The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the effective implementation of CWS’s mission, programs, organizational systems, and institutional priorities. The COO will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to translate organizational strategy into coordinated execution, strengthen internal systems, and ensure accountability, efficiency and organizational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities
• Strategic Execution: Translate organizational strategy into actionable plans, priorities, timelines, and measurable outcomes, working closely with the CEO and leadership team.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee day to day organizational operations, strengthen processes and systems, and ensure effective coordination across different conservation programs.
• People & Organisational Development: Work with HR and senior leadership on organizational structure, workforce planning, performance management, leadership development, and organizational culture.
• Fundraising & Resource Mobilisation: Work closely with the CEO and leadership team to develop and implement fundraising strategies, strengthen donor and institutional relationships, identify new funding opportunities, support proposal development, and mobilise resources aligned with CWS’s strategic priorities.
• Financial & Resource Management: Work with CEO, finance and conservation teams on budgeting, resource allocation, expenditure monitoring, and organizational sustainability.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance: Strengthen internal controls, policies, SOPs,



risk management, and compliance with applicable laws and organizational requirements.
• Systems & Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement of organizational workflows, technology systems, reporting mechanisms, and decision-making processes.
• External Engagement: Represent CWS, as delegated by the CEO, in engagements with government agencies, donors, partners, and other institutional stakeholders.
• Executive & Decision Support: Support the CEO with organizational analysis, management reviews, strategic follow-up, and ensuring timely implementation of key decisions.
• Institutional Development: Lead organization-wide initiatives that strengthen CWS’s capacity, efficiency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
• Performance & Accountability: Establish clear organizational performance indicators and accountability mechanisms, regularly review progress, and ensure timely corrective action where required. Required Skills
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in senior management, operations, strategy, or organisational leadership,



with a proven track record in fundraising and resource mobilisation and prior experience in the NGO/non-profit sector at the level of Director, COO, or equivalent senior leadership position, preferably within the development, conservation, research, or non-profit sector.
• Proven experience in managing large, complex, multi program organizations, with the ability to coordinate teams and operations across multiple locations.
• Strong strategic thinking and execution skills, with the ability to translate organizational priorities into clear plans, systems, and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, people management, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leadership, program teams, partners, donors, and government stakeholders.
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Education:
A postgraduate qualification in management, public administration, business, social sciences, development studies, conservation, or another relevant discipline is preferred. Equivalent qualified experience and demonstrated leadership capability may also be considered.
• Strong understanding of organisational systems, governance, risk management, compliance, and institutional processes, preferably within a Trust/NGO or mission-driven organisation. Application Process
• Letter of Intent (1 – 2 pages), describing personal interest and experience
• Resume/CV with relevant work experience
• References (minimum of 3 with contact details) To apply, please write to Akhil ([email protected]) with the subject line “Application for Chief Operating Officer.”

📌 Chief of Staff (Bengaluru)
🏢 Centre for Wildlife Studies
📍 Bengaluru