Meet Our Team
Office of the Patron
In Loving Memory
Hon. Amb (Ret’d) Litia Gasagasa Mawi
Vice-Patron
Ambassador (Ret’d) Mrs. Litia Mawi is the Vice-Patron of UNA Fiji. In this role, she empowers and motivates the membership and the organization along with being its Ambassador.
Ambassador Ms. Mawi is Fiji’s Ambassador (Ret’d) to the Pacific and Special Envoy to CROP Agencies – Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific. She was a Career Public Servant for 47 years in various Agencies progressing from Executive Cadet, Budgeteer, Civil Service Reformist, Diplomat to CEO then retired as Roving Ambassador (2011-2017).
As Roving Ambassador, she co-initiated the Fiji Volunteer Scheme for Fijian Retired Teachers and Nurses deployment on 3-year terms to Tuvalu, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu on cost-sharing arrangements between Fiji and these host island countries.
She believes in South-South and Triangular Cooperation in advocating her vision of “A Resilient Pacific through Collective Self-Reliance”. She believes that Development Partners to PSIDS should no longer be asking “What can we do for you “ – They should be asking PSIDS “What can we do to add value to what it is you are already doing to help yourselves and each other ?” She studied at the University of the South Pacific, Australian National University, Royal Institute of Public Administration (London) and European Institute of Public Administration (Maastricht, Netherlands).
Ambassador Mawi loved to be called Nau. She was happily married to Pastor for 47 years, has 4 married children, 23 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
She was active on Social Media and liked to encourage productive use of it.
Hon. Amb Mr. Amenatave Yauvoli (Amena)
Patron
Ambassador Mr. Amenatave V Yauvoli (Amena) is the Patron of UNA Fiji. As our Patron, he acts as our Ambassador, Chief Adviser, and Motivator.
Ambassador Mr. Yauvoli is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Fiji to the Republic of Indonesia. Before this, he was Roving Ambassador /High Commissioner to the Pacific Islands / Special Envoy to CROP agencies (ad-interim).
Ambassador Mr. Amena is a seasoned Fijian/Pacific civil servant and diplomat. He was the Director-General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat in Port Vila, Republic of Vanuatu, a post he assumed in April 2016.
Before joining the MSG Secretariat, he was Interim Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) with the subsequent appointment as Fiji’s Ambassador for Climate Change and Oceans, with both positions being resident in Suva, Fiji.
Apart from other senior Fijian Government appointments, Ambassador Mr. Amena had also served as Senior Policy Adviser for Sustainable Development with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) from January 2004 to December 2005 and Manager/Director of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community North Pacific Regional Office in the Federated States of Micronesia from February 2008 to December 2012.
Ambassador Mr. Amena also served as Fiji’s Diplomatic Deputy Representative in New York in 2000 to 2003 and also previously served as Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Investment, Industry and Communication in the Fijian Government.
Since 2000 to date, Ambassador Mr. Amena has been involved widely in international negotiations at the UN in the areas of sustainable development, oceans, and climate change, the latter as Chair of the Group of 77 & China, and Chair of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation under the UN Climate.
Ambassador Mr. Amena graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management from the University of the South Pacific (USP) in 1988, a Master of Commerce (Honours) in Development Economics from the University of Wollongong, Australia in 1996. He has attended numerous courses and attachments throughout his career, including a three months attachment with the World Trade Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr Yauvoli has contributed enormously to public policy discourses for Fiji and the Pacific region in the areas of finance, trade, climate change, and sustainable development.
The Executive Committee
Hon. Mr. Akmal Ali
President and Founder
In the five years of its existence, the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme run by UNA Fiji has gone from strength to strength under President Ali’s leadership, with over 300 people having been trained. Mr. Ali is a passionate believer in the concept of leadership through the art of diplomacy with the spirit of leaving no one behind, and he continues to grow UNA Fiji through his vision.
With over 20 years of experience in working with stakeholders from local, national, regional, and global levels, Mr. Ali is a strong advocate for global citizenship education and specializes in the areas of Pacific Development, Human Development, Humanitarian Work, Governance, and High-Level Political Advocacy.
He serves as the Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Royal Commonwealth Society of Fiji (RCS), and is the UN Representative and Special Advisor on the Pacific for PEAC Institute New York, as well as serving as an Adviser for Reverse the Trend New York.
He has been employed at the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) since 2015 and is currently the Networking and Capacity Innovation Officer. In this role he works with the national liaison units (NLUs) of PIANGO in 24 Pacific countries and territories, translating the relevant international and regional commitments to the national and grassroots agenda. He works closely with START Network helping to design the Pacific Hub (Humanitarian Hub). He is also entrusted with networking and maintaining partnerships on behalf of PIANGO with partners and stakeholders at all levels. He has represented PIANGO and the Pacific in several high-level international meetings, such as the UN HLPF 2019 and the G20 Summit 2020, and is currently serving as a member of the C20 International Advisory Committee for the G20 Summit Italy 2021.
Mr. Ali graduated with a Bachelor of Arts - Majors: Politics and Sociology, Minor in Social Studies in 2009 from the University of the South Pacific (USP) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Administration from USP as well in 2012. He has developed his career holding a variety of positions through which he proved his remarkable leadership skills. Amongst these positions, he was the first Secretary-General and Founder of USP Students’ Association Federal Office, coordinating the student’s activities and being their voice at the University Council; an intergovernmental organization representing 12 member Governments of the Pacific.
While he has presented on, and been part of many panels and conferences around the world, the one close to his heart is being invited to Oxford University in the United Kingdom in 2012 to be a presenter and a panelist on the topic of Muslim Diaspora in Fiji and the Pacific.
While Mr. Ali has successfully passed numerous training and certifications a few to highlight are; The Induction Course to Diplomatic Service in 2015 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Public Service Commission for the Government of Fiji. A Trainer of Trainers Certification in Leadership Development Program in 2016 by LEAD | Centre For Not For Profit Leadership, New Zealand. Funded by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, United States of America (USA). He has further completed Dan Dorrs: Diploma Advanced Leadership Training and also the Mastery of Being and Facilitation, the USA in 2018.
If not working, Mr. Ali loves to cook, socialize, and entertain friends and guests by hosting dinners at his home.
Hon. Mr. Shivneet Kumar
Vice-President
Mr. Shivneet Shahil Kumar is the Vice-President who assists the President in all administrative matters and policymaking, furthermore, works with the trainees and members of UNA Fiji to help them strengthen the skills taught at UNA Fiji.
Mr. Shivneet has Completed Basic Diplomacy Training and Intermediate Diplomacy Training. He was also awarded the Most Jovial Graduate and received the Activism Award in the year 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Mr. Shivneet believes that in order to do a task, you must have fun and enjoy your time doing it due to the fact that where there is Passion, progression and success follows. Through his personal endeavors, he has come to the conclusion that a person will perform the best at whatever makes him/her happy.
Furthermore, he has graduated from Rishikul Sanatan College. Mr. Shivneet is currently enrolled at the University of the South Pacific undertaking a Bachelor of Science Degree (Electrical/Electronic Engineering and Computer Science) with a National Toppers Scholarship.
He absolutely loves exploring the culture of FOOD, moreover, loves spending time with his friends and family. He is from the Province of Rewa and is currently residing in Narere Navosai.
Hon. Ms. Sweta Kumar
Secretary
Ms. Sweta Kumar is the Secretary of UNA Fiji. Who supports the President in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Executive Committee along with ensuring meetings are effectively organized and minuted. Furthermore, maintaining effective records and administration. Ms. Kumar has previously served as an Executive Committee Member.
She has made remarkable progress in the organization which she joined in 2019 when she completed the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme successfully.
Ms. Sweta believes that the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme will help an individual learn and gain more knowledge about global issues and develop leadership skills. This program will help individuals gain confidence and will enable them to stand in the crowd all alone.
Ms. Sweta is currently a second-year university student pursuing her studies in Bachelor of Commerce Double Majoring in Management and Tourism Studies at the University of the South Pacific. She is a recipient of the National Topper Scholarship.
During her high school days at Vashist Muni College located in Navua, she served as the Student Council Secretary in 2019 and Assistant Secretary in 2018.
Ms. Sweta loves dancing and is at the same time a dancer with the Yuva Dance Crew, one of the most famous dance groups of Fiji. She also loves music and swimming. She is from the Anaconda town, Navua.
Hon. Mr. Arnold Krishna
Treasurer
Mr. Arnold Akshay Krishna has been the Treasurer of UNA Fiji since July 2019. His key responsibility is to maintain the finances with proper good governance standards and at the same time ensuring the financial stability of the association. His role is not only confined to the financial side of the organization, but he also helps in managing the associations’ social media pages and carries out any task assigned by the President, to ensure the smooth running of the Association. Mr. Krishna joined UNA Fiji in July 2018. In 2019 he was awarded the Commitment and Dedication Award by UNA Fiji.
Mr. Krishna is currently employed at the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) as a Financial Data Analyst a role he has had since September 2018. He started his career at Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) as an intern in 2016.
In 2017 he secured the position of Market Analyst at FCCC. FCCC recognized his contribution and dedication with an Outstanding Contributor Award in 2016.
In 2016 he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce with Double Majors in Accounting and Economics from the University of the South Pacific. He deems himself as a proud Fijian and is a strong believer in giving back to the community through volunteerism.
Mr. Krishna is a passionate soccer player and loves playing and trying all types of sports, along with being an avid movie-goer. He describes himself as a foodie who also loves cooking. He hails from the Sugar City, Fiji, and is a die heart fan of Liverpool FC.
Hon. Mr. Mavneel Lal
Executive Committee Member
Mr. Mavneel Lal is an Executive Committee Member and also the Coordinator of the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme at UNA Fiji. In 2020 graduated with the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme of UNA Fiji where he was also awarded the Meritorious Student Award.
Mr. Lal deems himself to be a calculated risk-taker who believes in core values of integrity, innovation, and constant growth. He concomitantly visions of nature relationships that lead to long-term success for humanity.
Mr. Lal has worked with companies such as Tappoos Fiji Limited where he was recognized Employee of The Month for 2 months. Also, Landmark Group Fiji where he served as a Business Consultant and IT Specialist.
Mr. Lal is currently studying in Net-Centric Computing at the University of The South Pacific.
Mr. Lal enjoys activities like swimming, hiking and loves rugby. He is also representing the Central Brothers Team in the Fellow Fijian category. Mr. Lal is originally from Lautoka City, Ba Province, and is now residing in Raiwaqa, Suva City.
Hon. Ms. Arci Singh
Executive Committee Member
Ms. Arci Singh is an Executive Committee Member as well as Deputy Coordinator of the Basic Diplomacy Training
Programme of the United Nations Association of Fiji. She had graduated from the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme in 2018 and has actively been part of the Coordination of new trainees classes since then.
Ms. Arci believes that the programme gives exposure to everyone on how the United Nations functions and how it brings out talents in individuals through the course of the programme.
Ms. Arci is working towards completing a Diploma in Prosecution at the University of the South Pacific and also plans to further her studies in the field of Psychology.
In University, she has volunteered with USP Campus Life Buddy Programme. The goal is to help first-year students transition into university life.
Ms. Arci has been employed in Mindpearl as a Customer Sales and Service Representative for the past 2 years.
Hobbies include reading, watching movies, listening to music, and crafting
Hon. Ms. Awantika Narayan
Executive Committee Member
Ms. Awantika Narayan is the Assistant Coordinator who works with the Executive Committee to offer operational and clerical support to the Senior Coordinators.
Ms. Awantika believes that this training allows the youths of our country to become active citizens while at the same time, learn skills to help them overcome from the smallest to the biggest problems.
Ms. Awantika was the leader of the debate, drama, and spell well team in high school. Moreover, Ms. Awantika graduated from the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme in 2019.
Ms. Awantika will be studying Bachelor of Agriculture this year at the University of the South Pacific.
Ms. Awantika loves literature and poetry and she is also very fond of art and baking. Ms. Awantika is an entrepreneur as she bakes and sells from home and she wishes to open her own cafe in the future as a hobby/side business. She is from Suva and lives in Nadawa at the moment.
Hon. Ms. Aliya Fatima Hanif
Executive Committee Member
Ms. Aliya Fatima Hanif is a member of the Executive committee as of 1 March 2021. She works with the Executive committee members to help facilitate the Level 1 Basic Development Training. She also helps manage the catering team and carries out any other task assigned by the President to ensure and assist in the smooth running of the Association. Ms. Aliya has been a part of the UNA Fiji family since November 2020.
Ms. Aliya attended High School at Rishikul Sanatan College where she studied Pure Science and she was also the Head Girl of her school. Ms. Aliya is currently a full-time first-year student studying Bachelor of Medical Imaging and Anatomy at the Fiji School of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences under a National Toppers Scholarship. She sees herself as a proud Fijian who believes in giving back to the committee. She also looks forward to pursuing Forensic Science after studying Medical Imaging in the near future.
Ms. Aliya is a passionate K-Pop Stan and loves listening to anything K-Pop relationship all the time, along with being an avid K-drama and C-drama watcher. She described herself to be having a very big sweet tooth and also loves baking. She hails from the Capital of Fiji and is a die heart fan (Army) of BTS.
Hon. Mr. Yash Maharaj
Executive Committee Member
Mr. Yash Maharaj is an Executive Committee Member who works with the Executive Committee in overseeing its policies and ensuring by participating in establishing and maintaining good governance practices at UNA Fiji.
Mr. Yash has been a member of UNA Fiji since July 2018. He believes that working with UNA Fiji is helping him develop as an active citizen of Fiji. Moreover, UNA Fiji has taught him through global classrooms substantially about the UN, its agenda, and procedures and at the same time relevant skills such as debating and diplomacy so that he could improve his life and the life of people around him awareness and activism.
Mr. Yash has successfully passed the Year 13 National Examination which he sat as a pure science student of Rishikul Sanatan College, Nasinu, Republic of Fiji. He further credits the holistic learnings from UNA Fiji as a pillar of overcoming learning difficulties in high school. He is currently enrolled in Bachelor of Science double majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus.
Mr. Yash plays professional Chess and as a hobby likes to cook and do photography. He describes himself as an ambivert, a futurist, and a philanthropist. He is from Nasinu, Rewa Province, The Republic of Fiji.
Hon. Mr. Sachinandan Sen
Executive Committee Member
Mr. Sachinnandan Das Sen is an Executive Member of the UNA Fiji since July 2019. His role is to assist the Vice-President in administrative matters as well as fulfill the role of a lead graphic designer organization. Mr. Sen has designated most of the official material of UNA Fiji and also works behind the scenes in organizing events.
In 2018, Mr. Sen passed the Basic Diplomatic Training Programme and was also awarded a Special Honorary Mention for assisting in Co-ordination. In 2019, Mr. Sen passed Intermediate Diplomacy Training Programme and was awarded the Meritorious Award.
Apart from UNA Fiji, Mr. Sen was also the Secretary of the Student Council of Jai Narayan College during the school year of 2020. Mr. Sen has also reached 3rd Kyu in Goju-ryu Karate and has won 7 national bronze medals, 5 national silver medals, 2 national gold medals, and 1 international bronze medal in the sport under various categories 2011-2019. Mr. Sen is also keen on acting with having 10+ years of stage acting experience with ISCKON Suva Youth.
Mr. Sen has just recently passed Year 13 in 2020 and is looking forward to University Life and aims to pursue a Bachelor of Network and Security at the University of the South Pacific with a National Toppers Scholarship.
Mr. Sen has unique interests in the protection of Sharks, Gender Equality, and Mitigating Climate Change through energy efficiency. Born and raised in Suva, his hobbies include photography, playing soccer as well as drawing cartoons. Fun Fact: Mr. Sen has been a strict vegetarian for the past 18 years and counting.
The Standing Committees
Hon. Mr. Shivnesh Ram
Membership Standing Committee Coordinator
Mr. Shivnesh Ram is the Membership Standing Committee Coordinator who develops new member prospect lists after vigorous assessment of each individual. This is then sent as a recommendation to the Officers for the final endorsement of accepting new members. He keeps providing insight into the membership recruitment process to keeping it relevant.
Mr. Ram strongly believes in knowing more than the surface level. After all, what's the point in having your knowledge a mile wide but only an inch deep? His philosophy is simple, we have one life, one brain. We need to make the most of it.
Mr. Ram represents UNA Fiji at the Fiji Council of Social Services as the Vice President for the Suva District Council of Social Services. Currently, he is the youngest serving secretariat member in all the districts.
As well, Mr. Ram has also represented UNA Fiji in national, regional, and international forums such as International Civil Society Week 2017, Pre-COP 21:Climate Advocacy Workshop, and many more.
Furthermore, Mr. Ram completed his training in late 2016 and has been the second longest-serving member to date. At current, he is with the teaching team under the Basic Diplomacy Training Program.
In addition, Mr. Ram Chairs the Membership Standing Committee.
Moreover, Mr. Ram is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering[BEE] from the University of the South Pacific under the National Toppers Scheme. In the future, he aspires to specialize in telecommunications in Fiji and the Pacific
While not doing his studies and volunteerism, Mr. Ram likes to do photography, read books and understand cars better. A generally curious individual with an urge to learn something new.
The Advisors
Hon. Ms. Rebecca Irby
Special Advisor and Representative/Delegate of UNA Fiji
Rebecca Irby is the Founding Partner and President of PEAC Institute. Over the last ten years, Rebecca has served as an education and technology consultant on diversity and cultural awareness initiatives with the NJ Department of Education, Rutgers University, the National Liberty Museum, Nagoya University, and many others. Rebecca also sits on an advisory board incorporating social skills training into the core programs of schools around the United States.
She recently completed a cross-cultural communications textbook for the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Additionally, she created business English communication curricula for some of the world's largest organizations, including the Red Cross, Toyota, and Mitsubishi.
When not consulting on education initiatives, she works on social documentaries and charity events. She produced and debuted her first film 'That Day, ' the story of a Hiroshima survivor, on August 6, 2013. Her last charity event was on March 2015, when she organized and rode in a 500km bike and run through the areas affected by the tsunami of 2011. Her last assignment was working as Dean of Special Education for BRICK Peshine Academy in Newark, NJ. With PEAC she has organized, trained, and facilitated youth forums to the NPT PrepCom in 2018,
2019, and 2020 as well as a High-Level forum in conjunction with the New Zealand Foreign Ministry and United
Nations. Rebecca has spoken about nuclear abolition and heart-centered leadership at Harvard Law School, the Yale Policy Conference, The PyeongChang Global Peace Forum; the Free Minds Free People Conference; Busan Democracy Forum; and will be at Barger Leadership Institute (BLI) at the University of Michigan in 2021.
Hon. Mr. Vikrant Chandra
Legal Advisor
Mr. Vikrant Chandra is the Legal Adviser of UNA Fiji. His role is to provide Legal Advice and support to UNA Fiji.
Mr. Chandra is a Partner at Millbrook Hills Law Partners (MHLP), a law firm having its offices in Ba and Nadi, Republic of Fiji.
Mr. Chandra believes in the work he does with the firm. MHLP has always believed in establishing a corporate structure, at the same time not forgetting its social responsibility. He has been instrumental in spearheading the establishment and operation of Legal workshops in Ba called "Afternoon Tea with Millbrook Hills". These workshops are free to the general public and include a range of topics, such as Domestic Violence, Estate Planning, and Property matters. The workshop is scheduled to reconvene after the pandemic is under control.
He has taken on some tough cases and provided positive outcomes. One such case is Nadan v State (Supreme Court of Fiji), which extensively discussed the non - parole period. Mr. Chandra believes that one must always have a work/life balance. His passion to help others has always driven him towards consistent hard work. He treats his team members at work as his family and always puts his client’s and his team's interest at heart first.
Mr. Chandra also has a keen interest in sports and youth empowerment and is the President and Legal Adviser to the Fiji Professional Golfers Association. While also serving as the current treasurer of the Fiji Young Lawyers Association.
He is a certified golf professional, has been a member of the New Zealand PGA, and is a current member of the Fiji PGA. Mr. Chandra has also represented Fiji at numerous Golf events, highlights include, The Mini Games, the Pacific Games, and the Eisenhower Teams Trophy in Turkey.
In Fiji, he has won the Amateur Golf Championship 4 years in a row, the blue ribbon event for amateurs before turning professional. This is the most in a row by any player in the history of Fiji.
Mr. Chandra holds a Bachelors in Law Degree from the University of the South Pacific (USP) 2011 and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) from the University of Fiji 2012.
His hobbies include playing golf, training in the gym, music, and spending time with family and friends.
Hon. Ms. Lorraine Seetho
Corporate Governance Advisor
Ms. Lorraine Seeto is the Corporate Governance Advisor at UNA Fiji. In this role, she works across UNA Fiji and is responsible for providing and facilitating the effective enhancement and provision of a wide range of innovative, efficient, and effective complaint management and internal review activities and services to UNA Fiji.
Ms. Seeto is General Manager of the Pacific Corporate Governance Institute (PCGI). The PCGI is endorsed by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, established by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, through the support of the Australian and New Zealand Governments through the Fiji Partnership programme. Ms. Seeto also sits on some boards and committees in Fiji.
Ms. Seeto was with the Reserve Bank of Fiji in an executive role as Chief Manager and Advisor to the Governors. She has also been involved with coordinating events such as the 52nd AGM of the Asian Development Bank in Fiji in May 2019 and various COP and CAPP meetings. She was also associated with the Fiji Institute of Bankers, Fiji Institute of Accountants, University of the South Pacific (USP), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other central banks such as the National Reserve Bank of Tonga and multilateral institutions (World Bank, Bank for International Settlements, etc.)
Ms. Seeto has been awarded the following accolades: Honorary Fellow by Fiji Institute of Bankers, Lifetime Achievement Award by Fiji Institute of Bankers, Women in Business- Excellence and Commitment Award in 2018, and was a Finalist in Leadership in Financial Inclusion 2016 - Alliance for Financial Inclusion. She has also participated in courses and seminars at the International Monetary Fund Institute in Washington D.C., IMF-Singapore Regional Training Institute, SEACEN, Swiss National Bank, Reserve Bank of Australia, Asian Development Bank, and Pure Magic.
She holds a Master of Commerce (Economics) from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia along with a Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Accounting) in 1981 from the University of the South Pacific (USP), Suva, Republic of Fiji.
Ms. Seeto when not working loves to expand her network so that she can be more effective in what she does, she also loves relaxing at Moments with friends over a meal and coffee and cake. She enjoys sera net searching for great quotes or jokes and sharing them with friends. Her motto for life is being occupied and adding value to whatever she does. Ms. Seeto is can also speak her Chinese dialect fluently. Originally from Suva City, she still lives in her family house in the City.
Hon. Mr. Rizwan Hussain
Financial Advisor
Mr. Rizwan Hussain is the Financial Advisor of UNA Fiji. In this role, he provides specialist advice on how to manage our finances. Mr. Hussian has previously served UNA Fiji as Co-opted Member of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Hussain, an initial Educationist is now a Banker with over 14 years of professional banking experience in Fiji. He is currently employed at Westpac Banking Corporation as the Senior Credit Officer. Before joining Westpac, he worked in various roles at Fiji Development Bank for nearly 7 years.
During these years in the Banking industry, he has worked on a variety of tasks relating to research, policy and procedures, credit & risk management, treasury & liquidity risks (actuarial), and finance & budget analysis. The tasks have provided him with the knowledge and understanding of Fiji’s focus sectors and relevant development policies, various lending and non-lending products, customer service, customer relationship, financial institutions & markets, financial risk management, business, and international finance.
Mr. Hussain graduated with Post Graduate Diploma in Economics from the Fiji National University in 2020. He acquired a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) from the University of the South Pacific (USP) in 2013, in which he received The Reserve Bank of Fiji Gold Medal for being the outstanding graduate. Before this, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics and Graduate Certificate in Education in 2007. Mr. Hussain started his career in 2007 as a secondary school teacher at Evanson Learning Centre – Turtle Island, Malolo Islands, Fiji. Where he taught Basic Science, Mathematics & Physics from Year 7 to 13.
Mr. Hussain loves playing soccer and outdoor activities. He usually plays indoor soccer with his friends and colleagues on Sunday mornings. He hails from the Soccer Crazy Town of Ba and now resides in Nasinu.
Hon. Ms. Natalia Sagrario
Strategic Advisor
Ms. Natalia Sagrario is the Strategic Advisor of UNA Fiji. In this role, she provides specialist advice to UNA Fiji on what we need to do and how to do it in order to achieve our objectives. Ms. Sagrario has previously served UNA Fiji as Co-opted Member of the Executive Committee.
Ms. Sagrario is a Spanish consultant in the field of international development and cooperation with more than 12 years of experience. She has worked for universities, multilateral organizations, national governments, international agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations in more than 40 countries in Asia, the Pacific, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the island states of the Indian Ocean and the Middle East. During her consultancies, she has now worked on numerous projects totaling over a billion USD.
She is now an established consultant working for the European Union in monitoring and evaluating and support civil society organizations globally.
Ms. Sagrario acquired a Bachelor in Psychology, with a specialization in Social-Political Psychology from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Spain in 2008. She further completed a Master’s Degree in International Development Cooperation from the University Institute of Development and Cooperation - Complutense University of Madrid (IUDC-UCM), Spain in 2009. She graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Latin American and Caribbean Economies, from The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) in 2010, Furthermore, she has a University Diploma in South-South and Triangular Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, from the University Institute of Development and Cooperation - Complutense University of Madrid (IUDC-UCM) Spain in 2015. Additionally, she has University Diploma in Humanitarian Action: Concepts, Legislative Framework, and Actors from the Institute of Conflict and Humanitarian Action Studies (IECAH) Spain in 2011.
Ms. Natalia is fluent in Spanish, English, and French languages, with basic knowledge of Italian and German languages as well. She loves reading, is an art and antiquity enthusiast. She loves masala chai and crab curry. She grew up in Mexico but now resides in Madrid.
Hon. Ms. Charlotte Taylor
Gender Advisor
Ms. Charlotte Anne Taylor is the Gender Advisor for UNA Fiji. Her key responsibilities are to provide guidance and advice to UNA Fiji on how to integrate gender perspectives into areas of UNA Fiji’s operations and programmes.
Ms. Taylor is a dedicated academic with 10 years of experience in developing, facilitating, and delivering learning and teaching materials in the field of accounting and audit. She has strong research, analytical, and communication skills (written and verbal) as well as online course development skills. Her ability to communicate across culturally diverse stakeholders as a result of subject matter expertise.
Apart from being an academic, she has dedicated 5 years to Graduate Women (Fiji), formerly Fiji Association of Women Graduates (FAWG), currently, the Immediate Past President of GWF. Where she provides and assists in funding and financial management, Program Implementation, Project administration, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with existing and new donors and members. Conducting team leadership and team-building workshops. This is what Ms. Taylor is passionate about and wishes to have a career in the field of women-based program development and delivery.
Ms. Taylor is also the Gender Focal point and Chair of the Gender working group of The University of the South Pacific (USP). Under this role, she has researched and drafted sexual harassment and bullying policy. Set up and facilitated anti-sexual harassment and bullying workshop through the campuses. Researched and survey set up on sexual harassment and bullying. Conducted Gender analysis of USP programs/student associations.
Ms. Taylor is currently employed as the Assistant Lecturer School of Accounting at USP. Her previous employment before this was as a Senior Accountant Audit Division at KPMG, Nadi Office.
Ms. Taylor has acquired her qualifications from USP and so far achieved the following; A Post Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies in 2019. A Master of Commerce (MCOM) Degree: Behavioral Audit in 2013. A Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching in 2011. Furthermore, Postgraduate Diploma – Accounting in 2008 and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Accounting and Economics) in 2006.
Ms. Taylor loves people and believes in empowering youth. She was born in Labasa, brought up in Ba, and now resides in Suva.
Internal Auditor
Hon. Mr. Mohammed Moshin Khan
Auditor
Mr. Mohammed Moshin Khan was appointed Auditor of the UNA Fiji in July 2019. His key responsibilities are to review the accounts, to ensure the validity and legality of our financial records. Furthermore, acting in an advisory role to recommend possible risk aversion measures and cost savings that could be made. This service provided by Mr. Khan is on a pro bono basis. His relationship goes back to 2015 when he got elected as the Treasurer of UNA Fiji and served until June 2019.
Mr. Khan has over 9 years of commercial experience in the areas of managing all accounting functions of a company, Audit Assurance, Business Advisory Services, Tax functions, Management of Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Division, Debtors & Creditors management, timely delivery of assigned financials and key client account management, compliance management, relationship management with key stakeholders, business analysis.
He is currently employed as the Finance Manager at Walesi Pte Limited (Current-2018). Before this role, he was employed as the Head of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises Division/ Senior Accountant – Audit Assurance & Business Advisory) at Aliz Pacific Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors. As an Audit Officer, he worked at Vision Group Fiji Ltd. His first full-time employment was as an Accountant & Relocation Co-ordinator at JVK International Movers. As to getting the first-hand experience of the sector, he began as an Attaché at the Department of Financial Accounting at the Fiji National University (FNU).
Mr. Khan is a Member of the Fiji Institute of Accountants has acquired all his qualifications from FNU, which are as follows; Masters in Accounting in 2020, A Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting IN 2018. A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Management 2013 and an Advanced Diploma in Accounting in 2012.
Mr. Khan is a Car and Motorsport Enthusiast. He also loves spending time with his family. He originally is from Talaiya in Ba and currently resides in Nasinu.