Infrastructure Economist

Role Overview: As an Infrastructure Economist at Athena Infonomics, you will play a crucial role in leading 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 potential expansion into other infrastructure sectors like energy, logistics, and supply chains. Key Responsibilities: - Lead the development and refinement of economic and financial models for urban water and sanitation markets, and potentially other infrastructure sectors. - Design scenario modeling frameworks to test interventions such as tariff reform, vendor partnerships, NRW reduction, and phased infrastructure investment. - Strengthen and document modeling methodologies to ensure transparent, auditable, and repeatable outputs. - 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, preferably with exposure to water/sanitation. Experience in other infrastructure sectors like energy, transport, and logistics is advantageous. - Academic Qualifications: Masters degree in economics/business economics (or related discipline with a major in economics) from a reputed academic institution. - Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in financial and economic modeling (Excel essential; Python/R a plus), scenario analysis, cost and tariff modeling, and demand/affordability analysis. - Sector Knowledge: Strong understanding of urban service markets, including informal providers, subsidy/tariff frameworks, and blended finance mechanisms. - Stakeholder Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with technical and financial audiences, presenting assumptions and outputs clearly. - Mindset: Proactive, rigorous, and detail-oriented with a focus on innovation and user-friendly outputs. Additional Company Details: Athena Infonomics is a data-driven global consultancy with a multidisciplinary team of 75+ professionals spread across Asia, Africa, US, and UK. The company has been recognized for its innovative approach in the international development space and offers an outcomes-based work environment with flexible hours and professional development opportunities. (Note: The section "Why Join Us" has been omitted as it does not provide specific job-related details.),