Consultant - MEL (MRV Coordinator)
Location:
Delhi or Chennai, India

About Us

Celebrating over twelve 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 70+ 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 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 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. Core

Position Overview

The purpose of this role is to manage climate mitigation practices in the Nature Based Solution (NBS) sector in India and abroad In this Sr. Consultant/Consultant/Associate role, you will have responsibility to guide and direct the climate project development and implementation team focusing on NBS, ensuring they effectively execute our climate projects and Implementation activities within the region.

Reporting to Program Director - Climate projects, you will oversee the timely and effective project management process and overall project operations for forestry and land use emission reduction and removal projects including the management of the full climate project development cycle in the assigned region. This position also works closely with regional leaders (technology strategies, project design, management and evaluation team, portfolio management, climate policy, business management, HR, etc.) where required. In addition, you will participate in relevant meetings and conferences, proactively networking with relevant organisations including with potential project partners, technology providers, local stakeholders during site visit and other relevant events.

Job Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility and lead for carbon credits programs in the area of NBS in India and abroad, as well as full climate project cycle development, implementation and management

• Take the lead in growing our NBS teams and activities in India and abroad together with other relevant internal stakeholders; including building the most optimum teams structures and talented/ambitious project consultant / Sr. Associate / Associate  

• Work with the Project Design, Management & Evaluation team, the Technology Strategies team, Portfolio team, Accounting and HR

• Map and plan resources efficiently and adequately to optimize team activities

• Budget definition and controlling as well as human resource management at individual project and project portfolio level

• Accountable for the relationships with the Project Partners (PP), the carbon credit Registry, the Auditor (third party independent certifier) and related administrative tasks such as invoices, payments and accounting follow ups

• Support the Project Director in focusing the Carbon finance, Carbon market team’s effort, and reply to project information requests from the Portfolio team

• Support climate project teams in other world regions with new leads, proposal preparation and project development cycle on a case by case basis

Qualifications and Competencies

Essential:

• University Degree in Natural resource management, forestry, ecology, climate change, environmental economics, engineering or other related fields required; terminal degree (Master’s) strongly preferred

• 4+ years of relevant experience

• Ability to coordinate workflows within several different teams

• Subject level experience in natural resource management and nature-based solutions, including experience in climate change, mitigation

• Excellent leadership, with a problem-solving attitude, team player, Experience in the development of NBS climate projects and/or programs in the voluntary and/or compliance carbon market

• Familiarity with carbon standards like VCS, GCC, CDM, plan vivo

• Vast experience in guiding and directing the work of others, with thorough functional knowledge/expertise in the field of REDD+, ARR and other NBS related fields such as agricultural land management

• Experience working in India is required to maintain good working relationships with clients and partners, including public sectors, NGO, the private sector, foundations, multilateral organizations, and the relevant sectors

• Fluency in English and excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in project development and management, engagement with clients as well as communication on commercial & technical issues

• Experience managing technical projects with a diverse team of individuals and consultants.

• Willingness to travel within the region

• Experience working with local communities, NGO and public sectors

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.

Apply

Interested applicants can send their CV, a cover letter and two writing samples to career@athenainfonomics.com. Please state in your cover letter your current location, current and expected salary and availability to start. Please mention “Application for Consultant - MEL, 2023” in the subject line.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

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.