Position: Senior Consultant – WASH Systems and Governance
Location: Remote Work
Start Date: October/November 2024
About Us
Celebrating 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 is spread across Asia, Africa, North America and Europe and brings extensive experience in designing and applying research methods to co-design and co-produce research and services that are inclusive, relevant, and actionable.
About the Governance and Service Delivery (GSD) Practice
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 expertise in research methods with digital and data science tools and data/digital governance thought leadership to design, improve, and measure WASH policies and programs. We work with decision-makers to design 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.
Some of our ongoing programs include:
Ø Developed the City Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) theory of change and helped shape programs and review progress in 8 cities across 5 countries in Asia and Africa. Further helped embed CWIS principles and tools into DFI lending cycles, funded by BMGF
Ø Shaping markets to be more viable and equitable through data driven regulation and investment planning across 15 countries in Asia and Africa using the Equiserve tool, funded by BMGF
Ø Governance, Data, and Learning Partner on the USAID/Liberia Countywide Sanitation Activity
Ø Evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (including the Swachh Bharat Mission Phase One and Atal Mission on Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), funded by NITI Aayog (Government of India).
Ø Data Systems and Learning Partner on the USAID/Nigeria Lagos Urban WASH Activity
Ø Strategic Service Planning and Public Data Systems Strengthening on USAID/Urban WASG Activity in Ethiopia
Ø Consultancy Services for Tariff Review and Update of Tariff Policy, funded by the Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda.
About the role: The GSD Practice is seeking a mid-career professional to directly support its growing WASH governance, data, and learning portfolio – particularly with USAID programs spanning Sub-Saharan Africa. The Senior Consultant will report directly to the Practice’s Director – Governance and Service Delivery, to provide project administration, technical delivery, communication, client management, and business development support (see breakdown below).
The ideal candidate will be a high-performing professional passionate about contributing to cutting edge research and service delivery in water and sanitation, urban development, and social impact; will possess excellent writing skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into well-structured and accessible deliverables that provide decision-makers with relevant and timely information (e.g., policy briefs, presentations, reports, etc.); and will bring an ability to quickly comprehend complex concepts (even with limited prior knowledge) and work on multiple projects at the same time both with a high degree of autonomy and as part of a larger team.
Core Job Responsibilities
· Lead project management, , and/or administration, including preparing draft technical scopes of work or budgets for activities and/or independent consultants.
· Under the guidance of the Director or their designee, contribute to the development and/or presentation of memos to clients of high technical and production quality, based upon review of relevant research, regulations, policies, and/or other related documentation and data;
· Provide exceptional quality technical inputs, support, and/or analysis in response to client and/or supervisor direction in a timely, accurate, and professional manner;
· Create or make substantial contributions to research, analysis, translation, copyediting, document production, and writing to support the completion of technical products and deliverables in the areas of water and sanitation governance and service delivery, urban development, social impact, and/or other related areas
· Meet internal and client cost and activity tracking and reporting requirements; and
· Support proposal development for new business opportunities in line with Governance and Service Delivery business development priorities and processes.
Qualifications and Competencies
● Master’s degree: Masters +2-4 years relevant experience (or Bachelors + 4-7 years relevant experience) in one of the following: International Affairs, Water/Sanitation Engineering, Economics, Public Policy, Urban Development, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
● Substantive developing country experience gained through upbringing or academic, professional, or volunteer capacity; preference given to candidates with experience in Sub-Saharan Africa;
● Demonstrated track-record of excellence independently coordinating, managing, and/or completing project responsibilities with limited supervision, positive attitude, timely delivery, and high degree of accuracy;
● Exceptional written and verbal communications skills and able to quickly and accurately synthesize complex issues or scenarios for internal and client audiences as well as both technical and non-technical (i.e., WASH and Non-WASH) audiences.
● Strong data analysis skills, with ability to effectively and succinctly synthesize qualitative data into relevant trends or analytical outputs as standalone deliverables or sections thereof.
● Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;
● Ability to directly interface with and manage multiple clients with professionalism, diligence, and in a manner that positively represents the organization;
● Proactive, responsive and resourceful, with exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to address issues independently;
● Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work well under pressure, including demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize across multiple responsibilities;
● Ability to coordinate activities with superiors, colleagues, and consultants across multiple geographies (e.g., US, UK, Sub-Saharan Africa, S. Asia) and time zones in a manner respectful of different cultures, communication styles, and working hours.
● Strong team player that is committed to collegiality and collaboration in the workplace, while able to excel working independently under limited technical supervision;
● At least intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and general proficiency in the broader MS Office suite (e.g., PowerPoint) and Google Suite of programs (e.g., Google Docs, Google Sheets); and
● Motivated by Athena’s mission and values and the core areas of focus within the Governance and Service Delivery Practice.
● Good time management and ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines.
● Willingness to travel (estimated up to 10%)
Preferred
● Previous professional experience working with or for USAID and familiarity with technical delivery and contracting requirements for USAID/US Government contracts;
● Demonstrated professional, academic, and/or volunteering experience supporting water and sanitation service delivery and/or planning in developing contexts;
● Experience supporting new business screening and/or proposal writing
● Facility in French (minimum Foreign Service Institute Level S3 & R3, or equivalent)
Additional Requirements
● This position requires successful completion of a reference check.
● 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 required work authorization(s) 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.