Qualitative Research and Insights Specialist (Fixed-Term) at One Acre Fund

About One Acre Fund

Founded in 2006, One Acre Fund equips 5.5 million smallholder farmers to make their farms more productive. Across nine countries that together are home to two-thirds of Africa's farmers, we provide high-quality farm supplies, tree seedlings, accessible credit, modern agronomic training, and a wide range of other agricultural services. On average, this model enables any farmer to increase their income and assets on supported land by more than 35 percent, while permanently improving their resilience. This is all made possible by our team of 9,000+ full-time staff, drawn from diverse backgrounds and professions. To learn more, please see our Why Work Here blog post.

Our Burundi program, established in 2011, operates under the local brand Tubura. We are a rapidly growing organization with over 1,000 employees nationwide. As of 2024, we serve over 340,000 unique farmers in 7 provinces; Muramvya, Gitega, Kayanza, Mwaro, Ngozi, Muyinga, and Ruyigi. To learn more about our work, look at our Burundi program blog.

About the Role

We seek a Qualitative Research and Insights Specialist to lead the use of applied qualitative research methodologies to improve One Acre Fund's program design, marketing strategies, training tools, and field implementation. The Specialist will conduct research that informs farmer-centric solutions, ensuring that interventions are grounded in farmer needs, behaviors, and lived realities.

You will lead end-to-end research processes—from study design, piloting, and field execution to insight synthesis and recommendation development. You will work with teams across Product Innovation, Field Operations, Ag Trainers and Global Agriculture, and support local staff capacity building in qualitative tools and participatory approaches.

You will report to the Product Innovations Lead.

Project Design and Coordination

• Coordinate the qualitative research pipeline in collaboration with local and global teams.
• Design tools and protocols drawing from ethnographic, participatory, and behavioral approaches (e.g., Focal group Discussions, In-depth Interviews, observation).
• Pilot research methods and lead staff training on their use, ensuring high levels of understanding and quality execution.
• Manage logistics for field implementation including calendar planning, participant recruitment and incentives, venue booking, and transport coordination.

Field Research Execution

• Conduct or supervise in-field qualitative research activities to ensure data integrity and adherence to protocols.
• Implement rigorous quality control checks and troubleshoot issues as they arise during data collection.
• Facilitate or guide workshops, interviews, co-design sessions, and validation meetings with farmers and staff.

Data Analysis & Insight Generation

• Conduct thematic and framework-based analysis of qualitative data, drawing out patterns and strategic implications.
• Produce clear and actionable recommendations across multiple domains:
  • Program strategy
  • Product/service development
  • Farmer training and Social Behavior Change (SBCC) materials
• Lead feedback sessions with implementation teams to align on application of insights.
• Develop engaging briefs, summaries, and presentations that distill findings for decision-makers.

Capacity Building & Knowledge Management

• Mentor junior team members and field staff in qualitative research methodologies and synthesis.
• Facilitate learning sessions to disseminate best practices and cross-team insights.
• Manage a structured archive of tools, transcripts, reports, and other research outputs for institutional memory.

Career Growth and Development

We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

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