TORAL VARIA

New Delhi
+91 9910614445
toral.varia@gmail.com

SUMMARY
Toral is a veteran journalist turned corporate professional with over 15 years of experience most
of which was in the space of journalism followed by stints in threat analysis and crisis response
in global organisations. I am currently looking to transition into the Sustainable Development
space and open to suitable roles in reputed organizations that allow me to leverage my
experience and skill-sets.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Independent Consultant OCT 2019 ONWARDS

Strategic Communications, Research and Risk Advisory
● I helped set up a team involved in international strategic communication involved with a
government department in an external capacity. As a part of this project, I conducted a risk
analysis of the project objectives and out-lined a strategy document defining timelines and
milestones.
● I researched and worked on the initial manuscript for a 1971 war related book for a well-known
journalist / author.
● I regularly conduct media communication training for senior Indian Army officials in
collaboration with Mr Nitin Gokhale for CLAWS (a leading Indian Army think tank).

Facebook.inc (Singapore) DEC 2018 - JULY 2019

Threat Analyst - Business Integrity Operations
● Program / Project Managed various government relations initiatives driven by Facebook. As a
part of this, I was part of the ​Global Elections Integrity team coordinating efforts during general
elections in India and Indonesia and launched Political Authorizations for Politicians / Political
parties significantly reducing violations on Facebook platforms. The product was later rolled
out to other election countries as well.
● In collaborations with country policy teams, I conducted extensive country risk analyses of
Facebook products to identify vulnerabilities and plug gaps in existing policies that contributed
in improving existing relationships with various governments and creating new partnership
opportunities.
● Track, update, simplify and analyse on relevant and emerging local/regional policy issues that
impact the above portfolio.
● Responsible for roll out of different Civic Engagement products in India & South Asia regions.
● the product teams at Facebook, I conducted extensive product risk analyses prior to product
launches for a number of products. These analyses were shared with Directors, Senior
 Leaders and Product Managers and ensured that we were tackling major integrity related
challenges.
● Developed products such as WEC (World Events Calendar) and Market Risks Framework
which helped operational teams get alerts on potential threats along with volume projections in
order for them to plan for staffing and other contingencies.
● Was a part of the team that managed the National and Regional elections in India. I was
responsible for strategy, ops management, cross-functional collaboration and delivery from a
Business Integrity Standpoint.
● Mentored, on-boarded and trained multiple people on investigation techniques and the usage
of Facebook’s data tools thus empowering them and setting them up for success.

Bank of America (Delhi) SEPT 2016 - OCT 2018

Assistant Vice President, Intelligence Analyst (APAC)
● As BoA’s first India-based analyst, I developed and led a cutting-edge program to forecast and
mitigate risks impacting the business continuity of the bank. As a part of this, I drafted
processes and designed business continuity plans that were activated on a need basis
reducing and in some cases eliminating financial loss to the bank.
● I developed and conducted realistic scenario based Crisis Management Table-top (CMT)
exercises across ten bank presence locations in APAC. The vulnerabilities identified in the
process were plugged through training of crisis teams that involved senior management
officials.
● I developed a Risk and Updates Tracker (RUT) to forecast business continuity risks that
allowed bank’s business leaders to plan for people and staffing contingencies.
● As a core member of the global Crisis Response Team, I managed the execution of a
trigger-based escalation response to events impacting the business.
● As a part of the program, I integrated a stakeholder and employee communication template
aligned with the level of crisis and activation of BCP plans.
● I was recognized with several inhouse awards for developing the program and supporting
crisis response.

Edelman India (Delhi) SEPT 2015 - MAY 2016

Account Director - Public Affairs
● Led and implemented communications strategies for Ontario’s diplomatic trade division to
support official engagements within government and industry bodies.
● Agency’s primary point of contact for the Government of Ontario, Canada for the official visit of
150 business leaders and government officials led by then Premier Katherine Wayne.
● Ministry of Environment: Part of an external core team supporting the Indian government
during COP21 summit. Consultant for strategic communications and government stakeholder
management to advance messaging on India's Sustainable Development Goals.

Journalist (India) APR 2000 - SEPT 2015

Broadcast, Print and Digital Investigative Journalist
● As a journalist for 15 years, I have reported for reputed news organizations such as CNN-IBN
(founder member), Voice of America (Washington DC), Indian Express, Outlook and Caravan
magazines, and Al-Jazeera English International. Some of my investigative reportage has also
been featured in National Geographic and Propublica.
● During this time, I have reported from ground zero in various situations such as flooding,
terrorist attacks, political upheavals and elections amongst others.

RELEVANT SKILLS
● Software and applications: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint and Microsoft Word.
● Strengths (as per the strengths finder test 2.0): Analytical, Strategic, Responsible, Developer
and Adaptable.
● Management: Project, Team, and Stakeholder (Internal and External).

OTHER INTERESTS
Beyond work, I am very interested in trekking, gardening and experimenting with DIY projects.

LANGUAGES
Fluent in written and spoken English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati.

EDUCATION
● Bachelors of Arts, University of Mumbai 2001-2002
● Certificate in Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement for the implementation and review of the
2030 Agenda (UNITAR) March 2020