Role Overview
The Senior CSR Specialist will lead the design, execution, and governance of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility programmes across India. Reporting into the global CSR function, this role is accountable for statutory compliance under Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013, NGO partnership management, employee volunteering, and measurable community impact while contributing to global GCI reporting and sustainability frameworks. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about driving social impact, with a strong understanding of India's CSR landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Program Execution & Management
- Design and manage a portfolio of CSR programmes aligned with Schedule VII of the Companies Act and Board-approved CSR Policy.
- Lead end-to-end project management; needs assessment, partner identification, documentation, implementation oversight, and closure.
- Develop technology-skilling, STEM education, and digital literacy initiatives leveraging the company's core IT capabilities.
- Plan and execute CSR-aligned employee volunteer initiatives; drive awareness and participation across India offices.
- Oversee & alignment with WWT's CSR India 4 key focus areas; Education, Environment, Women Empowerment & Rural Development
Governance, Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure the 2% average net profit CSR spend obligation is met on time per Section 135, Companies Act 2013.
- Assist to file Form CSR-2 on the MCA21 portal within prescribed timelines; maintain all statutory records (CSR-1 registrations, Board minutes, project registers, utilization certificates).
- Track and manage unspent CSR funds in line with prescribed transfer requirements to avoid penalties.
- Prepare quarterly updates and draft materials for CSR Committee reviews, Board reports, and Annual Report disclosures.
- Liaise with Company Secretary, Legal, and Finance on CSR Rules amendments, grant documentation (MoUs, sanction letters), and regulatory advisories.
Partnership & Stakeholder Coordination
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard implementing agencies (NGOs, Section 8 companies, government bodies) with valid CSR-1 registration, 12A/80G certification, FCRA and more.
- Utilize platforms such as Benevity and other sourcing channels to identify and assess NGO partners.
- Manage agreements, fund-release schedules, utilization certificates, and completion of reports.
- Build relationships with government departments, local communities, and cross-functional internal teams (HR, Finance, Legal, Communications).
Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Reporting
- Track programme outcomes and impact metrics; conduct quarterly field visits and produce impact case studies and beneficiary stories.
- Prepare and maintain programme dashboards and data trackers.
- Conduct research on CSR trends, governance practices, and sustainability innovations in India.
Communications & Brand
- Draft internal and external communications: impact reports, intranet updates, social media content, and event write-ups.
- Collaborate with Marketing and HR to amplify CSR stories and strengthen employer brands.
Qualifications & Experience-
- Bachelors in any discipline; master's in social work (MSW), MBA (CSR/Sustainability), or MA Development Studies preferred.
- 5-7 years of hands-on CSR/sustainability experience in an IT services, technology, or large corporate environment.
- Working knowledge of Section 135, Companies Act 2013 and the CSR Rules (including 2021 and 2025 amendments).
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite, reporting tools and CSR platforms (e.g. Benevity); strong written and verbal English.
- Candidates must be based in Bangalore, Mumbai or Pune only and should be able to join in 45 days or less
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong project management; ability to manage multiple programmes with competing deadlines.
- Statutory compliance and governance rigor (Section 135, MCA21, CSR Rules).
- Analytical mindset with experience in M&E, SROI, and impact measurement.
- Collaborative; effective at engaging NGO partners, government bodies, and internal stakeholders.
- Strong written communicator; able to produce board-ready reports and compelling impact stories.
- Proactive, solution-oriented mindset; passionate about inclusion and community impact.
