Position: Principal Consultant – IBU (8+ years)
Location: Delhi
Position Type: Full Time
Start Date: May/June 2026
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 80+ professionals spread across Asia, Africa, US and UK 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.
About India Business Unit (IBU) – Athena
As Athena Infonomics widen its wings in the global space, IBU is the native team that works on the virtue of the South Asian continent. We are the fastest-growing team in Athena Infonomics with multiple projects pouring in. In the terms of expansion, we are developing sectoral expertise and require energetic professionals who are self-driven and motivated to work in the favor of social development. IBU promises exceptional career growth to people who believe in delivering.
Role Overview
- Cultivating new client accounts, building upon early-stage relationships and identifying and cultivating new prospective relationships across foundations, private sector actors, multilateral development banks and international financial institutions, and bilateral donors. Also, overseeing and/or supporting collaborative design and delivery of pitches and help manage and grow these accounts.
- Working with Director for refining and improving Athena's India strategy. This includes working closely with Athena leadership, the business development team, and key members of Athena's IBU team to develop a new market development strategy. The Principal Consultant will then assume responsibility for strategy implementation.
- Maintaining overall financial sustainability of the IBU portfolio. This includes ensuring that the set of projects directly managed or overseen are financially viable; devising strategies to ensure smooth cash flows, profitability, and resource optimization; and actively contribute to decision making on new investments.
- Working in close collaboration with Athena's team of project and program managers (based across India) to co-develop innovative approaches to deliver on assignments, track project-level financial performance, and manage project budgets and finances.
- Providing supervisory management and technical support to all current and upcoming projects. Directing teams in performing research tasks of significant technical complexity.
- Proactively identifying skill and capacity development needs to optimize the evolving technical portfolio, support recruitment and hiring of new technical staff, and provide mentorship to direct reports and new team members to nurture career progression and foster a collaborative and collegial work experience.
- Actively disseminating learnings from programs within the sector and participating in sector related dissemination events.
Required Qualifications And Skills
- Master's degree in economics, statistics, international development, public policy, social development or other related field required.
- Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience in the India domestic market with atleast 5 years with consulting organizations.
- Candidates not having at least 5 years of consulting experience will NOT be considered.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in management consulting and cross-team facilitation at the mid management level.
- Strong quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods skills.
- Quantitative experience in a statistical package (Stata, SPSS, SAS, etc.) is desirable.
- Experience with quantitative data analysis, program evaluation, policy analysis, proposal and report writing.
- Direct experience in proposal writing and business development.
- Experience of working closely with stakeholders such as government ministries, donors and NGOs.
- Must have excellent verbal and writing skills.
- Must have strong Microsoft Word and Excel experience.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, with staff from all education and experience levels, as well as across various geographic locations.
- Willingness to travel extensively based on the project requirement.
- Willingness to work from office is a MUST.
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. 
