Contracts, Budget & Project Operations Specialist

Position: Contracts, Budget & Project Operations Specialist (6-8 years)

Location: Chennai / Delhi office (on-site)

Position Type: Full Time

Start Date: 1st September 2026

Celebrating over sixteen 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 95+ 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 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 Infonomics is seeking a Contracts, Budget & Project Operations Specialist to join our team, with responsibilities spanning contracts management, budget management, and project operations support. This full-time position, based out of the Chennai/Delhi office, will report to the Senior Manager, Business Development, with a dotted line reporting to the Finance Diretor.

•    Review Develop sub-contracts and teaming agreements with partners pre- and post-contract award.

•    Support and assist with establishment of protocols, templates etc. related to sub-agreements, sub-contracts and teaming agreements.

•    Provide support by establishing and monitoring guidelines for sub-contract management, including reporting, performance management, budgeting, and auditing.

•    Review & identify any contractual or regulatory issues in RFPs/client contracts that may impact the opportunity, reviewing technical and cost proposals for contractual, budgetary, organizational, risk management and regulatory compliance.

•    Regularly review related regulations for updates and to ensure that we are in compliance on all contracts.

•    Track contract period of performance, deliverables, and financial report due dates.

•    Manage, maintain and update the contract tracking database to track and enforce reporting requirements, in collaboration with consulting and finance staff.

•    Develop proposal budgets and cost proposals.

•    Update financial reports and conduct financial analysis designed to provide project managers with timely financial information for making operational decisions, including analysis and guidance.

•    Monitor project budgets against actual expenditure, flag variances, and support project teams with corrective budget planning.

•    Track contract period of performance, deliverables, and financial report due dates

•    Work with project/consulting staff and Finance in ensuring cost share applicability and compliance with cost share regulations, indirect cost calculations and provide any necessary guidance and training.

•    Support day-to-day project operations, coordinating with project teams on administrative, logistical, and resourcing needs across the project lifecycle.

•    Act as a liaison between consulting/project, finance, and business development teams to ensure operational alignment on active projects.

•    Support project start-up and close-out processes, including documentation, compliance checks, and handover of financial and contractual records.

•    Master's/Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Grants and Contracts Management, and/or Auditing.

•    6+ years of relevant experience on administration of grants and subcontracts supported by international donor organizations (e.g., UNICEF, USAID, FCDO and similar agencies).

•    Experience working in the international development sector, ideally within a research, consulting, or donor-funded program environment.

•    Demonstrated experience with donor acquisition and assistance rules and regulations, including experience with the full cycle of grant/contract making.

•    Prior experience in administering milestone-based grants/contracts for donor-funded projects.

•    Expert knowledge and efficiency working with financial control processes, payment systems, results-based management, project monitoring, and management.

•    Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

•    Fluency in written and spoken English, with strong verbal communication skills.

•    Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills; attention to detail.

•    Demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands, and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.

•    Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility and adaptability; ability to work graciously, patiently, and effectively with a wide variety of non-financial stakeholders.

•    Strong analytical skills coupled with expert-level Excel/budget software skills and the ability to self-review work for reasonableness and accuracy.

•    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.

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.

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.