Senior Consultant - WASH (Finance)
Location:
Chennai, India

About Us

Celebrating thirteen 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 70+ professionals spread across Asia, Africa, DC and London 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: 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.

Project Tasks

Work closely with the Project Manager and project teams to ensure timely and effective delivery on Athena’s Water and Sanitation (WASH) grant, EquiServe and other WASH projects, including but not limited to:

Coordination

• Under guidance from the Project Manager, translate client requirements into specific methodological approaches (use case building) for financial plan, monitoring plan, and continuously draw insights from project learnings to guide project strategic directions.

• Coordinate with WATSAN utilities and municipal authorities in Africa and Asia, provide guidance, handholding support and troubleshoot on collating data and reporting and work on the financial planning of their WASH investment and strategy plans.

• Work on city level financial plans for WASH sector and support implementing using EquiServe (www.equiserve.io) framework

• Review, quality check, and edit deliverables submitted by partners to ensure the quality of all outputs on the project.

• Support coordinate with various national/international platforms and forums to provide outcome based inclusive service delivery  (City Wide Inclusive Sanitation) related inputs and engage in sectoral discussions.

Delivery

• Draft deliverable and work on financial analysis which involves understanding contextual data generation challenges, developing data collection protocols – standardization of methods and processes and data quality improvements required for creating robust solutions to the planning

• Develop and work on water and sanitation improvement plans from a finance lens, shifting the focus from infrastructure-based service delivery approach to outcomes-based service delivery.

• Support develop content for capacity building sessions and deliver training sessions for various government and non-governmental stakeholders.

• Present results from the financial analysis as key decision factors to stakeholders

• Develop presentations with suitable use of graphics.

• Write reports for external communication with clients and stakeholders.

Organizational Development

• Support other project teams as and when required.

• Actively support dissemination learnings from programs within the sector and participate in sector related dissemination events.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Master’s degree in an area related to Finance, Urban Planning, Water Management and Governance, International Development, or Social Sciences from a top-tier graduate school.

• Six plus years of overall professional experience, with at least 2 years of relevant experience in finance, infrastructure finance, accounting preferably in WASH/ development sector

• Should have strong logical thinking and analytical abilities.

• Demonstrated skills in quantitative work experience  and exposure to qualitative research methods.

• Excellent report writing and presentation skills. Must be able to express ideas effectively in a clear and concise manner.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to communicate effectively with teams with various background.

• Proven record of developing and managing long-term client relationships.

• Comfort working with multicultural teams across countries and time zones.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Entrepreneurial attitude to handle challenging tasks, deal with ambiguity and shoulder responsibility.

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.

What You Can Gain

• The opportunity to engage intensively with and contribute to the strong portfolio of Athena’s WASH projects

• The opportunity to actively shape the outcomes of exciting projects funded by major international development agencies and cross learnings in the Urban, Agriculture, MSME and Education sectors.

• Knowledge of and experience working with major development agencies in shaping systems change in water & sanitation planning and  in above-mentioned sectors as well as with sector experts.

Apply

Interested applicants can send their CVs, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample, along with the following information to career@athenainfonomics.com. Please mention “Application for Senior Consultant, WASH Finance” in the subject line.

Current Salary:

Expected Salary:

Notice Period:

Current City:

Home City:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

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.