Rohitesh Sharma’s passion for working in the development sector and serving the people of the Pacific started in his earlier years while working for a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
“I joined an NGO called FRIEND based in Lautoka, Fiji. From there, my interest evolved - joining the development sector and working with donors. I had the opportunity to join the Pacific Community (SPC) from 2015 to 2019 in the Land Resources Division, and then I joined USAID – Pacific American Fund. Now, I’m back to SPC working at the Human Rights and Social Development Division,” he shared.
Mr Sharma is now the Finance and Grants Officer for Pacific Women Lead (PWL) at SPC.
“I am passionate about working in an inter-governmental organisation like SPC, and excited about the collaborations we have with our grantees from the Pacific and also about helping support and build their capacities.”
In this new role, he is responsible for all financial and grant management aspects, encompassing comprehensive knowledge of budget preparation, project accounting, financial advice, and audit and risk compliance.
“I enjoy my work with the involvement in the development sector, especially as it is focussed on the development of Pacific Island countries, government ministries and civil society organisations,” Mr Sharma said, emphasising his commitment to supporting the implementation of grant agreements under the PWL at SPC programme.
In his day-to-day, he has set goals to maintain a work-life balance.
“I encourage myself; I want to become a successful leader and achieve a desirable work-life balance.”
Mr Sharma is the only one from his family who currently works within the development sector, and he has made it his aim to encourage more of them to join this sector.
“You will enjoy your work serving the people of the Pacific, and you’ll be able to expand your network and further your career within the development sector. I have always encouraged my family and friends to take up roles within the development sector.”
One of Mr Sharma’s favourite proverbs is, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
“So by saying this, it emphasises the importance of taking the first step towards achieving a goal no matter how daunting the task may seem,” he said.
About Pacific Women
Lead Pacific Women Lead is one of the largest global commitments to gender equality, Pacific Women Lead aims to promote women’s leadership, realise women’s rights, and increase the effectiveness of regional gender equality efforts.
The Pacific Women Lead (PWL) programme at the Pacific Community (SPC), termed PWL at SPC, has more than AUD 55 million dedicated to its work under the Australian Government’s AUD 170 million Pacific Women Lead portfolio. This partnership with the Australian Government commits SPC to deliver the PWL programme, as the cornerstone for the portfolio.
