Key skills and expertise

With over 20 years of experience, the expert excels in diplomacy, international relations, and policy analysis. Responsibilities have included leading strategic management and advocacy initiatives, notably as Deputy Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Key qualifications encompass strategic planning, conflict negotiation, and cross-cultural communication. The expert has successfully managed international and regional projects, securing grants and facilitating partnerships with entities like the EU and JICA. Career highlights include mediating trade disputes and developing strategic policy frameworks, significantly contributing to regional governance and cooperation.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the European Union, WHO, Australia, New Zealand, UNICEF, UNFPA, The World Bank, UNDP, and JICA. The expert's involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in health, governance, and infrastructure. These projects were regional and national in scope, primarily in the Solomon Islands and the broader Melanesian region. The expert has successfully managed liaison with donors on health finance and procurement and led grant applications to upgrade ICT facilities and support trade capacity building.

Sectors and geographic focus

Bringing experience from key sectors including community development, NGOs, culture and arts, education, training and capacity building, gender and human rights, security and peacebuilding, and public sector governance. Previously held roles such as Deputy Director General at the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat, managing strategic planning and policy development. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise includes regional governance and international relations, with a focus on capacity building and conflict resolution in the Pacific region, specifically in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Geographic experience in the Pacific region is extensive, with a deep understanding of local governance, cultural dynamics, and regional development issues through long-term assignments and leadership roles.

Languages and education

With a background in language proficiency, the expert is fluent in English, using it extensively in professional settings across various countries, including Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. They are also fluent in Solomon Islands Pidgin and have proficiency in Vanuatu Bislama, enhancing their ability to engage with diverse communities. Additionally, the expert has basic conversational skills in the Fijian Bua language. Educational background includes being a PhD candidate (ABD) in Diplomacy and International Affairs from the University of the South Pacific, Fiji. They hold a Master of International Law from The Australian National University, Australia, with distinctions in marine and coastal law, treaty law, and international human rights law. Additional qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma in Pacific Governance and a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific Politics/History from the University of the South Pacific, Fiji.