Rhonda Robinson is the Pacific Community's (SPC) Director for the Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division. She leads one of the organisation's largest Divisions that support Pacific countries and territories with scientific and technical solutions to address some of the region's greatest challenges
Rhonda is of Fijian descent and stepped into the role from her previous tenure as the Deputy Director of the Disaster and Community Resilience Programme at the Pacific Community, having served in this role for almost 6 years.
Rhonda has dynamic leadership and technical experience having started her career in water and sanitation almost 25 years ago. Her work has supported increased access to water and sanitation for Pacific communities, strengthened disaster preparedness, helped in understanding the impacts of disaster and climate risk in the region and contributed to the understanding and management of natural resources.
Rhonda also held various senior leadership roles having led the Disaster and Community Resilience Programme and the Water and Sanitation Programme in the Pacific Community (2011-2022) whilst having experience in leading, developing and implementing various projects across water security, disaster risk reduction, and development. She also has demonstrated experience in change management and strategic leadership to enable action and outcomes alongside Pacific countries and territories. Rhonda began her career as a water and sanitation intern with the SOPAC Commission in 1998.
The SPC's division and her work will cross cut key areas of our Members in disaster and climate risk management, water security, energy security, maritime transport and safety, ocean services and management, georesources and geosurveys and earth and marine observation. This includes regional security through maritime boundaries and the intersection with disaster preparedness and response.
Rhonda holds a Masters in Environmental Management and Development, and a Masters of Diplomacy from Australian National University. She is also a graduate of University of the South Pacific with a Bachelor of Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Biology.