Job Title: Senior Consultant – Urban Water and Sanitation Market Systems
Location: Flexible within Sub-Saharan Africa or India (frequent travel required)
Employment Type: Full-Time
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 of 85+ professionals spread across Asia, Africa, USA, 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 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 in The Financial Times, Nikkei Asia, and Statista’s High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2021 ranking and was selected as one of The Economic Times and Statista’s 2021 India Growth Champions.
About the Role:
We are seeking a highly dependable, self-directed Senior Consultant with deep expertise in WASH—particularly urban water and sanitation systems, financing, and innovative service delivery models. You will play a pivotal role in supporting EquiServe deployments and sector strategy by conducting robust market assessments, shaping financial planning models, and driving forward investment-oriented solutions in collaboration with utilities, regulators, and development partners.
This position is ideal for someone who is not only technically proficient and sector-savvy, but who thrives on independent work, owns their workstream from start to finish, and contributes analytical depth to strategy and implementation.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead Water and Sanitation-Focused Workstreams: Apply sector expertise to assess, model, and support innovative urban water and sanitation interventions, with a strong emphasis on financial sustainability and scalability.
· Independent Tool Deployment & Technical Leadership: Manage EquiServe deployments with limited oversight, working directly with stakeholders to define market segments, gather and process data, and generate actionable insights.
· Scenario Modelling and Strategic Planning: Support scenario testing, financial forecasting, and investment prioritisation for urban sanitation and water services.
· Market Diagnostics: Conduct in-depth, data-driven diagnostics to identify informal market dynamics, service gaps, and revenue opportunities, with the aim of structuring investable service models.
· Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with utilities, municipal governments, DFIs, and NGOs to co-design solutions and communicate findings through well-structured written outputs and high-impact presentations.
· Documentation & Communication: Translate technical insights into clear, strategic reports, investment briefs, and policy recommendations tailored for diverse audiences.
· Tool & Methodology Refinement: Contribute to the continuous improvement of the EquiServe platform based on experiences and sector needs.
Key Skills and Qualifications:
Required:
· WASH Sector Expertise: At least 5 years of experience working in the WASH sector, with significant exposure to urban water and sanitation systems and financing.
· Strong Analytical & Modelling Skills: Highly proficient in Excel; capable of developing and refining financial and service delivery models with minimal oversight.
· Independent Execution: Proven ability to work autonomously, take initiative, and manage complex workstreams without heavy supervision.
· Excellent Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to synthesise technical insights into compelling narratives for technical and non-technical audiences.
· Organisational Rigor: Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and deliver on tight timelines.
Preferred:
· Advanced degree (Master’s) in Economics, Public Policy, Environmental Engineering, Development Finance, or a related field.
· Experience in developing or deploying digital scenario modelling and planning tools.
· Familiarity with development contexts, including advisory work for utilities or municipalities in Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia.
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 relevant local work authorization will be considered.
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.
