Principal Consultant- GSD

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. 

Athena’s GSD team provides tailored support to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) institutions, facilitating efficient and inclusive service delivery within complex systems. Athena Infonomics’ team of data scientists, social scientists, engineers, management and IT professionals combine sectoral expertise with innovative research methods and data science tools to design, improve, and measure WASH policies and programs. We work with decision-makers to design and implement technical and institutional interventions that respond to evidence and local challenges. Through this approach, we have emerged as a trusted technical partner and advisor to policy makers and other stakeholders working to achieve measurable, equitable, and sustainable water and sanitation outcomes.

1. Manage delivery of a portfolio of 2–4 WASH projects, including oversight of the project management team, overall technical leadership, and client engagement.

2. Provide technical guidance to project staff and consultants, drawing on demonstrated experience and deep knowledge in multiple WASH market oriented domains, particularly private sector engagement, WASH economics, and a strong understanding of how WASH markets are structured and function.

3. Lead and integrate digitalisation efforts within water supply and sanitation projects, including the design, application, and oversight of digital tools and systems to strengthen service delivery, operational efficiency, data‑driven decision‑making, and accountability.

4. Lead the production of reports, guidelines, research products, and other technical deliverables with support from project staff. Contribute to structuring and drafting of deliverables and review and edit outputs produced by other team members.

5. Oversee project management and coordination, including work planning, hiring, budget management, reporting, and compliance.

6. Lead screening and proposal development for new business opportunities in line with Governance and Service Delivery business development priorities and processes.

7. Supervise 3–4 full-time direct reports and directly and indirectly oversee the work of additional consultants. Provide direction, feedback, coaching, and mentoring to support professional growth and ensure high-quality and on-time project delivery.

8. Contribute to thought leadership and brand development, including through internal and external publications, participation in conferences and events, website and social media content, and strategic engagement with prospective clients and partners.

9. Support the Governance and Service Delivery practice to capture achievements and lessons learned, develop tools and resources for use across projects, and build relevant skills within the team.

• Master’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in International Affairs, Economics, Public Policy, Urban Development, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.

• Substantive developing country experience, gained through academic, professional, volunteer, or lived experience; preference for candidates with demonstrated experience providing or overseeing direct technical assistance to government counterparts.

• Proven experience supervising delivery teams for complex, long term projects involving multiple implementing partners and stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to independently coordinate, manage, and deliver project responsibilities with limited supervision, consistently meeting deadlines with high standards of quality and accuracy.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly synthesize and present complex technical issues for both technical and non technical audiences.

• Strong qualitative research and analytical skills, including experience designing qualitative research and translating findings into clear, actionable, and user friendly outputs.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage workflows efficiently and maintain oversight across multiple workstreams.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and work effectively under pressure, including clear prioritization across competing responsibilities and deadlines.

• Ability to directly interface with and manage multiple clients professionally and effectively, representing the organization with credibility, diligence, and discretion.

• Proactive, responsive, and resourceful approach to work, with a demonstrated ability to identify and resolve issues independently.

• Demonstrated entrepreneurial capabilities, including opportunity identification, innovative problem solving, and a proactive approach to developing new ideas, partnerships, and services.

• Proficiency in using artificial intelligence and related digital tools within professional workflows, with the ability to apply AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively to enhance analysis, productivity, and decision making.

• Ability to coordinate and collaborate across geographies and time zones (e.g., US, UK, Sub Saharan Africa, South Asia), with sensitivity to cultural differences, communication styles, and working norms.

• Strong team orientation and commitment to collegiality and collaboration, combined with the ability to perform effectively as an independent contributor.

• Strong alignment with Athena’s mission, values, and the objectives of the Governance and Service Delivery Practice.

• Willingness to travel, estimated at up to 30%.

• 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.

• The candidate must have relevant work authorization in India/Africa, as applicable.

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 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.

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