Manager – Field Operations

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About the Organization

Celebrating over fifteen years of innovative and collaborative work, Athena Infonomics is an established best-in-class global solutions group offering integrated social science research, data, and technology services for social impact to provide user-centric, context-specific advisory and implementation support to decision makers. Our multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team of 75+ professionals across Asia, Africa, USA and UK bring extensive experience in designing and applying research methods to co-design and co-produce useful research that is inclusive and relevant.

Job Description

The Manager – Field Operations will be responsible for leading and delivering high-quality, timely, and cost-efficient field data collection and community engagement operations across multiple states and districts. The role ensures 15-20% cost optimization, 100% data quality compliance, and continuous expansion of the field network into unreached districts and states, while strengthening CommunityCompass’ community-first evidence generation model.

Job Responsibilities

• Recruit, onboard, and mentor field supervisors and investigators as per the requirements and join the mission of building “FEV - Feet in every village”.
• Build the capacity of the field force, especially focusing on “Ethical Certification”!
• Plan and manage multi-state field operations for surveys, evaluations, and community studies.
• Ensure timely delivery of field activities with strict adherence to quality and ethical standards.
• Implement monitoring, back-checks, and data quality assurance systems.
• Lead tool Translation, piloting, field training, handholding, and troubleshooting.
• Optimise logistics, travel, and deployment models to achieve a minimum 15% cost savings.
• Coordinate with research, program, and partner teams.
• Prepare regular field progress, quality, and risk reports.
• Support FGDs, IDIs, KIIs, and community consultations when required.
• Field Contract management and ensure timely payments against quality-approved tasks.
• Proactively identify field risks and resolve operational, logistical, or team-related challenges.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and ethical standards across all field operations.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• Ph.D/master’s degree in social work, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related discipline.
• Ethics in Evidence Generation.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 12+ years of experience in field operations, impact evaluations, baseline/endline surveys, and large-scale data collection.
• Experience in managing multi state field team and managing multiple projects.
• Proven leadership in managing multi-state projects covering thousands of households and community institutions.
• Prior experience working with donors such as the World Bank, UNICEF, IFC, 3ie, BMGF, and large NGOs.
• Strong background in NRLM, livelihoods, agriculture, gender, Climate, Agriculture, WASH, and social protection programs.

Technical Skillsets

• Training skills on the Tool, field operations and Data quality Assurance
• Large-scale survey operations management - Tool piloting and sharing feedback.
• CAPI Design and Administering skills – CommCare, Kobo, ODK, SurveyCTO etc.
• Field monitoring & quality assurance systems
• Mixed-method research support (quantitative & qualitative)
• Budgeting and cost control
• Data quality validation processes
• Community engagement facilitation
• Behavioural & Leadership Competencies
• Strong field leadership and decision-making ability
• High ownership and accountability mindset
• Ability to work in high-pressure, multi-location environments.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Ethical integrity and community sensitivity
• Results-driven with cost consciousness
• Collaborative leadership with cross-functional teams

Communication & Language Skills

• Fluent in English, Hindi and regional languages (Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam for South, Hind, Oriya, Bengali, Marati, Gujarati for North); strong ability to work with regional dialects and local communities.
• Strong reporting, documentation, and presentation skills.

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.

For more information please check the Link

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