PDF Secretariat
The Pacific Disability Forum works across the Pacific and this is reflected in our board and staff. Learn more about the people who work with us to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in the Pacific below.
PDF Board
Latoa Halatau (New Zealand)
Villany Remengesau (Palau)
Other Members
- Faatino Utumapu
- Sovaia Coalala
- Samantha French
- Simon Dolaiano
- Jacquline Garoau
Pacific Disability Forum Secretariat Staff Members
Setareki Macanawai
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the leadership, management and overall operational activities of the Pacific Disability Forum to lead the global and regional advocacy of the Pacific Disability movement to support national disability movements in the region; catalyse and frame regional critical policy developments, resource mobilisation and stakeholder efforts towards an inclusive Pacific 2030. In addition s/he will support the contribution of the inclusion efforts of the diversity of stakeholders active in the Pacific. The CEO will report to the Board through the Co-chairpersons.
Laisa Vereti
The Director Operations is responsible for providing oversight of all programmes including preparedness and emergency response, gender, youth, DPO and inclusive development, planning, policy, research and finance and corporate services for the Pacific Disability Forum. Laisa reports directly to the CEO.
Angeline Chand
The Human Rights and Gender Advisor is critical in supporting the PDF's CRPD and SDG compliance and Gender equality advocacy and advisories. The Advisor will lead the CRPD and SDG training for DPO's and partners including government and take lead as well part of the Pre-Condition for inclusion, as well as the advisory roles to partners on our Gender work. In addition, Angeline will deliver training on disability and awareness to partners.
Angeline reports to the CEO.
Katabwena Tawaka
The PERU manager is responsible for providing leadership and support to PERU’s programming initiatives, source funding, as well as developing strategies; delivering training; providing technical assistance and developing resources/tools. The incumbent will also provide mentoring and capacity building on climate change science and adaptation. Katabwena reports directly to the Director Operations.
Joshco Wakaniyasi
The Manager Inclusive Development is responsible for the direct oversight and effective management of PDF's development work. Joshco provides leadership, guidance and technical expertise on inclusive development in regards to the implementation of the key areas of work in the 2021 – 2025 Strategic Plan. He reports to the Director Operations.
Aporosa Ranuku
The role manages the PDF finances and financial reporting for the Secretariat and a support role for the project funding recipients, and with timely coordination of the daily operational and administration functions as they impact on the financial governance of PDF. Aporosa also ensures efficient office administration and human capital management, IT, procurement when required. Aporosa reports to the CEO.
Sainimili Tawake
This role is responsible for assisting with the successful coordination, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of PERU's climate change programme activities and objectives. Sainimili reports directly to the Manager PERU.
Naomi Navoce
This role will lead and coordinate the four-year Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) Regional Capacity-Building Program funded by the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) and manage the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) work across PDF. The aim of the role is to build the capacity of national level DPOs to engage in disability inclusive disaster preparedness for response and emergency response efforts in the Pacific – including those being implemented under the AHP. Naomi reports to the PDF Manager – Preparedness for Emergency and Response Unit (PERU).
Arieta Dumaru
This role provides executive support to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pacific Disability Forum (PDF). The role is responsible primarily for providing assistance to the CEO including but not limited to the areas of general office management and the coordination of meetings, travel and events. Arieta serves as the contact person/liaison between the CEO's office, board of directors and senior management teams and shall report directly to CEO PDF.
Ruci Senikula
This role is responsible for assisting with the successful coordination, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of PDF's programme activities and objectives. The role is also responsible for managing working relationships with PDF stakeholders and monitoring specific projects. The incumbent reports directly to the Manager PERU.
Ruci currently works closely with Youths and Indigenous persons with disabilities.
Maria Miller
This role is responsible for assisting with the successful coordination, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of PDF's programme activities and objectives. The role is also responsible for managing working relationships with PDF stakeholders and monitoring specific projects.
Maria currently works closely on Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) and Inclusive Education & Inclusive Sports.
Maria reports directly to the Manager Inclusive Development.
Telesia Kobiti
Reporting to the Manager Inclusive Development, the Research Officer will undertake research activities addressing the emerging issues facing persons with disabilities within the Pacific region, support the development of the SDG-CRPD Monitoring report and collect data on the progress of the implementation of the CRPD in the PDF membership. Working collaboratively with Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and other relevant stakeholders,
Telesia also contributes to the development of policy frameworks that will support disability inclusion in compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in the region.
Paradise Tabucala
The role will be responsible for leading and managing PDF's internal and external communications and public relations in addition to elevating PDF's profile and effective relationships with all stakeholders.
Paradise is responsible for developing and implementing an effective communication and advocacy strategy, promoting PDF’s work through success stories shared on various media channel and social media platform and ensuring PDF's website reflects the current and up to date activities of PDF to communicate and amplify PDF’s voice. She reports to the CEO.
Rohit Prasad
The role will facilitate and ensure the effective reporting of all financial operations of the organisation. Rohit will ensure all checks and balances are transparent and accurate in terms of recording and reconciling acquittals.
The role will report to the Manager Finance and Corporate Services
Beretita Ofati (Esther)
The Finance and Administration Assistant will be responsible for preparing and providing all relevant Finance and Administration related matters for the organisation. In addition, the incumbent will facilitate all administrative, financial, logistical and corporate support for PDF.
Esther reports to the Manager Finance and Corporate Services.
Nancy Queen
The role is responsible for providing efficient secretarial, clerical and administrative support on a daily basis. The Program Assistant will support and assist the Programs team as and when directed with all necessary tasks.
Nancy reports to the Director Operations.
Shahil Chand
The Information and Technology Officer is responsible for implementing and managing approved IT related services of the Forum. The incumbent will ensure the smooth running of hardware and telecommunication system to garner maximum benefit.
Shahil is based in Suva and reports to the Manager Finance & Corporate (MFC)
Violet Savu
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) officer is responsible for the monitoring and evaluation across PDF programs. This is specifically development and humanitarian work and finances. Violet will ensure accurate and effective data compilation and analysis as well as ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are kept informed by way of effective reporting and documenting and working closely with Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). The role reports directly to the Director Operations.
Neori Drole
The Driver/Admin Assistant (Neori) reports to the Manager Finance and Corporate Services and is responsible for all driving duties, maintenance of vehicle and provides responsive and prompt administrative and receptionist support for the efficient operations of the PDF Office including assisting in procurement and property/office management.