Mr. Biraj Gautam is a trained energy professional who has been involved in the projects related to rural energy services, R&D of energy technologies, implementation modality development, etc. He has gained experiences as an energy and environmental professional working in various projects in the countries like India, Bhutan and USA. Most of his experiences are from the RE projects in Nepal. His passions working on rural energy sector tempted him to work with PEEDA back in April 2008 where he started his job as an Environmental Officer for Pro-Poor Hydro Project. Since then he has been involved in various projects such as, feasibility of low head pico hydro technologies in Nepal, activity leader for research projects on low head turbine systems, community level biofuel utility aspects, implementation of various community electrification projects in Nepal, Bhutan and India. He also extensively worked with a team of experts including a team of students from Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for conceptualization of rural economic zone that revolves around the decentralized energy generation system. He also specializes in coordinating a team of multi-sector, networking, resource mobilization, orientation and supervision of field implementation of the projects. Mr. Gautam has MSc degree in Environmental Science from Tribhuvan University and University Credits in Professional Leadership Courses from George Masson University, USA. 

He enjoys volunteering and has been leading and coordinating various events of social cause. He is a board member of Community Solutions Program Alumni, a program by US Department of States, Board of Representatives for Hydro Empowerment Network (a network of micro hydro professionals from south and south east Asia) and Member of Access Coalition (a global network of CSOs and INGOs working in energy access). He also represented Access Coalition to Sustainable Energy for All Forum (SEforALL) held in 2017 in NY.

 

Pawan Baral is a Bachelor’s degree holder in business studies and has been an employee of PEEDA since July 2003. Since July 2017, he has been working as a Manager - Admin and Finance and his major responsibilities are preparation and supervision of books of account, performing budget monitoring, handling of tax related issues of organization and all other finance/admin matters. He is also involved for the recruitment of employees in PEEDA as per necessity. He has previously been an employee of Hydro Consult Engineering Limited.

 

Mr. Shankar Kumar Bhatta is a development professional having Master's degree in Sociology and Rural Development and 12 years progressive experience in rural development. He joined PEEDA in May 2025. His expertise spans project management, local government engagement, multi-partner management, climate change adaptation and inclusive livelihood programming. He has demonstrated strong competencies in leading multi-stakeholder projects, facilitating training on climate change, entrepreneurship development, disaster management, governance and watershed management and contributing to policy formulation and implementation support and the local level. His professional approach combines technical proficiency with deep understanding of community dynamics and environmental sustainability, making him a valuable asset in integrated rural development and renewal energy initiatives. He has contributed in producing and implementing various guidelines and reading materials in the realm of climate change, gender equality and social inclusion, disability inclusion and agri-based enterprise development and market management.

Prem Bikram Karki, holds an MBA from Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM). He joined PEEDA back in July 2015. He is mainly involved in project management but not limited to proposal development, report writing, developing designing tools, analytical templates and knowledge management materials, data collection and analysis, facilitation of trainings and workshops, feasibility and baseline studies, stakeholder engagement and monitoring of projects. He has experience of managing projects on micro hydropower assessment and installation, research on electric cooking and monitoring climate change projects.  

He has represented PEEDA in national and international platforms in Thailand, India and Bangladesh. Besides, he has co-authored a few academic publications in coordination with other project partners. In addition, he supports the administration as and when required, especially in relation to recruitment, managing the website and facebook page of PEEDA and hosts internal staff meetings on a regular basis.  

Ms. Usha Thakuri holds a Master’s degree in Forestry Science from Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Hetauda (2017-2019). She joined PEEDA in August 2024, serving as a Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (CC/DRR) Officer. With over six years of professional experience, she has developed expertise in natural resource management, climate change, watershed management, forest-based enterprise development, and project development, implementation, and fundraising. Her work spans various organizations, including Conservation Farming-ECARDS Nepal, Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions-HIMAWANTI Nepal, Nepal Climate Change Support Program (NCCSP), FECOFUN, and the Multi-Stakeholder Forestry Program (MSFP)/ECARDS. She has also supported two PhD researchers. Ms. Thakuri has gained substantial experience working with multicultural teams across diverse geographical regions of Nepal. Her work focuses on technical forestry, climate change, livelihoods, watershed management, leadership development, resource access, forest-based enterprises, and the promotion of indigenous knowledge.

Ms. Pratigya Sedhai, holds an MBA in Finance from Ace Institute of Management (AIM). She joined PEEDA as an Admin and Finance Associate from April 2023, later promoted to Admin and Finance Officer from July 2024. She is mainly involved in managing the administrative works/processes of the organization, handling files, storekeeping, vendor management and inventory management-related tasks, e-TDS of payment vouchers and clients on a regular basis and reports to the Manager - Admin and Finance directly.

Ms. Shreya Lamsal is an environmental professional with an academic background in forestry and environmental science. She joined PEEDA in April 2025. She brings hands-on experience in research, project implementation, and consulting, with a strong focus on climate resilience and community empowerment. At PEEDA, Shreya leads the RECAP Project- overseeing its planning, implementation, and monitoring. Prior to this, she worked as a Research and Documentation Officer for Nepal Youth Network for Sustainable Development and as a Consultant for EnUrb Consult Pvt. Ltd., contributing to environmental advocacy, impact assessments, and urban resilience planning. She believes transformative change happens where people and the planet thrive together, bringing a grounded and creative perspective to her work.

Mr. Mohan Subedi is a seasoned development professional with over a decade of field experience in climate change adaptation, DRR, enterprise development, GESI, and natural resource management. He has led and coordinated multiple projects at the municipal level, focusing on planning, implementation, monitoring, and stakeholder coordination. His expertise includes preparing and implementing LAPA and CBAP, facilitating Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA), and delivering training on climate-smart agriculture, GESI, DRR, and cooperative development. Mr. Subedi has effectively mobilized community groups and staff, promoted forest and livelihood-based enterprises, and built strong collaborations with local governments. His proven ability to operate independently, coupled with strong field mobilization, reporting, data management, and leadership training delivery, makes him highly competent.

Mr. Samir Poudel demonstrates strong capability in community mobilization and agricultural development, particularly in the mid-hill regions of Nepal. With over a decade of field-based experience, he has consistently worked with farmers, cooperatives, and local institutions to promote sustainable agriculture and enterprise development. His expertise includes facilitating Farmer Field Schools, delivering training on vegetable farming, seed management, and market linkage. He has played a vital role in strengthening community groups through technical support, leadership training, and capacity-building activities. Mr. Poudel has actively promoted climate-resilient agricultural technologies. Additionally, he has contributed to off-farm enterprise development and implemented various irrigation schemes to enhance agricultural productivity. His training facilitation skills, practical knowledge in seed production, value chain analysis, and business literacy further underscore his effectiveness in empowering rural farming communities.

Ms. Hira Thapa is a dedicated and experienced development professional with strong expertise in gender equality, social inclusion (GESI), and community mobilization. With over eight years of hands-on experience working with local and national organizations, she has developed a deep understanding of grassroots dynamics and local governance. Her key strengths lie in facilitating community-based programs, promoting gender justice, and implementing inclusive development initiatives. She has received extensive training on gender-based violence, enterprise development, good governance, human rights, child protection, and mediation, enabling her to work effectively in sensitive and complex environments. Her ability to engage diverse stakeholders, mobilize local resources, and deliver impact-oriented programs makes her a valuable asset to any community-focused initiative.

Ms. Yami Khadka has demonstrated strong capabilities in community mobilization, value chain analysis (VCA), enterprise development, and participatory planning through her extensive field experience in rural development. Working with district level NGOs in Pyuthan district since 2014, she has served as both a Social Mobilizer and Field Facilitator, where she played a vital role in organizing and strengthening farmer groups, facilitating trainings, and implementing livelihood improvement activities. Ms. Khadka has also received specialized training in the preparation of Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPA), enabling her to support climate-resilient planning at the community level. Furthermore, her involvement in business development and advanced entrepreneurship training, including facilitation of Farmer Field Schools and Farmer Market School, underscores her capacity to empower farmers and promote sustainable enterprise development. Her commitment, flexibility, and excellent communication skills make her a highly competent and reliable development practitioner in the agriculture and livelihood sector.

Mr. Rom Bahadur Pun possesses over eight years of hands-on experience in community-level mobilization and facilitation. He has demonstrated strong capabilities in social mobilization, particularly in organizing and empowering local communities. His active participation in trainings such as Gender and Social Mobilization, Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction, and Team Building, Entrepreneurship Development, Business Development reflects his skill in building inclusive, cohesive, and resilient community groups. These credentials highlight his ability to support local agri-based enterprises, strengthen value chains, and promote income-generating activities at the grassroots level. With a solid foundation in climate change adaptation, he has completed certified trainings on Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPA), Climate Change & Community-Based Adaptation, and Farmer Field School TOT. These demonstrate his capacity to contribute meaningfully to climate-resilient planning, local adaptation strategies, and climate-smart agricultural practices.

Ms.Sangita Rana is a motivated professional with a diploma-level education and practical experience in community-based agricultural development. Her career reflects a strong commitment to community development and social mobilization, especially through her role as an agriculture trainer, where she supported knowledge transfer to farmers and engaged directly with local communities. With basic computer and communication skills, Ms. Rana shows potential to further support enterprise development initiatives by promoting training, resource mobilization, and capacity-building, particularly among poor and vulnerable populations. Her career objective aligns well with climate adaptation and inclusive development work at the grassroots level.

He has completed +2 science from Jiri Higher Secondary School, Dolakha and been working as a field facilitator since 17^th September 2016. His previous job experiences include working as a social mobilizer for Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) and Community Development Forum/ SEBAC Nepal. He has achieved various training related to WASH.

Shyam Sundar Karki has been working in PEEDA as Driver since March 2017 and is responsible for day to day outdoor activities as per requirement. He holds lower secondary level education and has years of experience in driving.

She has been working in PEEDA as office helper since 28th November 2016 and is responsible for day to day indoor activities like cooking, documentation, cleaning, etc.