World Resources Institute India
## Deputy Director – Operations
**About World Resources Institute India**
WRI India, an independent charity registered as the India Resources Trust, is dedicated to fostering environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Their mission is to guide human society towards sustainable practices that protect Earth’s environment and ensure its ability to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations. WRI India achieves this through research, analysis, and recommendations that translate into actionable solutions to safeguard the planet, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being.
Inspired by and associated with the global World Resources Institute (WRI), WRI India boasts over 250 researchers across offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
**About the Role**
As the Deputy Director – Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning and success of WRI India. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, you will be responsible for all administrative duties, communications, and the development and monitoring of progress towards meeting organizational goals aligned with the strategic plan. This position is crucial for the organization’s ability to control its mission destiny.
**Key Responsibilities:**
* Partner with the Operations Director to manage daily operations and administrative activities.
* Oversee bookkeeping and financial oversight, including budget development, expense monitoring, and statutory audits.
* Prepare financial and other reports for the Director and Board of Directors.
* Implement administrative strategies within defined timeframes and applicable regulatory frameworks.
* Manage the Legal, Grants and Contracts functions, ensuring streamlined processes and adherence to regulatory requirements, with a particular focus on FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act).
* Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Director, Operations.
* Lead the development and implementation of a sustainable and dynamic business model that secures necessary revenue and effectively manages expenditures across fiscal years.
* Ensure sustainable accounting, financial functions, and organizational infrastructure that contribute to the institute’s success.
* Lead all donor, statutory, and internal audits, overseeing the end-to-end processes and consolidation of audited financials.
* Mentor the team, manage work allocation, facilitate internal capacity building, conduct performance evaluations, and foster a dynamic team environment.
* Guide larger cross-divisional teams (programs and responsibilities) outside of the direct span of control.
* Ensure compliance with all applicable statutory laws, including disclosure requirements and reporting to management.
* Oversee and update organizational and administrative policies related to governance and regulations.
* Develop comprehensive organizational reporting for the CEO and board, coordinating with program and core functions (including development and HR) to strengthen the organization’s systems and processes.
* Support accounting, general ledger, and other operational responsibilities, ensuring robust systems for accuracy.
* Advise on best accounting practices within the institute by communicating standard operating procedures and serving as a reference point for growth plans and projects.
* Lead processes to prevent fraud and conflicts of interest, promoting accurate internal and external analysis.
* Configure accounting systems and manage reconciliations between different systems within the organization, collaborating with the accounting teams in India and globally to implement a unified accounting and reporting structure.
* Participate in all internal planning related to the institute’s program expansion, ensuring alignment between program, outreach, and training plans with financial projections.
* Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to monitor, evaluate, and optimize cash flow, variances, liquidity, and risk management.
* Stay current with new trends in the financial industry by attending conferences, engaging in professional development, and sharing relevant information with senior leadership.
* Build a top-tier internal Accounts team by recruiting, training, and developing experienced accountants, analysts, consultants, auditors, tax planners, and payroll staff.
* Support operations to identify accounting and organizational needs and recommend solutions to institutional and financial challenges.
* Effectively navigate ambiguity and work collaboratively with team members to find practical solutions.
* Oversee all legal documentation, including grant agreements with foreign and local donors, non-profit partners, vendor contracts, MOUs, and other relevant documents.
**Qualifications and Requirements**
* Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Finance from a reputable institution.
* Exceptional analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
* Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse global workplace.
* Minimum 12+ years of relevant experience, with 7+ years in a managerial or leadership role.
* In-depth knowledge of ROC (Registrar of Companies), Income Tax, FCRA, GST, FEMA, US GAAP, and labor regulations.
* Strong ability to manage shifting opportunities and priorities.
* Experience in integrating IT/Systems to enhance accounting productivity and accuracy.
* Prior experience in a non-profit organization, along with expertise in managing staff, is highly preferred.
* Experience collaborating with external auditors, navigating compliance, and managing regulatory oversight.
* A commitment to results and a “can-do” mindset.
* Strong work ethics, a sense of ownership for assigned tasks, and demonstrated accountability.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Excel, familiarity with software like SAP, Salesforce, Deltek, Tally, and other online accounting systems managed across multiple geographic areas is preferred.
**Location:** Mumbai and Delhi, India
**Start Date:** At the earliest
**Salary and Benefits:** INR 3000000 – INR 3200000
**Duration:** 2 years as term hire (extendable based on performance and project requirements)
**Please Note:**
* Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
* WRI India is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, providing opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background.
* To learn more about WRI India’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), please visit: [https://wri-india.org/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusion](https://wri-india.org/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)
**About WRI India’s People-Centric Culture**
WRI India prioritizes its people, offering a welcoming work environment, competitive benefits, and a culture that encourages staff to prioritize their well-being and growth.
**Non-Monetary Benefits Include:**
* Comprehensive health insurance coverage for staff and their families up to INR 8 lakhs.
* Term insurance policy offering life coverage of 50 lakhs per staff member.
* Employee Assistance program designed to support mental well-being and work-life balance.
* Personalized diet recommendations from a certified dietitian based on individual health and lifestyle.
* Flexible work schedules for eligible staff.
* A learning culture that fosters workshops, trainings, and opportunities for continuous development.
* Rest and Recharge weeks, encouraging staff to take time off for personal growth and rejuvenation.
* Generous leave policy with 36 days of personal time off per year, in addition to public holidays, maternity, paternity, and adoption leaves.
**Equal Employment Opportunity**
WRI India is committed to equal employment opportunities for all, promoting a fair and inclusive recruitment and advancement process. We do not discriminate based on caste, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference, parental status, or disability.
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