Paula Bolaqace Navunisaravi
Davuilevu,Fiji
Summary
I have been on a short-term consultancy service since resigning from the Public Service in 2010 and this was mainly on social sectors. This was later supplemented by a Master in Business Administration achieved in 2013 at the University of the South Pacific. I have an international relation background based on the diplomatic and negotiation skills achieved at the Fiji Embassy in Washington DC for 5 years. My interest though lies in areas of policy analysis, management, project planning, development and strategic thinking in both the Economic and Social Sector. These interests stem from my work experience in the Bureau of Statistics, National Planning, Foreign Affairs, Public Service and the Prime Minister office and at management level since 2000. Though I have a Statistical and analytical mind I’m also experienced in providing policy advice to the decision makers of Government. This drives my interests in community development through the various areas of village and churches, youth, rugby and income generating activities for the local community.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Administrator
Nausori Town Council
, Fiji
04.2024 - Current
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
Community Work
Rewa Provincial Holding Company Ltd.
01.2008 - Current
- Manager Dreketi District School 2018-2021
- LOSA President 2019-2023
- Lelean Board of Governors 2019-2023
Sodelpa Party Official & Member
Sodelpa
, Fiji
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Engaged constituents through town halls and community meetings for feedback.
- Collaborated with government agencies to implement community programs effectively.
- Monitored local, state, and federal legislation impacting the community's interests.
- Facilitated partnerships with nonprofit organizations to enhance service delivery.
- Represented the district in various committees and coalitions for strategic initiatives.
- Coordinated logistics for political conventions such as scheduling speakers and arranging transportation.
- Composed letters, emails, flyers, brochures, posters and other materials used in campaigns.
- Met with representatives from key organizations in order to build relationships.
- Advised constituents on their rights under existing laws and regulations.
- Led grass roots campaigns to promote specific causes or legislative proposals.
- Prepared speeches for various events including press conferences, rallies, and fundraisers.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current political events through media outlets.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase public awareness of local issues.
- Organized town hall meetings and debates to engage citizens in the political process.
Short Term Consultant for BIOFIN Project - Policy and Institutional National Review Expert
BIOFIN Project
11.2015 - 03.2016
- The project is on Financing of Biodiversity especially on implementing strategies in the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan and Fiji is one of the 29 pilot countries. This is a global initiative and guidance and funding arrangements is conducted by UNDP.
Project Manager for Village Community Project
Village Community Project
03.2015 - 10.2015
- Building a Church residence at a cost of around $85,000. The project concept was to build a pastor’s residence within six months and to mobilize resources for the building.
Head of Department, Polling Operation
Fiji Election Office
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Overseeing the running of the 2014 General Election through the Operation Department which includes the in country and overseas coordinator and the Logistic Coordinator. The preparation of the Operation Plan and the implantation of the strategies and activities was the core delivery of the position.
- One year Contract.
Short Term Consultant on Social Issues
Social Issues
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Completed the draft Strategic Plan 2014-2016 for the National Youth Council for Fiji Island and review the NYCFI Constitution June to December 2013; (ii) formulated a Situational Analysis on Youths in Fiji 2011 which was published by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, April - May 2012; and (iii) a draft report Utilization of Selected Services in Three Informal Settlements – Data Analysis for UNDP and ECREA, October-December 2012.
Chief Administration Secretary
Prime Ministers Office, Suva, Fiji
01.2009 - 01.2010
- The primary role of the position is to provide quality policy advice on a wide range of economic, social and foreign relation issues Operation Plan and the implantation of the strategies and activities was the core delivery of the position.
Manager Higher Salaries Commission
Public Service Commission
04.2008 - 07.2009
- Secretary to the HSC in determining Salaries for the high echelon of government.
Acting Director Management Improvement Division
Public Service Commission, Suva
01.2005 - 01.2008
- The Division is responsible on management improvement, on government agencies, staffing structures and civil service reform
A Diplomat for the Fiji Government as Second/First Secretary
Fiji Embassy Washington
01.2000 - 01.2005
- I was the Charge D’Affairs (Acting Ambassador) for 16 months prior to finishing in June 2005. Purpose of the positions is the promotion and advocacy of political, economic, social and cultural cooperation between Fiji and the US. Servicing of Fiji’s interest in this vital economic and political superpower is essential in furthering Fiji’s developments
- For the five year duration at the Fiji Embassy Washington and Acting Ambassador.
Senior Planning Officer (SEPO) (Acting PEPO)
Min. for National Planning
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Major task is the coordination and monitoring of economic development programmes and projects affecting all divisions. This involves the identification, evaluation, review and analysis of specific regional and sectoral development projects proposals and policy recommendations.
Statistician
Bureau of Statistics
01.1993 - 01.1997
- Joined the Bureau of Statistics as a graduate trainee for 16 months and appointed as Statistician (Trade) in June 1994. Most of the work was under the National Accounts, Balance of Payment and Trade Division.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of the South Pacific
01.2013
Post Graduate Diploma - Governance
University of South Pacific
01.2010
Post Graduate Diploma - Development Studies (PG Dip Dev)
Massey University Palmerston North
New Zealand01.1993
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Geography
Canterbury University
Christchurch, New Zealand01.1989
Skills
- Critical Analysis and Analytical Skills
- Public and Foreign Affairs
- Public Speaking and Presentation
- Crisis Management and Problem Solving
- Cultural Adaptability
- Community Development and Social Work
- Community and Business Advisor
- Budgeting
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- Leadership and Negotiation
- Fundraising
- Data Analysis
- Policy and General Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Social and Corporate Governance
- Communication
- Capacity Building
Timeline
Special Administrator
Nausori Town Council
04.2024 - Current
Sodelpa Party Official & Member
Sodelpa
01.2022 - 12.2022
Short Term Consultant for BIOFIN Project - Policy and Institutional National Review Expert
BIOFIN Project
11.2015 - 03.2016
Project Manager for Village Community Project
Village Community Project
03.2015 - 10.2015
Head of Department, Polling Operation
Fiji Election Office
01.2014 - 01.2015
Short Term Consultant on Social Issues
Social Issues
01.2012 - 01.2013
Chief Administration Secretary
Prime Ministers Office, Suva, Fiji
01.2009 - 01.2010
Manager Higher Salaries Commission
Public Service Commission
04.2008 - 07.2009
Community Work
Rewa Provincial Holding Company Ltd.
01.2008 - Current
Acting Director Management Improvement Division
Public Service Commission, Suva
01.2005 - 01.2008
A Diplomat for the Fiji Government as Second/First Secretary
Fiji Embassy Washington
01.2000 - 01.2005
Senior Planning Officer (SEPO) (Acting PEPO)
Min. for National Planning
01.1998 - 01.2000
Statistician
Bureau of Statistics
01.1993 - 01.1997
Master of Business Administration -
University of the South Pacific
Post Graduate Diploma - Governance
University of South Pacific
Post Graduate Diploma - Development Studies (PG Dip Dev)
Massey University Palmerston North
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Geography
Canterbury University
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