into practical, client-facing solutions.
\n\n
\nExternal presence – credible, warm, and articulate in front of the most senior stakeholders.
\n\n
\nCross-functional influence – able to lead with authority across People, Finance, Comms, and Project Operations.
\n\n
\nFuture-oriented: able to engage with new technologies and support implementation of our AI strategy.
\n\n\n
What Success Looks Like
\n\n
\nSustained revenue growth and improved financial performance across practice areas.
\n\n
\nHigh-quality, consistent delivery across practice areas, portfolios and geographies.
\n\n
\nStrong pipeline and conversion of strategic opportunities.
\n\n
\nClear and scalable practice areas with increased reuse of tools and approaches.
\n\n
\nStrengthened leadership bench and organizational capability.
\n\n
\nEnhanced reputation and influence of Busara in the global majority development ecosystem.
\n\n\n
What does Busara do?
\n
\nBusara implements research for organizations around the world, ranging from qualitative in-depth studies to lab experiments to large-scale randomized controlled trials. In addition, Busara’s advisory arm works with governments, non-profit organizations and private sector enterprises on improving their policies and products.
\n
\nThrough incorporating insights from behavioral economics, we help organizations understand decision-making and enable them and the people they serve to make better and more informed choices.
\n
\nAs Busara continues to grow, we are strengthening our practice areas, expanding our partnerships, and building the capabilities required to translate our expertise into greater and more sustainable impact.
\n
\nRole Purpose Statement:
\n\n
The Vice President, Practice is a senior executive responsible for leading Busara’s Practice areas and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scalable, and financially sustainable impact.
\n
Reporting directly to the CEO, the VP, Research, Advisory & Practice holds enterprise-level accountability for research, advisory & practice strategy, business development, delivery excellence, and leadership development across sectors, geographies, and portfolios. The role ensures that Busara’s Behavioral science expertise is consistently translated into effective programs, strong partnerships, and enduring institutional capabilities.
\n
This is a leadership role that combines strategic vision with operational execution, requiring the ability to drive growth, oversee complex delivery portfolios, and build the systems and teams necessary for long-term success.
\n
Who We’re Looking For
\n
We are looking for a leader who has successfully operated at scale and can lead across strategy, business development, delivery, people, and organizational development.
\n
You will be someone who is comfortable building where there is ambiguity, creating systems without creating unnecessary bureaucracy, and bringing different teams and portfolios together around a shared mission. You will combine strong commercial and operational judgment with intellectual curiosity, a deep understanding of behavioral science, and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
\n
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can help Busara move from strong individual practices and portfolios toward an increasingly integrated, scalable, and sustainable organization.
\n