A Powerful New Joint Venture in International Development

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Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and Athena Infonomics today announced the formation of Atholicy, a new joint venture under the US Small Business Administration's Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA) program.

Together, this partnership offers an alliance of enhanced development services to the US federal government under its MPA program.

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Athena Infonomics leverages over a decade of expertise in social science research, data analytics, and technology todeliver innovative approaches with a strong focus on areas like digital governance, institutional effectiveness, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adaptation (MERLA).

OPM brings over 40 years of extensive expertise in policy and large-scale program implementation, spanning cross-cutting areas like evaluation and third-party monitoring, as well as sectoral specialties in governance, education, climate, and health.

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Atholicy leverages the complementary strengths of both organizations to offer:

1. ‍Enhanced Local-Led Delivery: Atholicy's extensive network of country offices spans both partner organizations,providing deep local insights and cultural understanding. This embedded presence ensures development services are culturally appropriate and sustainable, designed with a genuine grasp of local contexts.‍
2. Cutting-Edge Third-Party Monitoring: Atholicy combines Athena's expertise in social science research, data, and technology with OPM's proven track record in delivering comprehensive, policy-driven solutions. Together,they provide unparalleled third-party monitoring services that ensure accountability, transparency, and actionable insights across global development programs.‍
3. Powerful Partnership of Policy Insights: By uniting two world-class organizations, Atholicy brings a holistic perspective to development challenges. These combined strengths enable Athena and OPM to together tackle larger, more complex projects, drawing on a rich tapestry of complementary skills and diverse experiences,including in fragile and conflict-effected countries and changing political environments.

"In our role as Mentor in our new joint venture, Atholicy embodies our commitment to fostering local leadership and bringing diverse and innovative services to our funders," said Mark Henstridge, CEO at Oxford Policy Management. "We strongly believe that good public policy can transform the lives of millions of people and this joint venture will significantly expand our capacity to deliver high-quality, impactful services in support of USAID projects that further that vision."

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Vijay Bhalaki, Co-Founder and Partner at Athena Infonomics, added, "Atholicy represents an exciting opportunity to scale Athena’s innovative approaches in over 60 countries to deliver more effective development strategies globally. By combining our strengths with OPM's extensive experience, Atholicy can draw upon both global best practices and local realities to address complex development challenges more comprehensively than ever before."

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Key features of the Atholicy joint venture include:

• A global network of development professionals and local experts.
• Comprehensive policy analysis and program design capabilities using advanced data analytics and technology-driven services.
• Large-scale program delivery expertise in a range of sectors, including health, education, governance, climate, research, and evidence.
• Robust third-party monitoring services delivered for large-scale, multi-year, multi- country programs.
• Strength in working in unstable political environments, including in fragile and conflict-effected countries.
• Diverse partner experience, from national institutions to global NGOs, and from private companies to public sector organisations.

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As a Mentor-Protégé Agreement Joint Venture, Atholicy demonstrates the power of collaboration between established and emerging leaders in the field. This partnership not only strengthens the capabilities of both organizations but alsopromises to deliver enhanced value and impact for USAID and other development partners.

Further information

For more information about Atholicy and its services, please contact, Michael Minkoff, Director of Business Development, Athena Infonomics at michael.m@athenainfonomics.com