Consultant/ Senior Consultant- Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning

Job Description Position: Consultant or Senior Consultant- Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (4-6 years of relevant experience) Location: Remote from India; Delhi based candidates are strongly preferred. Position Type: Full Time Start Date: 1st September 2025 About Us Celebrating over fifteen 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 75+ professionals spread across Asia, Africa, US and Europe 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 solutionsmaking 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 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. 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. Position Overview This is a project delivery-focused position that requires close collaboration with the MERL team and other colleagues at Athena Infonomics to support and expand the organization's Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MERL) portfolio. The Consultant will be responsible for supporting the end-to-end delivery of MERL assignments, including the development of project plans, coordination of data collection activities, the preparation of high-quality reports, and effective client and stakeholder engagement. The role will involve working with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams across India and the US. Athena undertakes a range of MERL activities, including the design and implementation of M&E frameworks (such as theories of change, logical frameworks, indicators, and monitoring plans), the development of data collection tools, fieldwork coordination, and the delivery of program evaluations using theory-based, quasi-experimental, and mixed-methods approaches- The Consultant will be expected to participate in these activities and lead some of them. In addition to project delivery, the Consultant will also support and lead business development efforts. This includes identifying new opportunities, preparing concept notes, and writing proposals for a range of clients across sectors. Core Responsibilities - Lead and manage the delivery of ongoing Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) programs and evaluations, ensuring adherence to project, timelines, budgets, and quality standards.Design MERL frameworks including theories of change, logframes, indicators, monitoring plans, and evaluation methodologies. - Develop and implement data collection tools and oversee data collection processes, including coordinating field teams and ensuring data quality. - Review and manage budgets of data collection partners; support in the onboarding and coordination of data collection agencies, field researchers, and enumerators. - Travel to project locations (within India and internationally) for activities such as training enumerators, overseeing data collection, conducting quality assurance, client meetings, and engaging with stakeholders. - Analyze qualitative and quantitative data and contribute to the drafting of high-quality reports, presentations, and knowledge products. - Support and lead the drafting of proposals (technical and financial) for foundations, multilateral, and bilateral clients such as FCDO, World Bank, EU, USAID, BMGF, CIFF, among others. - Manage and mentor associates and analysts to ensure tiMERLy, high-quality deliverables. - Engage regularly with clients, funders, and stakeholders to manage relationships, gather inputs, and communicate project progress. - Collaborate effectively with internal teams, sub-contractors, and partners across different countries and time zones. - Coordinate and liaise with external partners and consultants to ensure smooth project delivery and cultivate long-term relationship. - Monitor project budgets and resource allocation, ensuring effective financial and operational management. - Contribute to internal learning by documenting insights and supporting MERL knowledge sharing across the organization. - Stay updated with trends in MERL methodologies, donor priorities, and sectoral developments to inform project delivery and business development efforts. Qualifications And Competencies - Master's degree in economics, international development, political science, sociology, or a related field; - Proven expertise in M&E, research and learning syntheses projects and programmes; - Demonstrable experience (4-8 years) with research and evaluation design; using mixed-methods MERL and research approaches. - Proven experience of designing and implementing impact evaluation studies using mixed methods, theory-driven evaluation , experimental studies etc. - Demonstrable understanding of key impact evaluation methods like: portfolio evaluations, outcome harvesting, contribution analysis, etc. Additional experience of quasi-experimental studies will be viewed favorably. - Ability to design and conduct process evaluations, impact evaluations, and impact assessments, including designing methodology and data collection tools; - Demonstrated success in the acquisition of bid-based, donor-funded monitoring and evaluation projects. - Demonstrated excellence managing large, complex, quantitative and qualitative data gathering initiatives to produce rigorous, evidence-based conclusions and recommendations. - Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative data analysis software, such as Excel, R, NVivo, or MAXQDA, preferred. - Entrepreneurial attitude to handling challenging tasks, dealing with ambiguity and shouldering responsibility. - Excellent project management skills to ensure quality and timely delivery. - Demonstrated experience in client management. - Excellent writing and presentation skills. Must be able to express ideas effectively clearly and concisely. - Prior experience of writing reports, creating client presentations, and publishing research papers. - Excellent oral and written communication skills. - Logical thinking and strong analytical abilities. - Ability to work with a team and meet deadlines. - Attention to detail and good time management. - Flexibility to travel to remote field locations across India or internationally. 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 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.