About Busara  

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 

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.
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.