PEEDA Staffs

Biraj Gautam

- Chief Executive Officer

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

- Manager - Admin and Finance

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.

 

Alina Dangol

- Project Coordinator
Ms. Alina Dangol is a passionate environmental conservationist with a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Initially, she started her career at PEEDA as an intern in March 2021, worked in the position of Environmental Officer from June 2021 and later promoted to Project Coordinator from July 2024. She has a keen interest in the area related to climate change, water resources, and clean energy. She is mainly involved in the implementation of electric cooking and climate change projects. Prior to joining PEEDA, she worked with different organisations dealing with environmental issues.

Prem Bikram Karki

- Senior Project Officer

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.  

Usha Thakuri

- Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Officer
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.

Pratigya Sedhai

- Admin and Finance Officer
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.

Ashutosh Dev

- Project Engineer
Mr. Ashutosh Dev joined PEEDA initially as an intern in May 2024, promoted later to the position of Project Engineer in August 2024. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Energy Technology. His expertise centers on clean energy development initiatives. Mr. Dev's background includes research contributions, notably in published works focusing on energy efficiency and modeling. Before joining PEEDA, he held positions as an Intern Research Assistant at the Energy Systems and Research Technology Lab, Kathmandu University, and as a remote research intern at IIT Bombay.

Roshit Raj Paudel

- Project Engineer
Mr. Roshit Raj Paudel is an enthusiastic civil engineer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (BCE) from the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Pulchowk Campus. He joined PEEDA as an Intern in May, 2024, later promoted in the position of Project Engineer from July, 2024. He has a keen interest in Hydrological Modelling and Disaster Risk Management. Having had a background in Rock Engineering and Environmental Assessment from his undergraduate days, he aspires to apply these skills in developing resilient infrastructure and communities that can withstand challenges posed by climate change and environmental hazards. Prior to joining PEEDA, Mr. Paudel oversaw roles in construction of 15-bed Hospital in Belbari, Morang and operational structures at Dhap Dam under Shrinkhala Nirman Sewa Pvt. Ltd.

Laxmi Baraili

- Field Facilitator

She has passed +2 in education from Sharada Higher Secondary School, Bhaktapur and been working as a field facilitator since 17th September 2016. Her previous job experience includes working as facilitator in Child Development Society under Self Employment Education Program (SEEP). She has received basic computer course.

Chhiring Dolma Lama

- Field Facilitator

Holds C.M.A. and Bachelor’s degree in Education and been working as a field facilitator since 17th September 2016. Her previous job experiences include working as social mobilizer for RRN and field supervisor in SUAHARA project of USAID and Rural Development Tuki Association where her main activity was to coordinate the field level activities on moving the project further. She has received various training related to health and social mobilization.

Jhalak Bahadur Jirel

- Field Facilitator

He has completed +2 science from Jiri Higher Secondary School, Dolakha and been working as a field facilitator since 17th 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

- Sr. Driver

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.

Kalpana Aryal (Thapa)

- Office Helper

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.