Infrastructure Economist

Role Overview: As an Infrastructure Economist at Athena Infonomics, you will play a key role in the technical development of methodologies and economic models to bridge the gap between policy derisking and financial derisking in municipal water and sanitation projects. Your work will focus on urban water and sanitation markets initially, with the potential to expand into other infrastructure domains such as energy, logistics, and supply chains. You will lead the development and refinement of economic and financial models, design scenario modelling frameworks, engage with stakeholders, and mentor analysts across projects. Key Responsibilities: - Lead development and refinement of economic and financial models for urban water and sanitation markets, with potential to expand into other infrastructure sectors. - Design scenario modelling frameworks to test interventions such as tariff reform, vendor partnerships, NRW reduction, and phased infrastructure investment. - Strengthen and document modelling methodologies to ensure outputs are transparent, auditable, and repeatable. - Translate complex data into clear decision tools including cost stacks, demand projections, subsidy/tariff scenarios, and OPEX/DSCR analysis. - Engage with utilities, regulators, DFIs, and investors to validate assumptions and present findings. - Mentor analysts, manage technical workflows, and oversee QA across projects. Qualifications Required: - Experience: 6-10 years in infrastructure economics, project preparation, or transaction advisory, ideally with exposure to water/sanitation. Experience in other infrastructure (energy, transport, logistics) is a plus. - Academic Qualifications: Masters degree in economics/business economics (or any other related discipline with a major in economics) from a reputed academic institution. - Technical skills: Advanced financial and economic modeling (Excel essential; Python/R a plus), scenario analysis, cost and tariff modeling, and demand/affordability analysis. - Sector knowledge: Strong grasp of urban service markets, including the role of informal providers, subsidy/tariff frameworks, and blended finance mechanisms. - Stakeholder skills: Credible with both technical and financial audiences; able to present assumptions and outputs clearly. - Mindset: Proactive, rigorous, and detail-oriented. Comfortable innovating methodologically while keeping outputs decision-focused and user-friendly. Join Athena Infonomics and be part of a dynamic team that is shaping the development of innovative infrastructure market solutions. Experience a work culture that values professional development, thought leadership, and transparency.,