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.

About the role:

The Associate plays a central role in advancing Busara’s work in education and youth employment/skilling, supporting both the advisory and research arms of the organization.

They lead the design, execution, and day-to-day management of projects focused on improving learning outcomes, enhancing skilling pathways, and supporting the transition of young people into dignified work.

As the primary project manager, the Associate develops a deep understanding of education systems, youth labor markets, and related behavioral challenges. They apply rigorous research methods, behavioral science insights, and human-centered design approaches to co-create impactful solutions with clients and partners. They are accountable for delivering high-quality engagements on time and on budget, while navigating the complex realities faced by youth and education systems across diverse contexts.

Associates manage and mentor project staff, coordinate across Busara teams, and cultivate strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders. They bring curiosity, structure, and a collaborative spirit to each engagement—driving change in how young people learn, grow, and access opportunity.

Core Responsibilities

Project Responsibilities: 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:

• • Engage in multiple large-scale research and advisory projects at a given time.
  • Plan, manage, and execute external and internal engagements independently from start to finish with limited supervision.
  • Incorporate the latest research in qualitative and quantitative methods, behavioral science, psychology, economics, and development to provide creative solutions to engagements.
  • Manage and conduct qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis.
  • Design, launch, and analyze effective quantitative and qualitative survey instruments with coordination among project staff (Analysts, Project Leads, Data and Programming, and Operations teams).
  • Serve as a point of contact for clients and partners.  Effectively manage the needs of stakeholders through proactive communication and troubleshooting.
  • Contribute to project on-boarding and off-boarding for knowledge management.
  • Responsible for project timelines, deliverables, reports, and staffing.
  • Contribute to the creation of proposals, concept notes, and pitch decks for new business opportunities and knowledge sharing. Present at conferences, networking events, or client meetings.
  • Contribute to the design, execution, and dissemination of Busara internal research projects.
  • Work closely to lead or support other Associates to fulfill engagement requirements.
  • Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the project supervisor.

Organizational Responsibilities: In addition to project responsibilities, Associates also have the following organizational responsibilities to ensure a healthy and functioning organization.

• • Contribute to skills-building workshops
  • Assist with internal initiatives where necessary.
  • Serve as mentors to Analysts and project team members, when requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Minimum Requirements

• • A Master’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related fields.
  • 3+ years of previous work experience in education and/or youth-focused research, with 1+ years of experience in team management
  • Knowledge of the application of behavioral science to real-world problems.
  • Experience planning and managing randomized control trials in applied contexts.
  • Experience managing research and consulting projects in developing countries.
  • Strong qualitative, quantitative, research, and data analytic skills.
  • Demonstrates the ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations.
  • Experience managing and mentoring staff.
  • Ability to quickly understand and adapt to new contextual situations.
  • Excellent management and organizational skills.

Dedicated employment platform

• • Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player.
  • Fluency and excellent communication and writing skills with a mastery of English.
  • Ability to execute projects while sustaining a global focus and vision for institutional planning and decision-making.

Desired Qualifications:

• • Fluency and communication and writing skills with a mastery of French.

This role is open to Kenyan and Ugandan Nationals, with other nationalities considered if willing to relocate to Kenya.

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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