Senior Consultant Water and Sanitation Development

Job Title:Senior Consultant Water and Sanitation Development.

Location:Flexible within Sub-Saharan Africa or India (frequent travel required).

Employment Type:Full-Time.

Start Date:1st Jan 2025.

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 80+ 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 solutionsâ"”making for an innovative, technology-oriented business model that sets us apart in the international development space..

About The Role.

We are seeking a Senior Consultant with a strong background in economics or finance to join our Markets team within the Governance and Service Delivery unit.

The role focuses on strengthening water/sanitation market systems, developing investment pipelines, and enhancing sustainable access to services across cities in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

This involves working on a range of projects that foster financial sustainability, equitable service delivery, and support for public and private sector investments..

The consultant will support EquiServe.io sanitation deployments by working with utilities, service authorities, and regulators to plan and implement interventions.

This process involves understanding local conditions, engaging utilities, mapping market conditions to identify service gaps, and facilitating workshops to co-design service improvements.

The consultant will also define market segments, integrate baseline data, develop scenario models, create investment scoping reports for both physical infrastructure and non-physical improvements, and provide ongoing technical assistance for sustainable implementation..

The consultant will also work closely on developing a new EquiServe water module aimed at improving urban water service planning.

This involves contributing throughout the entire processâ"”from creating initial models and defining data assumptions to pilot testing in local contexts and refining the tool for broader deployment.

The consultant will facilitate stakeholder workshops, integrate tool outputs into service strategies, and ensure the solutions developed are financially sustainable and equitable..

About EquiServe:EquiServe is a scenario planning and modelling tool designed to enhance sustainable water and sanitation service delivery.

By using data-driven insights, EquiServe helps stakeholdersâ"”including utilities, regulators, and NGOsâ"”evaluate existing systems, explore interventions, and make informed decisions to improve equity, sustainability, and financial viability.

EquiServe includes features like tariff and subsidy structure analysis, risk assessment, and investment package evaluation, allowing stakeholders to understand the dynamics of service provision and make strategic investments in water and sanitation..

Key Responsibilities.

Support Tool Deployment:Assist in deploying the EquiServe sanitation module and contribute to the development of a new water module..

Scenario Modelling and Planning:Facilitate scenario modelling to assess the impact of water and sanitation interventions, supporting stakeholders in making evidence-based decisions..

Stakeholder Engagement:Collaborate with utilities, regulators, government agencies, private stakeholders, and NGOs to support WSS investments, including conducting financial assessments, facilitating workshops, and collaborative scenario development..

Market Assessment and Diagnostics:Conduct market diagnostics to identify service gaps, assess investment needs, and prioritize interventions, with a focus on financial sustainability and investment viability.

Define market segments, integrate baseline data, and conduct financial performance analysis..

Pilot Testing and Integration:Oversee pilot testing of tools and ensure outcomes are effectively integrated into ongoing service planning.

Document lessons learned for refining methodologies..

Documentation and Training:Develop user guides, training materials, and data manuals to support stakeholders in using EquiServe tools effectively.

Assist in incorporating tool outputs into strategic planning..

Workshop Facilitation:Organize workshops and training sessions for stakeholders, focusing on investment planning and enhancing service delivery.

Facilitate collaborative sessions to refine service models..

Key Skills And Qualifications.

Required Skills and Qualifications:.

Educational Background:Bachelor's degree in Economics, Development Finance, Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Policy, or a related field..

Relevant Experience:Minimum of 5 years of experience in WSS, particularly in emerging markets.

Experience in urban sanitation and water service delivery systems is required..

Project Management and Financial Expertise:Proven experience in managing projects, and conducting financial analysis..

Service Delivery and Market Knowledge:Strong understanding of service delivery models, public and private finance, service markets, and financial mechanisms to support sustainable service delivery..

Stakeholder Management:Ability to engage multiple stakeholders, including government officials, private partners, and NGOs..

Facilitation Skills:Experience facilitating workshops, consultations, and training sessions..

Independence and Multitasking:Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines..

Preferred Skills And Qualifications.

Educational Background:A Master's degree in Economics, Development Finance, Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Policy, or a related field..

Digital Planning and Budgeting Tools Expertise:Experience using digital tools, including scenario modelling, for planning, budgeting, and supporting decision-making in water and sanitation service delivery..

Finance, Economics, and Market Knowledge:Strong expertise in economics or development finance, particularly in assessing market viability, tariff setting, investment strategy, cost analysis, and financial assessments..

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..