Internship | Job Vacancies at Busara Center

Associate – FaRM at Busara

Busara’s FaRM team applies behavioral science to complex challenges in food systems, agriculture, and climate resilience across the Global South. As an Associate, you will work alongside the Senior Associate and Engagement Director to lead the planning, execution, and day-to-day management of research and advisory projects for donors, governments, NGOs, and private sector clients.

As primary project manager for all external Busara projects, you are the engine of project delivery. You quickly develop a deep understanding of the problem at hand and use every tool available, within and outside Busara, to execute engagements to the highest standard, with careful attention to timing and budget. You develop creative and rigorous solutions to client and partner needs and manage internal and external relationships with energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

You are self-directed and delivery-oriented, someone who can own smaller workstreams independently while contributing meaningfully to larger engagements. You are intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and comfortable moving between fieldwork, analysis, and client-ready outputs. You directly manage project staff on your engagements and coordinate effectively across Busara’s internal teams to keep things moving.

This is a role for someone building toward a client-facing advisory career and eager to grow quickly in a small, ambitious team working on problems that matter.

Project Delivery

• Engage in multiple large-scale research and advisory projects simultaneously, managing competing priorities with professionalism and focus.
• Plan, manage, and execute external and internal engagements independently from start to finish, with limited supervision.
• Incorporate the latest thinking in quantitative and qualitative methods, behavioral science, psychology, economics, and development to deliver creative, rigorous solutions to client problems.
• Design, launch, and analyze effective quantitative and qualitative survey instruments in coordination with Analysts, Data, Programming, and Operations teams.
• Manage and conduct qualitative research — IDIs, FGDs, and observation — and quantitative data collection and analysis, integrating findings into coherent, actionable outputs.
• Own project timelines, deliverables, reports, and staffing — flagging risks early and managing scope proactively.
• Participate in fieldwork for assigned projects as required.
• Contribute to the design, execution, and dissemination of Busara’s internal research projects.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and partners on active engagements; manage stakeholder needs through proactive communication and troubleshooting.
• Work directly with academic researchers and advisory clients across a range of food systems, agriculture, and climate resilience contexts.
• Contribute to proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks for new business opportunities and knowledge sharing.
• Present findings at conferences, networking events, and client meetings.
• Develop working relationships with implementing partners, field teams, and other external stakeholders.

People & Knowledge Management

• Directly manage and provide constructive feedback to the Analyst on your engagements.
• Work closely with and support other colleagues to fulfill engagement requirements.
• Contribute to project onboarding and offboarding processes for knowledge management.

Organizational Contribution

• Participate in goal-setting exercises, OKRs, and team building activities with the broader Associate team.
• Contribute to skills-building workshops and internal learning initiatives.
• Support internal initiatives where needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• 4–6 years of experience in research, advisory, or program roles with exposure to food systems, agriculture, or climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa or comparable contexts.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or related). A Master’s Degree in any of the above fields will be an added advantage.
• Strong quantitative research skills, proficiency in Stata, R, and Python is non-negotiable; comfortable with data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation independently.
• Solid qualitative research skills, experienced in IDIs, FGDs, and thematic analysis, with fieldwork experience in low-resource settings.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate quantitative and qualitative evidence into coherent, actionable findings.
• Strong project management skills — able to own workplans, budgets, and timelines independently and communicate progress clearly.
• Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating project staff.
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication in English; able to produce clean, well-structured outputs for client audiences.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience managing or mentoring staff.
• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials and/or quasi-experimental designs
• Technical understanding of qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
• Strong academic behavioral science background.

• Knowledge of the application of behavioral science to real-world problems.
• Proficiency in Stata, R, or Python
• Experience with experimental or quasi-experimental research designs — RCTs, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity.
• Exposure to behavioral science concepts, formally or in practice.
• Prior experience in a consulting, advisory, or research firm setting.

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Senior Associate – Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Resilience Management at Busara Center

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

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:

Client & Advisory Leadership

• Own the client relationship across the full engagement lifecycle — from scoping and contracting through delivery and dissemination.
• Lead senior-level conversations with donors, implementing partners, ministries, and private sector clients; anticipate needs, navigate complexity, and manage expectations proactively.
• Translate client problems into well-defined research and advisory briefs; push back constructively when questions are ill-formed or scope is misaligned.
• Develop proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks; contribute to business development within the food systems and climate resilience space.
• Represent Busara at conferences, technical working groups, and client convenings — presenting findings with clarity and confidence to non-specialist and expert audiences alike.

Qualitative Research & Technical Execution

• 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.
• Synthesize qualitative evidence into coherent, actionable narratives; identify behavioral drivers and barriers embedded in complex social and institutional contexts.
• Apply behavioral science frameworks (e.g., COM-B, dual process theory, social norms models) to agricultural and climate adaptation challenges.
• Oversee mixed-methods research design, ensuring qualitative and quantitative workstreams are well-integrated and mutually reinforcing.
• Maintain quality control across all research outputs — guides, transcripts, codebooks, analysis memos, and final reports.

Project & People Management

• Own project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and staffing plans; escalate risks early and manage scope proactively.
• Directly manage and mentor Analysts and Project Leads embedded on your engagements; build their research and advisory skills through active coaching.
• Coordinate across Busara’s Data, Programming, and Operations teams to ensure smooth execution of field and remote research activities.
• Contribute to onboarding and knowledge management so institutional learning is captured and usable.

Organizational Contribution

• Contribute to FaRM team strategy and knowledge development — including internal research, sector thought pieces, and methodology innovation.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance management of junior team members.
• Champion a culture of intellectual rigor, constructive feedback, and psychological safety within your project teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Required

• 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.
• Deep expertise in qualitative research methods — IDIs, FGDs, thematic analysis, and synthesis with strong fieldwork experience in low-resource settings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage senior client and partner relationships with confidence, clarity, and professional maturity.
• Proven track record leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects from inception to delivery.
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, you can turn messy qualitative data into a crisp, defensible argument.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; able to write for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Policy, or related).

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Analyst – Qualitative at Busara

 About the role Busara is recruiting an Analyst (Qualitative research) to support programme evaluations and learning assignments in Kenya. This role is responsible for qualitative data collection, enumerator training and the organisation and first-level analysis of qualitative evidence.

The Analyst works closely with the Associate (Data Systems and MEL Specialist), who manages overall project delivery and data systems for the unit. Working alongside a dedicated field coordinator, this Analyst focuses on qualitative research design, tool contextualisation, enumerator training, qualitative analysis, and reporting. Ensuring field teams are technically prepared and that data collected is analytically usable. Once data collection is underway, the role shifts to organising, coding, and interpreting qualitative evidence and translating findings into clear, well-grounded outputs. This suits someone rigorous about methodology, precise in analysis, and comfortable producing written work under time pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Research Design and Tool Development

• Develop and refine qualitative data collection instruments such as  IDI guides, FGD guides, and KII protocols, aligned to evaluation questions and the assessment framework.
• Support design of sampling frameworks, including purposive selection criteria for qualitative sub-samples and case study participants.
• Contribute to the development of quantitative survey modules where qualitative and quantitative instruments need to be aligned.

Enumerator and Field Team Training

• Design and facilitate training sessions for field enumerators and research assistants, covering interview techniques, ethical data collection, and instrument application.
• Develop training materials, role-play scenarios, and quality checklists for field teams.
• Support piloting of instruments and incorporate findings into final tool revisions before deployment.
• Monitor fieldwork quality in real time, identifying and resolving issues affecting data completeness or consistency.

Data Quality Assessment Support

• Assist the Associate in conducting DQA activities, including reviewing incoming qualitative data for completeness, consistency, and adherence to protocols.
• Review transcripts, field notes, and observation records for quality and flag gaps requiring follow-up.
• Maintain organised qualitative data files and documentation logs throughout the data collection period.

Qualitative Analysis

• Conduct thematic coding and analysis of qualitative data using NVivo or equivalent.
• Produce structured analytical memos and emerging findings summaries at key stages of the analysis.
• Contribute to triangulation of qualitative and quantitative evidence under the direction of the Associate.

Report Writing and Output Development

• Draft qualitative findings sections, case study narratives, and contribution analyses for evaluation reports.
• Contribute to inception reports, analytical briefs, and presentation materials.
• Incorporate feedback from the Associate and senior staff to bring outputs to a high standard of clarity and rigour. 

Knowledge, Skill and Experience

Minimum Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in qualitative data collection in development programme contexts — evaluations, research studies, or community-based assessments.
• Demonstrated experience conducting IDIs and FGDs, ideally with MSME, youth, or informal economy populations.
• Experience coordinating fieldwork or supervising enumerators is an advantage.
• Familiarity with MEL frameworks and how qualitative evidence contributes to programme learning.

Desired Qualifications

• Proficiency in at least one qualitative analysis tool — NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or Dedoose.
• Strong command of Excel and at least one statistical or data management tool such as Stata, R, Python, or SQL.
• Familiarity with digital data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox or ODK. 
• Experience with data visualisation tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent is an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English, able to present technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data confidentiality and quality.
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving in complex and ambiguous environments.
• High attention to detail in data capture, documentation, and adherence to protocols.
• Comfortable working independently in the field and managing logistics with limited supervision.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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Associate – Data Systems and MEL specialist at Busara

 About the role 

Busara Center for Behavioral Economics is recruiting an Associate (Data Systems and MEL Specialist) to support complex, multi-partner programme evaluations and data quality engagements. This is a technically hybrid role designed for someone with formal training in data science, statistics, or information systems who has built their career in monitoring, evaluation, and learning environments — and who understands how data systems and programme realities interact in practice.

The Associate will work across the project lifecycle: from receiving and assessing partner datasets, to supporting data quality diagnostics, contributing to analytical outputs, and communicating findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. This is not a purely analytical role. The post holder is expected to manage their own workstreams, engage with partners directly, and take ownership of deliverables end to end.

Role purpose 

The Associate will ensure that programme data is securely received, technically assessed, cleaned, and made analytically usable, while also contributing to the MEL processes that translate data into learning and programme decisions. The role sits at the intersection of data systems management, data quality assurance, and evaluation practice, and requires someone equally comfortable diagnosing a structural dataset problem and drafting a clear findings brief for a programme team.

Key Responsibilities

Data Systems Management and Governance

• Receive, log, and securely store partner datasets in line with project data management and governance protocols.
• Define and manage data access permissions, ensuring only authorised users can access sensitive or identifiable data.
• Maintain clear handling protocols for raw, cleaned, and anonymised datasets across teams and workstreams.
• Maintain version control and detailed audit trails for all data processing steps.
• Ensure compliance with data protection requirements and ethical data use standards, including relevant East African regulatory frameworks.

Data Quality Assessment and Diagnostics

• Review dataset structure, variable naming, coding, and formatting against project standards and reporting requirements.
• Conduct data quality checks on core variables including, demographics, participation dates, intervention types, and contact details.
• Assess the presence and quality of unique identifiers; detect duplicate or inconsistent records.
• Conduct internal consistency checks across variables, classifications, and timelines.
• Compare partner dataset counts with reported figures and flag and document discrepancies.
• Provide clear technical write-ups of dataset limitations that affect analysis, sampling, or verification decisions.

Data Preparation and Analysis

• Clean and prepare datasets for analysis, sampling, and verification activities.
• Support quantitative analysis of programme and research data, including working with large administrative datasets.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of sampling processes for surveys and follow-up verification.
• Support data visualisation and the development of summary dashboards and analytical outputs for reporting.
• Work with analysts and senior staff to ensure analytical approaches are appropriate, rigorous, and well-documented.

Project and Workstream Management

• Contribute to inception reports, analytical briefs, and final evaluation reports to a high standard of clarity and rigour.
• Manage assigned workstreams end to end, including planning activities, tracking progress, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs.
• Coordinate with internal teams, data, research, and operations,  to ensure alignment across project activities.
• Communicate proactively with project leads on risks, blockers, and emerging issues affecting timelines or quality.
• Contribute to client and partner engagement, including preparation for meetings, workshops, and review sessions.

Knowledge skills and Experience

• 5 years of relevant experience, with a combination of data management or data systems work and practical MEL engagement in development programme contexts.
• Experience working with large administrative or partner datasets in multi-partner programme environments.
• Experience supporting or leading evaluations, data quality assessments, or programme monitoring systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects or workstreams independently, including managing timelines and partner relationships.
• Experience producing written analytical outputs — reports, briefs, or technical summaries — for varied audiences

• Strong command of Excel and at least one statistical or data management tool such as Stata, R, Python, or SQL.
• Ability to detect structural issues in datasets and diagnose data quality problems systematically.
• Familiarity with digital data collection platforms such as KoboToolbox, CommCare, or DHIS2.
• Experience with data visualisation tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent is an advantage.
• Understanding of data protection and privacy requirements, including in East African regulatory contexts.

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Analyst – Food Systems, Agriculture, and Climate Resilience Management at Busara

About the role:

The Analyst will support research, advisory, and project delivery activities across ongoing engagements at the FARM Team. Working closely with Senior Analysts, Associates, and Project Leads, the Analyst will contribute to research preparation, data collection and cleaning, analysis support, and the production of high-quality project deliverables.

CORE PROJECT ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support research preparation activities, including desk research and literature reviews, under supervision.
• Assist on multiple research and advisory projects simultaneously, contributing defined components of project workplans.
• Support internal and external engagements by preparing materials, notes, and follow-up documentation.
• Assist in interpreting research questions and identifying relevant data sources, in consultation with Senior Analysts, Associates, or Senior Associates.
• Contribute to draft reports, presentations, and internal briefs by summarizing findings and highlighting key insights.
• Support data-related tasks, including sourcing, cleaning, organizing, and basic analysis of datasets, and work closely with data and programming teams as required.
• Assist in the design, testing, and administration of quantitative and qualitative survey instruments, including formatting, survey programming coordination, and basic analysis.
• Support data collection activities, including field coordination, monitoring data quality, and flagging issues to supervisors.
• Contribute to experimental designs, proposals, pitch decks, and literature reviews as assigned.
• Support project onboarding and off-boarding processes, including documentation and knowledge management activities.
• Assist with project logistics related to content delivery, such as preparing timelines, coordinating meetings, and tracking deliverables.
• Maintain and update project trackers and timelines; flag upcoming deadlines and risks to Senior Analysts or Associates.
• Ensure that project work is communicated clearly to relevant internal teams (e.g., operations, finance, procurement) with guidance from supervisors.
• Perform other project-related tasks as assigned by the Project Lead or supervisor.
• Maintain a basic understanding of project goals, client objectives, and overall engagement context.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail, timeliness, and willingness to learn and iterate based on feedback.
• Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the project supervisor.

CORE ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participating in Analyst team meetings, goal-setting exercises, and team-building activities.
• Engaging in internal training and skills-building workshops.
• Supporting internal initiatives and cross-team efforts when requested.
• Contributing to a positive team culture through collaboration, openness to feedback, and professionalism.
• Escalating challenges or risks to supervisors in a timely and constructive manner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Behaviour Science, or related fields.
• Previous experience working in climate, sustainability, and agriculture is desirable
• Experience supporting fieldwork and research studies is required. Qualitative and quantitative research or data analytic skills are required
• 0–1 years of relevant work or internship experience in research, consulting, policy, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of experimental or quasi-experimental research concepts.
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage assigned tasks effectively.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Demonstrate curiosity, a growth mindset, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project locations as assigned, including within the Global South.
• Familiarity (basic or introductory level) with tools such as R, STATA, Python, or similar statistical software is an asset but not required.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials preferred.
• Familiarity with behavioral science.
• Exposure to large-scale research and consulting projects in countries in which Busara has an office.

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Business Intelligence Analyst Consultant (Agriculture Markets) at Busara Center

Role Overview

Busara is a research and advisory firm dedicated to advancing and applying behavioral science in the Global South. We are seeking a Business Intelligence Analyst consultant who will play a crucial role in guiding product and software development decisions by providing actionable insights into Kenya’s and East Africa’s agriculture markets for the Embe project. The consultant should be a results-driven individual who possesses deep market analysis expertise, strong quantitative skills, and a well-established professional network within the local agriculture ecosystem. The ideal consultant will leverage prior experience supporting software product teams in agriculture to enhance our offerings.

Key Accountabilities and Project Deliverables:

The Business Intelligence Analyst consultant will collaborate closely with the Embe project team, Busara research team and engage with developers to perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities in the agriculture sector, with a focus on digital transformation and product innovation.
• Maintain and leverage an extensive network with key stakeholders, agribusinesses, farmer organizations, and relevant government or development partners.
• Gather, analyze, and present data on user and market needs to inform product requirements, roadmap, and strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with product managers, researchers, engineers, and designers to translate business intelligence into effective technology solutions for the agriculture sector
• Identify risks and recommend strategies for market entry, growth, and competitive differentiation.
• Track competitors, new entrants, and external factors that impact the agriculture ecosystem and digital product uptake.
• Develop regular reports and actionable dashboards for the leadership team and product stakeholders.
• Contribute to the design, execution, and dissemination of the Embe project
• Participate in field work for assigned projects as may be required.

Required Competence & Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, or related field.
• At least 5 years’ experience in market analysis, business intelligence, or research, with a strong focus on the agriculture sector in Kenya.
• Demonstrated experience supporting technology or software product development teams.
• Established professional network in the regional agriculture space (e.g., with cooperatives, value chain actors, government bodies, NGOs).Excellent communication, data visualization, and presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, BI platforms, R, Python).

Desired Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with digital agriculture solutions, platforms, or agri-tech startups/initiatives.
• Understanding of market and regulatory trends affecting agricultural innovation in East Africa.

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