Position: Principal Consultant - Data and Digital Governance
Location: Remote; Anywhere in India
Start Date: ASAP
About Us
Celebrating over fourteen 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 spans Asia, Africa, North America and Europe, bringing extensive experience in designing and applying research methods and technology to co-design and co-produce inclusive and relevant solutions to global development challenges.
About the Data and Digital Governance (DDG) Practice
Athena’s DDG Practice operates at the intersection of the increasing use of emerging technology, digital tools, systems, and solutions, and (big) data in service of global development objectives. Our DDG team provides specialized research and advisory services to help donors, governments and implementing organizations to: 1) understand the data or digital ecosystems in which they operate; 2) develop thoughtful and equitable approaches to routine data use and data management, and/or digital decision-support tools or systems; 3) the inclusive, sustainable, and fit-for-purpose operationalization of novel technologies and innovations (e.g., GenAI); or 4) setting up or operationalized Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning frameworks and systems that rigorously assess the equitable and/or inclusive use of data and digital tools / technology as part of development programs.
The Practice’s current body of work includes a mix of landscape assessments, toolkit development, and bespoke research at the frontline of the evolving use of data and digital innovations for development.
· Landscape and Ecosystem Assessments include our Digital Agriculture Ecosystems in Mozambique and Mali for USAID bilateral missions and an Landscape Assessment of Global Data-Sharing Platforms for the UN’s Global Partnership for Sustainable Data in Development.
· Toolkits developed by the Practice include our Inclusive Digital Development Toolkit for USAID’s Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security, and our Engendering ICT Toolkit, developed for the World Bank
· Research efforts include our ongoing first-of-its-kind systematic review of the evidence base on the use of AI in Food Systems and Agriculture for FCDO and has led or supported other novel research such as a USAID and Gates Foundation co-founded study on Farmer-Centric Models of Data Governance
About the role: Athena is seeking a highly entrepreneurial, driven, and collegial Principal Consultant with a track-record in data and/or digital governance to spearhead the continued growth and evolution of this burgeoning Practice. The DDG Principal Consultant would report directly to Athena’s Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and work in close coordination with other members of leadership to shape and execute the vision and strategy for this critical Practice. They will also assume primary responsibility for ensuring exceptional delivery of Athena’s work within the DDG portfolio.
The Principal Consultant will be a high-performing mid-career professional passionate about propelling an innovative and exciting Practice through strategic partnership, delivery, and growth. This candidate role will further entail leading and/or overseeing technical delivery across a portfolio of work focused on increasing and promoting: 1) the equitable, inclusive, and sustainable use of technology in service delivery and social impact; 2) the effective governance of data in the context of global development; and 3) thought leadership around the critically important issue of trusted, open, equitable and inclusive data and digital ecosystems that serve society, particularly those most vulnerable and/or disenfranchised.
The ideal candidate will further possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into well-structured, accessible deliverables (e.g., policy briefs, presentations, reports, blog posts, etc.).
Core Job Responsibilities
· Business Development, including:
- Propelling the year-over-year growth of and play a leading role in shaping the strategy and vision for, Athena’s Data + Digital Governance portfolio, working in close concert with Athena’s Director of Business Development, Athena’s Director of MEL, and Athena’s Data + Technology Services Team.
- Relationship-building with strategic institutional partners and technical consultants,
- Cultivating new strategic clients and building upon relationships with relevant existing clients
- Leading and/or overseeing development of compelling technical proposals for clients such as the Gates Foundation, USAID, and FCDO
· Project and Client Management;
- Serve as a technical lead, project manager, and/or supervisory manager for technical assignments within the DDG portfolio
- Ensure exceptional technical quality and client relationship management across all DDG technical assignments, working with limited or no technical supervision while adhering to Athena’s standards for technical excellence
- interpret and communicate research results in a succinct manner for a wide audience.
- Oversee and execute sound knowledge management, communication, and dissemination of knowledge or findings to both internal and external audiences as required
· Staff Management and Supervision
- Provide mentorship to junior members (as and when needed)
- Over time, growing / expanding the DDG technical team
Qualifications and Competencies
● Master’s degree in: Economics, Public Policy, Social Science or other related fields of study
● Professional work experience (minimum 8 years, excluding internships) at a development/ management consulting firm, research institute/ firm/ public policy think tank, NGO, or bilateral/ multilateral agency). Previous consulting experience in ICT and data governance will be greatly valued.
● Demonstrated experience and/or expertise in data / digital policy research, data / digital ecosystem assessments, AI governance and/or ethics, equitable and inclusive deployment of ICT for development, or related areas (minimum 5 years in these or similar subject areas); the ideal candidate will have a good understanding of demand and supply for digital services, and enabling and innovation environments within a digital ecosystem
● Excellent writing and presentation skills is a core requirement of the position. Must be able to express ideas effectively in a clear and concise manner. Prior experience of writing reports, creating client presentations and publishing research papers is a strong plus.
● Entrepreneurial attitude, with a strong, demonstrated interest and track-record in business development.
● Ability to work with multicultural teams, across multiple time zones, and to perform under pressure and meet deadlines.
● Attention to detail and good time management.
● Willingness to travel for project work.
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.
