Position: Associate Consultant – Governance and Service Delivery

Location: Remote from India

Position Type: Full Time

Start Date: As early as possible

About Us

Celebrating over fifteen years of innovative and collaborative work, Athena Infonomics has established itself as a data-driven global consultancy that leverages social science research, data science, and technology to provide user-centric, context-specific solutions and advice to decision makers. Our multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team of 75+ professionals spread across Asia, Africa, US and Europe exemplify extensive experience in designing and applying research methods to co-design and co-produce useful research that is inclusive and relevant.

Our team of data scientists apply agile programming and ICT tools in order to deliver responsive and practical data and digital solutions—making for an innovative, technology-oriented business model that sets us apart in the international development space.

The international business community is taking notice of this unique approach: in 2021 alone, Athena Infonomics was recognized on The Financial Times, Nikkei Asia, and Statista's High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2021 and 2022 ranking and was selected as one of The Economic Times and Statista's 2021, 2022 and 2023 India Growth Champions.

Core Responsibilities

Research & Analysis

Conduct primary and secondary research on governance frameworks, public policy landscapes, and service delivery models at the national, state, and urban levels.
Synthesise data from diverse sources including government databases, field surveys, and literature reviews into structured insights and evidence-based recommendations.
Support the development and application of economic and financial models for urban water, sanitation, and infrastructure sectors.
Contribute to scenario modelling exercises covering interventions such as tariff reform, vendor partnerships, NRW reduction, and phased infrastructure investment.
Support the preparation of analytical outputs including cost stacks, demand projections, subsidy/tariff scenarios, and OPEX/DSCR analysis.
Assist in documenting modelling methodologies, ensuring outputs are transparent and reproducible.

Project Execution & Delivery

Prepare high-quality project deliverables including concept notes, policy briefs, status reports, presentations, and implementation frameworks.
Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures, monitoring frameworks, and performance dashboards for clients.
Manage assigned workstreams independently, ensuring timely delivery against project milestones and quality benchmarks.
Support preparation of proposals, expressions of interest, and technical bids for new mandates.

Stakeholder Engagement

Engage with government officials, programme managers, and community stakeholders to gather insights, validate findings, and facilitate participatory processes.
Assist in engaging with utilities, regulators, and development finance institutions to validate assumptions and support presentation of findings.
Support the facilitation of workshops, consultations, and capacity-building sessions for client teams.
Build and sustain working relationships with government departments, development partners, and civil society organisations.

Knowledge Management

Contribute to Athena's internal knowledge repository by documenting case studies, lessons learned, and sector insights from project engagements.
Support the development of thought leadership outputs including articles, white papers, and sector notes.

Qualifications And Competencies

Master's degree in economics, development economics, or applied economics, public policy or public administration (with strong quantitative coursework), urban planning with a policy/economics orientation, environmental economics or infrastructure finance
0 to 3 years of experience in development consulting, public policy, urban infrastructure, or a related field.
Familiarity with WASH ecosystem and a basic understanding of sanitation
Strong quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed methods skills.
Comfortable working with data and digital tools; familiarity with AI tools and a proactive interest in leveraging technology to enhance research, analysis, and delivery workflows is strongly preferred.
Structured thinking and problem-solving ability with a keen eye for detail.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
Collaborative team player who can contribute effectively in a fast-paced consulting environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a reference check and employment verification.
The successful candidate must not be subject to employment restrictions from a former employer (such as a non-compete) that would prevent the candidate from performing the job responsibilities as described.
Only candidates who have India work authorization will be considered.

Athena's Work Culture

At Athena, we function in an outcomes-based work environment with flexible hours and a high level of autonomy. Professional development and thought leadership are key elements of our business model: we support our team members professional growth through on-the-job training, and we encourage the cultivation of our colleagues personal brands through participation in panels, events, publications, and other thought-leadership opportunities. We embrace a transparent, open work environment with meaningful leadership pathways for those with inventive ideas and initiatives.

Athena Infonomics is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Athena Infonomics is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

AI Proficiency and Responsible Use

Proficiency in the responsible and sophisticated use of AI is a mandatory requirement for all roles, across all levels and functions at Athena Infonomics.