This is the 1880th most frequent Japanese word.
狙っ
The Japanese word "狙っ" (nera') means "aimed at" or "targeted."
狙っている in this sentence shows the act of aiming or targeting something, which here is 'チャンス' or 'an opportunity'.
彼はチャンスを狙っている。
He is aiming for an opportunity.
狙っていた indicates targeting or aiming at something specific, and in this case, the target is '獲物' or 'prey'.
その鳥は獲物を狙っていた。
The bird was targeting its prey.
狙っている here expresses an ambition or goal toward achieving a certain objective, like '新しいポスト' or 'a new position'.