Staff Bio
Nancy T. Oraka-Pomoso
Head of Secretariat
Nancy T. Oraka-Pomoso has worked with the PNG Public Service for more than 23 years. Her last job was working with the PNG Customs Service (PNGCS) where she worked for more than 11 years on large Customs Modernization Projects as well as with the Border Management, Capability Development and International & Public Relations Sections. She was a senior executive in the PNG Customs Service, and was responsible for Southern Region Operations before taking up the OCO HoS role. Ms. Oraka has vast experience in Customs and Taxation having also worked with the PNG Internal Revenue Commission for more than 12 years and with a number of private sector entities previously. She is a Graduate of the University of Papua New Guinea and holds a Master’s Degree in Customs Administration from the Charles Sturt University.
Laisa Kubuabola-Naivalurua
Operations Manager
Introducing Mrs. Laisa Kubuabola-Naivalurua who is the newly appointed Operations Manager at the OCO Secretariat. Laisa holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Southern Queensland in Australia and a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of the South Pacific. Laisa was in the first cohort for the Certificate III and Certificate IV in Regional Customs Administration program with the Centre of Customs and Excise Studies at Charles Sturt University which was being organized by OCO.
Prior to joining OCO, Laisa served as a Principal Customs Officer in Fiji Revenue and Customs Service for 9 years in Nadi. She worked with teams in Intelligence, Airfreight, Parcel Post and Denarau port. She also served in the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit as an Intelligence Analyst for 8 years. Laisa is passionate about border security and intelligence networks in the region. During her term at FRCS, she was thankful to be nominated for several Customs programmes funded by Australia and New Zealand in the region including the Pacific Managers Development Program, Pacific Regional Immigration Identity Project/INTEL Programme and the Pacific Leadership Program. Laisa is also a WCO certified trainer for the WCO/UNODC Container Control Programme since 2022. In 2023, she was invited by WCO to participate as a co-trainer at the Cambodia Customs Air Cargo Control Unit Refresher training. Laisa is happily married to Ioane and together they have three daughters. Laisa attributes her success to God and her family. Laisa is excited to be joining the OCO Secretariat Team at this time where there has been significant achievements made and more that are currently underway. She notes it will be challenging but, she is looking forward to serving at a more regional capacity.
Rima Sivanjali
Finance & Corporate Services Manager
OCO is pleased to welcome Ms. Rima Sivanjali as the new Finance and Corporate Services Manager, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience spanning the public, private, and international sectors. Her expertise lies in financial management, corporate services, and human resources, underpinned by her credentials as a Chartered Accountant. Ms. Sivanjali has led transformative finance operations, reinforced governance frameworks, and strengthened systems that drive accountability and enhance organisational performance. Her previous leadership roles include serving as Finance & Administration Manager for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Fiji and Head of Finance & Administration at Lautoka City Council, where she also acted as CEO. She holds a Master of Commerce in Accounting from the Fiji National University and is a member of the Fiji Institute of Accountants. Her appointment marks a strategic addition to OCO’s leadership team, bringing financial acumen and a commitment to operational efficiency.
Mohammed Ajaz
Customs Enforcement Adviser
Mr. Ajaz has over twenty one years of professional experience from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and held progressive customs officer roles to Manager Audit compliance. As the Customs Enforcement Adviser provides advice on the needs of OCO members in the areas of law enforcement and border security.
Sumeet Singh
Trade Revenue & Management Adviser
Mr. Sumeet Pratap Singh joins OCO with over 10years of experience in Trade and Investment.
He has held senior advisory roles at Investment Fiji where he contributed to national policy reforms, investor facilitation and CRM system development. With OCO, he leads initiative to modernize customs processes, promote trusted trader programs and align member administrations with global best practices in digital customs. Mr. Singh is passionate about supporting regional economic integration, institutional strengthening and sustainable development across the Pacific.
Stephanie Waqanivavalagi
Training Coordinator
Ms. Waqanivavalagi brings a wealth of experience to the Secretariat, boasting over 15 years of expertise in Human Resources, capacity development, stakeholder engagement, public relations, and executive administration. As the Training Coordinator, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful implementation and delivery of capacity development programs for our 23 member administrations across the region. Stephanie is currently completing her Masters in Business Administration and has since graduated from the prestigious Pacific Womens Professional Development Programme as organised by the Australian Border Force and RMIT University.
IPR Officer
IPR Project Coordinator
#Staff Bio pending
Artika Kumar
Ms. Kumar is an accomplished Executive Assistant with extensive expertise in administration, financial management, and organizational operations. With a strong background in accounting and information systems, she has developed a keen eye for detail, ensuring efficiency in executive support, stakeholder coordination, and process optimization. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Information Systems and is currently advancing her knowledge with a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional skills in financial reporting, budget management, event coordination, and strategic planning. Artika’s ability to navigate complex administrative functions, coupled with her proactive and analytical approach, makes her an invaluable asset in high-paced professional environments. She is passionate about driving operational excellence, fostering collaboration, and contributing to organizational success.
Sandra Atalifo
Human Resources and Logistics Officer
Ms Sandra Atalifo has a strong value of work integrity, respect and resilience that enables her to always have a positive attitude and behaviour in a work environment context. She joins OCO with 6 years of experience in the overall human resource management functions in a corporate organisation context that deals with effective strategic human resource management with associated risks, drafting human resource policies and procedures, human resources auditing, human resource reporting and change management. Ms. Atalifo is a member of the Fiji Human Resources Institute. She is the representive member of the Human Resource Council meeting for Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation.
Shaneel Lal
Accountant
Mr Lal is an accomplished finance professional with over 7 years of experience in financial management, tax consultancy, and business analysis across sectors including banking, local government, energy, conservation, and private consultancy. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Information Systems from the University of the South Pacific. Mr Lal specializes in IFRS-compliant financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, tax compliance, audit preparation, and internal controls. As an Associate Accountant with the Fiji Institute of Accountants, he is recognized for his strategic thinking, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence, consistently delivering solutions that enhance financial integrity and operational efficiency.
Tokanuea Karakaua
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
With a qualification in law and international affairs and diplomacy, Ms. Karakaua joined OCO from South Pacific Tourism Organisation as the Research Assistant for the delivery of USPTO – IPR related Project work activities. She current holds the position of Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.
Darryl Woo
IT & Communications Officer
Mr Woo comes with over 20 years of experience in the field of IT as an ICT Technician having previously worked for the Pacific Community (SPC) and before that with the Secretariate of the Pacific Community (SOPAC). He has a Trade Certificate in Graphic Designs and holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems.
Viliame Veiqaravi
Finance Administration Assistant
Mr. Veiqaravi brings with him a wealth of experience from the Government, Corporate, Tourism and Civil Society Sectors and wealth of knowledge in Finance from the past 8 years . He was educated in Fiji and holds a Bachelors of Commerce in Accounting and Human Resources Management & Industrial Relations from the Fiji National University..