The Climate Change Division (CDD) of Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) is forging a transformative path in climate action by equipping a new generation of programme development specialists with the expertise to access critical climate finance resources. This initiative is supported by the Climate Finance Capacity Support Programme (CFCSP), a key partner of MECC.
"Our partnership with CFCSP underscores our unwavering commitment to cultivating local expertise, ensuring Fiji’s leadership in climate resilience and adaptation."
CFCSP has funded two transformative roles—Climate Mitigation Officer and Climate Adaptation Officer—for 18 months. Beyond funding, the programme provides mentorship, empowering the officers to excel in securing vital climate finance and developing impactful projects.
Mishek Nair, a recent graduate of the University of the South Pacific specialising in climate science, was selected as the Climate Mitigation Officer. His research focuses on carbon sequestration and the role of seagrass beds in mitigating climate change—an area he is passionate about advancing through this position.
“This opportunity is a perfect fit for my academic background and career aspirations. It allows me to specialise in climate mitigation while gaining hands-on experience in impactful project development,” said Mishek.
Meanwhile, Mosese Nabulivou joined as the Climate Adaptation Officer, bringing over nine years of experience in civil and environmental engineering. His work has spanned water security and coastal protection, but this role offers him the chance to expand his expertise into the climate finance arena.
“Climate finance has always been an area I wanted to explore. While my background is in project management and infrastructure, I saw this as an opportunity to bridge my existing skills with new knowledge in adaptation financing. I’m thrilled to be part of this initiative,” Mosese shared.
Both officers praised the recruitment process, coordinated by CFCSP and DT Global, describing it as seamless and professional. Principal Climate Finance Officer Ravneeth Dewan echoed this sentiment, emphasising the significance of supporting talented individuals in tackling the climate finance challenges faced by the government.
In their roles, Mishek and Mosese are integral to developing strong, fundable project proposals aligned with the Government of Fiji’s goals and funding agency requirements. The addition of these roles has eased the workload on government resources while significantly enhancing Fiji’s capacity to respond to climate finance opportunities.
“Engaging in the formulation of project proposals has not only honed my technical writing skills but also deepened my understanding of practical climate solutions,” Mishek said. “The hands-on experience is invaluable in advancing my research expertise.”
Both officers highlighted the collaborative and supportive environment within the PDU.
“Our supervisors are exceptional. They empower us to work independently while sharing their technical expertise. I’m especially grateful for the mentorship of Ms. Shrylin Hassan and Dr. Deepa Pullanikkatil, who have been instrumental in my growth,” said Mishek.
Mosese added, “It’s inspiring to work with a team so dedicated to securing financing for high-impact projects that address the pressing needs of our communities. The knowledge-sharing and teamwork here are unparalleled.”
Their work exemplifies the impact of targeted investments in local capacity—securing not just funding but ensuring it is directed towards projects that truly benefit Fiji’s communities. Together, Mishek and Mosese are contributing to a brighter, more resilient future for their country.
Read more about CFCSP’s partnership with Fiji here.
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Feature image: Mishek and Mosese stood by a globe featuring New Zealand and the Pacific.