Position: Principal Consultant Child Protection & Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat (BVMB) Implementation
Location: New Delhi (National Level, MWCD) with frequent travel
Experience: 6-8 years
Reports to: Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development (through TSU) and Athena Infonomics Project Director
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 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.
The Objective Of The Role
Provide strategic, technical, and analytical advisory leadership to support to the Ministry of Women and Child Development in strengthening the implementation, monitoring, and scaling of the BVMB initiative.
- The Principal Consultant will assist the Office of the Joint Secretary in support policy implementation, program monitoring, data-driven decision making, liaison and coordination with states and districts to accelerate progress toward eliminating child marriage in India.
- The focus of this effort must be on high prevalence and aspirational districts.
- Assist in communication support and dissemination strategy, preparing reports, web portal enhancement, digital dashboard presentation.
- Prepare for high level meetings and conferences.
- Contribute to knowledge management and learning based on evidence.
- Any other work as requested by the Joint Secretary toward advancement of the BVMB success.
Institutional Arrangement
- The consultant will be embedded within the Technical Support Unit (TSU) at the national level.
- Work closely with senior officials of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, particularly under the guidance of the Joint Secretary overseeing the initiative.
- Coordinate with state governments, district administrations, and partner organizations to strengthen implementation of BVMB.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Program Support
- Provide technical advisory support to MWCD in planning, implementation, and monitoring of the BVMB initiative.
- Support development of implementation frameworks, operational guidelines, and monitoring systems for national and state-level rollout.
- Assist the Ministry in strengthening convergence across relevant ministries, departments, and state governments.
- Portal-Based Monitoring & Reporting
- Oversee management and strengthening of the BVMB monitoring portal.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of district-wisewide information including Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs).
- Track key indicators including child marriages prevented, complaints received, and legal actions taken.
- Data Analysis & Evidence Generation
- Oversee management and strengthening of the BVMB monitoring portal.
- Conduct data analysis and generate insights to support evidence-based decision making.
- Track progress in high prevalence and aspirational -burden districts and prepare analytical briefs, dashboards, and progress reports for senior leadership.
- Identify trends, gaps, and emerging challenges in implementation.
- Monitoring Implementation & Field Coordination
- Monitor activities undertaken by states and districts under BVMB, including special campaigns and national drives.
- Track budget utilization and adherence to Ministry guidelines.
- Coordinate with state officials and district administrations to ensure timely implementation.
- Strengthening Complaint & Response Mechanisms
- Support design and operationalization of user-friendly complaint mechanisms integrated with government helplines.
- Monitor complaint resolution and identify systemic issues requiring policy or program response.
- Knowledge Management & Communication
- Develop and support dissemination of IEC and advocacy materials, including posters, films, and digital content.
- Maintain updated resources on the BVMB portal including guidance materials, dashboards, and district updates.
- Prepare presentations, briefing notes, and reports for senior government officials and stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Coordination
- Liaise with government departments, development partners, civil society organizations, and technical agencies.
- Support consultations, workshops, and review meetings with states and districts.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Master's in Social Work, Economics, Statistics, Law, Public Policy, Child Rights, or related fields.
- Experience: 6-8 years of experience in child protection, gender, issues of adolescents, or social or economic development program.
- Demonstrated experience working with Government of India ministries, NITI AAYOG, state governments, or PMUs/TSUs.
- Strong understanding of key legal and policy frameworks Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, POCSO Act, and related frameworks.
- Experience in program monitoring, data analysis, and policy support.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
Preferred Skills
- Prior experience supporting government programs, PMUs, or technical advisory roles.
- Strong stakeholder management and inter-governmental coordination skills.
- Proficiency in data analysis, visualization, dashboards, and reporting tools.
- Excellent writing, presentation, and policy documentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a dynamic government environment.
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 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 
