Research Associate - Latin America

Who We Are:Busara is the leading behavioral science organization in the Global South, dedicated to applying behavioral science to help alleviate poverty globally. We achieve this through applied advisory work and our scientific and academic research. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with offices and projects across the Global South, Busara also operates the largest behavioral science research lab in the world. Our team is driven by a commitment to leverage behavioral science to create real-world impact.
Role Purpose Statement:Join a dynamic team of behavioral and experimental scientists with a focus on expanding our work in Latin America! As a Behavioral Analyst, you will be at the forefront of a regional effort focused on financial inclusion, gender-based violence (GBV), behavioral systemic analysis, and more. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of all aspects of project work, from research to implementation, and to shape the future of our presence in Latin America. You will collaborate closely with Busara’s leadership and contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects across Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and beyond.
Why should you apply?Join an Experienced Team: Work with a team of seasoned behavioral and experimental scientists with over two years of experience working in Latin America. Impactful Work: Contribute to projects that address critical issues like financial inclusion, GBV, and migration, using behavioral science to drive change. Field Research: Engage directly with communities and stakeholders, gathering insights that inform meaningful interventions. Global Opportunities: Be part of a global organization with a strong presence across the Global South, offering opportunities for professional growth and cross-cultural learning. Creative Problem Solving: Apply innovative and creative approaches to solve complex problems in challenging environments.
Key Accountabilities/ResponsibilitiesAssociates 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:

Project Leadership

• Lead multiple large-scale research and advisory projects across Latin America, from inception to completion.
• Oversee the work of two analysts, providing mentorship, guidance, and ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Collaborate with Engagement Directors to manage project timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
• Conduct stakeholder engagement, including presenting findings and solutions to clients and partners.

Research and Analysis

• Design, evaluate, and manage randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other experimental or quasi-experimental research designs.
• Conduct systemic analysis to identify leverage points within complex systems.
• Develop and implement both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including survey instruments, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.
• Analyze data using advanced statistical and behavioral science tools, synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations.

Behavioral Intervention Design

• Design and test behaviorally informed interventions, incorporating insights from psychology, economics, and behavioral science.
• Lead co-creation workshops with stakeholders and end-users to develop contextually relevant solutions.
• Provide thought leadership on applying behavioral science principles to systemic challenges.

Capacity Building and Organizational Growth

• Mentor and support analysts in developing their skills and contributing to high-impact projects.
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives within Busara and the behavioral science community.
• Support business development efforts, including proposal writing, pitching, and client relationship management.
• Drive Busara’s regional growth strategy in Latin America, building partnerships and expanding the organization’s footprint.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Fluency in English and either Spanish or Portuguese is required. Given the fieldwork involved in our projects, native Spanish or Portuguese speakers will be preferred.
• Master’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Data Science, or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management, research, or behavioral science, with at least 3 years in Latin America.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, or evaluating RCTs or similar experimental methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, Python).
• Familiarity with systemic thinking and the application of behavioral insights to complex challenges.
• Excellent communication and writing skills for diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work in diverse environments, including challenging or sensitive contexts.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of Experience managing or mentoring teams.
• Familiarity with qualitative research techniques, including human-centered design and co-creation methodologies.
• Background in systemic approaches to behavioral challenges, particularly in Latin America.
• Technical proficiency in survey science and behavioral modeling.

As a Behavioral Science Analyst, you will tackle a wide array of impactful projects, including:- Increasing vaccination rates through behavioral research and design in the Caribbean.- Driving financial inclusion and adoption of new financial technologies across Latin America. - Promoting healthy food choices and local produce consumption in the Caribbean. - Understanding and reducing systemic barriers that affect victims of GBV in Guatemala. - Enhancing GBV reporting mechanisms in multinational organizations. - Addressing development and social issues affecting Latin America, such as migration, education, and public health. Each project presents an opportunity to work on complex challenges with real-world implications, leveraging behavioral science and systemic analysis to create meaningful change.
This role is only open to applicants who have a pre-existing legal right to work in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, or remote with the ability to relocate for extended periods to Mexico City.
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.