ANRF COO and CFO Recruitment 2026

About This Job

ANRF is hiring 2 senior leadership posts — Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) — at its headquarters. If you are a senior government or public sector professional with a Master's or Bachelor's degree and 12-15 years of relevant experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 18 May 2026. Salary is equivalent to Pay Level 14 or 15 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (Rs. 1,44,200 to Rs. 2,24,100 per month).

ANRF COO and CFO Recruitment 2026 — 2 Posts

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established as an Apex Body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has released Advertisement Notice No. ANRF/Rectt/01/2026 for two senior executive positions. The COO will drive ANRF's operational execution across funding, inter-agency coordination, compliance, and stakeholder management, while the CFO will oversee all financial operations including budgeting, grant disbursements, audits, and regulatory compliance. Both posts are filled through Deputation (including short-term contract), and the COO post is additionally open through Contractual Appointment from the open market.

Vacancy Details

Who Can Apply?

For Chief Operating Officer (COO) — via Deputation:

• Officers from Central/State Government, Union Territory administration, PSU, recognised Research Institution, University, or Semi-Government/Statutory/Autonomous organisations
• You must have at least 3 years regular service in Level-14 (Rs. 1,44,200 – 2,18,200) or equivalent
• Essential Qualification: Master's degree in engineering, science, technology or allied disciplines from a recognised university/institution
• Experience: Minimum 15 years after obtaining the Master's degree, in roles involving research administration, Government programmes, innovation management, public sector operations or mission-driven initiatives — specifically in managing large-scale programmes in science/technology, supporting research/innovation initiatives, or facilitating inter-agency coordination
• Strong communication and coordination skills; ability to work with diverse stakeholders across Government, academia, and industry
• Desirable: Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA)
• Maximum age: 56 years (Deputation) as on closing date of application

For Chief Operating Officer (COO) — via Contractual Appointment (Open Market):

• For those not covered under Deputation — includes professionals from industry, private sector, overseas institutions, or NGOs
• Essential Qualification: Master's degree in engineering, science, technology or allied disciplines from a recognised university/institution
• Experience: Minimum 15 years after obtaining the degree, in research administration, Government programmes, innovation management, public sector or mission-driven initiatives in industry, private sector, overseas institutions, or NGOs
• Maximum age: 58 years (Contractual open market) as on closing date of application
• Salary equivalent to Level-15 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, including all applicable benefits

For Chief Financial Officer (CFO) — via Deputation (including short-term contract):

• Officers from Central/State Government, Union Territory administration, PSU, recognised Research Institution, University, or Semi-Government/Statutory/Autonomous organisations
• You must be: (i) holding an analogous post on regular basis in the parent cadre, OR (ii) with 2 years regular service in Level-13A (Rs. 1,31,100 – 2,16,600) or equivalent, OR (iii) with 3 years regular service in Level-13 (Rs. 1,23,100 – 2,15,900) or equivalent
• Essential Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Commerce or Finance from a recognised university/institution
• Experience: Minimum 12 years in finance, accounts and administration with knowledge of financial laws, taxation, accounting standards and regulatory frameworks
• Desirable: Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Financial Management or allied disciplines
• Maximum age: 56 years as on closing date of application

Age Limit

• COO — Deputation: Maximum 56 years as on 18 May 2026 (closing date)
• COO — Contractual (Open Market): Maximum 58 years as on 18 May 2026
• CFO — Deputation: Maximum 56 years as on 18 May 2026
• There is no minimum age specified; these are senior leadership roles
• Government servants currently serving on deputation should note that the total deputation period (including prior ex-cadre deputation) should not exceed 3 years

Salary

• COO: Level-15 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix — Rs. 1,82,200 to Rs. 2,24,100 per month (entry pay Rs. 1,82,200)
• CFO: Level-14 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix — Rs. 1,44,200 to Rs. 2,18,200 per month (entry pay Rs. 1,44,200)
• Plus HRA as per ANRF/Government of India Rules (note: ANRF officers are not covered under CGHS but will be governed by ANRF Medical Rules)
• ANRF officers are not eligible for General Pool residential accommodation from the Directorate of Estates, but will get House Rent Allowance as per ANRF/GoI guidelines
• Term of appointment: 3 years from date of assumption of charge, eligible for reappointment as per Government norms

Application Fee

• No application fee — the notification does not mention any fee for applying

Selection Process

Selection is through shortlisting followed by Interview:

1. Application Screening: ANRF will shortlist candidates through an internal Screening Committee based on the information provided in the application. Not all applicants will be called for interview
2. CV Review by Selection Committee: Shortlisted CVs will be examined by the competent Selection Committee for suitability based on experience quality and ANRF's specific job requirements
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview. A panel of candidates will be prepared from those interviewed, valid for 12 months from the date of result declaration
4. Document Verification: Candidates must produce original certificates and any other documents (NOC, APARs of last 5 years for government servants) at the time of interview

Note: Outstation candidates called for interview will be paid Second AC railway fare for the shortest route to and fro from their present place of work.

How to Apply

1. Go to the ANRF recruitment portal at recruitment.anrf.gov.in
2. Register yourself with a valid email ID and create an account (Sign Up)
3. Fill in the online application form carefully
4. Upload all required documents and a recent photograph (self-attested)
5. Submit the application — no hard copy submission is required
6. Government servants (from Central/State Govt/PSU/Autonomous bodies) must also upload a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the competent authority in the format given in Annexure-I of the notification
7. Keep a copy of the submitted application for your records

Important: Applications through any other mode will not be accepted and will be summarily rejected. The online portal will be available for 37 days from the date of publication in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar.

Important Dates

• Notification / Advertisement No.: ANRF/Rectt/01/2026
• Application Start Date: 11 April 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 18 May 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced

• Assist the CEO in day-to-day operational management of ANRF's programmes and activities
• Develop and manage operational plans, budget allocations, and fund disbursements across research initiatives
• Lead and integrate cross-functional domains including Programme, Finance, Administration, and HR
• Work with the CEO and Executive Committee to translate strategic priorities into action, involving internal and external stakeholders
• Build and sustain partnerships with research institutions, ministries, academia, and start-ups
• Oversee financial operations including budgeting, accounting, forecasting, grant compliance, and fund disbursements (CFO role)
• Implement and maintain internal control systems and financial standard operating procedures
• Coordinate with auditors to ensure timely statutory and internal audits and prepare financial statements
• Monitor financial risks and propose mitigation strategies; engage with funding agencies and statutory authorities