Reference code: MO/NCR-11/26

The International Forum for Setting, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to lead the organisation’s administration, facilities, procurement, events and IT services across its three offices.

A successful applicant must have a proven aptitude for administration and operations management, procurement and vendor management, and team leadership, and good communication skills with staff, vendors and visitors. The candidate should ideally have working experience in a donor-funded organisation, and knowledge of donor procurement rules, audits, office compliance and administration across more than one location.

Position summary

Title

Manager – Operations

Division

People & Operations

Reports to

Director – People & Operations

Direct reports

Assistant Manager – Operations; Admin. Associate – Events & Logistics; Admin. Associate – IT, Database & Website; Front Office Manager

Location

Noida head office

Experience

10+ years in administration, operations or facilities management, including at least 7 years managing a team

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organisation established in 2019. It identifies, promotes and scales up solutions for pressing environment–development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Our work is rooted in regional priorities. We accelerate environmental action at the sub-national level and use that regional knowledge to improve national policies and plans and strengthen international collaboration. We conduct independent, evidence-based research, develop new knowledge and innovative solutions, convene stakeholders to build consensus, and partner with think tanks, civil society, government agencies, philanthropies and industry to scale up solutions.

Much of our work is funded by international grants and delivered with state and district partners. We have a team of about 80 people across three offices in India.

Purpose of the role

The Manager – Operations will run iFOREST’s administration, facilities, procurement, events, IT and front office services across all three offices. The role reports to the Director – People & Operations and leads a team of four.

Success in this role means that within a year:

- All three offices are well run, safe and properly equipped, with clear standards of service.
- Procurement is transparent, cost-effective and meets donor and audit requirements.
- Events, travel and visits run smoothly
- IT, databases and the website are reliable and secure.

Key responsibilities

1. Administrative policy and planning

- Draft, review and implement the administration manual and SOPs,



including procurement, travel, asset, events and office-use policies, for approval by the Director.
- Prepare the annual operations budget with the Director and track spending against it.
- Report regularly to the Director on performance, costs and risks.
- Set standards of service so staff in every office know whom to contact and what to expect.

2. Offices and facilities

- Manage office infrastructure, maintenance, utilities, housekeeping and security at head office and regional offices.
- Manage leases, rental agreements and relations with building management.
- Maintain health, safety, fire-safety and business continuity plans for all offices.
- Coordinate administration in regional offices through designated focal points, using common SOPs and checklists.
- Promote environmentally responsible office practices in energy, water, waste and procurement, in line with iFOREST’s mission.
- Make sure reception, visitor management, mail and meeting rooms run smoothly in the Noida office.

3. Procurement, vendors and assets

- Manage procurement of goods and services in line with policy, budgets and donor rules, with a clear audit trail.
- Run quotations and tenders, and negotiate and manage vendor contracts and annual maintenance agreements.
- Maintain an approved vendor list and review vendor performance.
- Maintain the asset register, with periodic physical verification alongside Finance.

4. Events, travel and visitors

- Oversee workshops, roundtables, conferences and other events in Delhi NCR and the states.
- Oversee domestic and international travel, visas and accommodation for staff and guests, in line with the travel policy.
- Oversee protocol and logistics for government officials, partners, and international delegations.
- Provide reliable administrative support to the CEO and senior management.

5. IT, database and website

- Oversee IT support, infrastructure, information security, and backups across all offices.
- Oversee the organisation’s databases and website, working with the communications and programme teams.
- Make sure IT policies, licences and data handling meet donor and legal requirements.

6. Compliance and coordination

- Ensure administrative and statutory compliance for all three offices, including registrations, licences and renewals.
- Keep administrative records for audits and donor due-diligence reviews.




- Support HR with workstations, onboarding and exits, and Finance with procurement documents and audits.

7. Team leadership

- Lead, coach and develop the operations team, setting clear goals and standards of service.

Qualifications and experience

Essential

- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. A master’s degree is an advantage.
- 10+ years of experience in administration, operations or facilities management, including at least 7 years managing a team.
- Strong working knowledge of procurement, vendor and contract management, and office compliance.
- Experience managing travel and logistics for events and meetings.
- Experience overseeing IT support or working closely with IT teams.

Desirable

- Experience in a think tank, research institution, non-profit or donor-funded organisation.
- Experience with procurement under donor guidelines and audit requirements.
- Experience managing administration across more than one office location.
- Experience setting up administrative systems in a new or growing organisation.

Competencies

- Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage several priorities at once.
- Service-oriented with staff, leadership, vendors and visitors.
- High integrity, transparency and attention to detail in procurement and spending.
- Leads and motivates a varied support team.
- Calm and practical under pressure.

What we offer

iFOREST provides an inclusive and supportive work environment and is committed to professional development through education, training and capacity building. We offer salaries that are competitive in the think-tank sector and recognise performance through annual appraisals.

Remuneration: Depending on qualifications and experience. The final designation will depend on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

How to apply

Apply online at iforest.global/careers. If you have difficulty applying online, send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected] with “Manager – Operations” in the subject line.

Immediate opening. The position is open until filled.

Published

Nov 11, 2026

You may also apply by writing to [email protected] with the position and
reference code in subject line.

Why Choose iFOREST

- Purpose-driven work: Contribute from regional to national and global goals in
sustainability.
- Professional development: Work in areas that address contemporary and critical issues.
- Competitive compensation: We recognize and reward commitment and talent.
- Inclusive culture: Experience a supportive, diverse, and empowering work environment.

📌 Manager – Operations (Noida)
🏢 iForest - International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology
📍 Noida