Open to opportunities

Heera Heera

@heeraheera

Message

I lead grantmaking, compliance, and country strategy across India and South Asia.

India

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead country strategy, grantmaking, governance, and institutional strengthening in a mission-driven organization advancing youth agency, gender equity, and accountable partnerships.

At EMpower, I lead India country strategy, grantmaking, institutional strengthening, and office leadership, including the 2025–2028 participatory program strategy and a Youth Advisory Council that embeds youth voice in decision-making.

I've managed complex grant portfolios, budgets, compliance, audits, and cross-border teams for the Ford Foundation, RTI International's USAID South Asia Regional Energy Partnership, the European Commission, and USAID Project REACH. Across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Maldives, I turn global priorities into disciplined country execution while building accountable partnerships with governments, donors, foundations, and community organizations.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Program Director - India

Current

EMpower – The Emerging Market Foundation

Feb 2022 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Senior leadership role overseeing India country strategy, grantmaking, institutional strengthening, and country office leadership. Led participatory strategy cycles, oversaw grant portfolio, and represented the India office externally.

Grantmaking Strategic Planning Portfolio Management Budgeting Compliance Risk Management Youth Engagement Fundraising Stakeholder Engagement

Director-Finance and Grants

RTI International

May 2021 - Jan 2022 (8 months)

Senior management role for a $50M, multi-country USAID initiative across six South Asian countries. Oversaw finance, grants, HR, procurement, and operations, ensuring compliance with USAID and RTI policies.

Financial Management Grants Management Budgeting Compliance Risk Management Procurement Operations Team Leadership

Grants Manager, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka

The Ford Foundation

Nov 2008 - Apr 2021 (12 years 5 months)

Senior grants management and advisory role supporting program strategy across Gender, Urbanization, and Philanthropy portfolios in South Asia. Managed a portfolio of 450 grants, led compliance reviews, and strengthened grants management systems.

Grantmaking Portfolio Management Compliance Risk Management Financial Analysis Budgeting Capacity Building Training FCRA FEMA

Accountant, India and Nepal

Delegation of the European Commission

Feb 2008 - Nov 2008 (9 months)

Oversaw imprest account management for India and Nepal, ensuring strong financial controls and timely replenishment. Led payment verification and due diligence across payroll, staff claims, advances, and operational expenditures.

Financial Management Accounting Compliance Banking Foreign Exchange

Senior Finance & Grants Specialist

American Institutes for Research

Jan 2006 - Jan 2008 (2 years)

Led financial planning, monthly and annual closures, and statutory reporting for USAID Project REACH India. Oversaw procurement, grants management, and partner capacity strengthening.

Financial Planning Accounting Compliance Procurement Contracting Grants Management Budgeting Partner Capacity Building

Process Associate

GE Capital International Services

May 2004 - Jan 2006 (1 year 8 months)

Handled inter-company accounting and month-end closures for international markets. Contributed to Six Sigma-driven process improvement and compliance support.

Month End Closing Six Sigma Process Improvement Compliance

Assistant Accounts Officer

Oswal Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd

Aug 1999 - Apr 2004 (4 years 8 months)

Managed banking relationships, working capital financing, and interest calculations. Oversaw vendor accounts, reconciliations, and contractual settlements, and supported internal and external audits.

Banking Working Capital Management Vendor Management Reconciliations Audit