Mohan Das Manandhar is an expert in climate change, political economy analysis, energy policies, socio-political dimension of government and social inclusion. He has more than 35 years of hands- on experience in government agencies, development organizations, academic institutions, and private sector enterprises in Nepal, South Asia (Bangladesh, Pakistan), South East Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Myanmar), and Africa (Liberia).
Mr. Manandhar is Chairperson of Sustainable Prosperity Initiative (SPI) Nepal and Executive Chairperson of Organisation Development Centre (ODC). He was Executive Director of Niti Foundation. He also served as chairperson of development bank. Mr. Manandhar was the Political Economy Consultant for Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Political Economy Analysis (PEA) of energy and electricity sector of Nepal in designing an economic reform programme for the Government of Nepal. He also served as senior academic advisor to Nepal Administrative Staff College (NASC). Mr. Manandhar was a visiting scholar at the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. He is also an adviser of Displacement Research and Action Network (DRAN)/MIT and is a member of Nepal Research Advisory Group, the Program of Resilient Communities, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. He was board member of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), a government institution established with the objective of developing and promoting renewable/alternative energy technologies in Nepal.
He did his BE (Civil) from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Roorkee and MBA from International University of Japan (IUJ).
Ms. Sarita Karki Managing Director
Sarita Karki has been leading the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative (SPI) Nepal since 2021, driving impactful programs in clean cooking and sustainable development, managing multiple programs, projects, and consulting assignments. She brings over a decade of diverse experience working with international organizations like the United Nations Foundation’s Clean Cooking Alliance, Imperative Global, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and ActionAid International. She has experience of working with development partners, government agencies and private sector agencies in the area of clean cooking, carbon-offset, stakeholder management, policy engagement, institutional strengthening and organizational development, organizational capacity building, human resource management, learning and development, program evaluation and surveys, and research and studies.
Previously, she worked as Regional Research Coordinator for Asia Market Assessment of Innovative Sanitation Technologies in Indonesia and Pakistan for BMGF. Before joining SPI Nepal, she held key roles at ActionAid International Nepal, Teach for Nepal, Niti Foundation, Urja Developers, and CE Construction Pvt. Ltd. She is passionate about empowering communities, advancing voluntary carbon markets, and integrating policy frameworks to achieve long-term environmental and social impact.
She holds MBA from Bangalore University and MBS from Tribhuvan University. She has also completed short courses on “Key Essentials: The Global Biodiversity Framework, Sustainable Development and the Law” and “Key Essentials: The Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development and the Law” offered by Lucy Cavendish College and Hughes Hall at the University of Cambridge.
Mr. Purushottam Ghimire Senior Advisor - Policy
Purushottam Ghimire served more than 32 years in the Government of Nepal in a different capacity and 15 years in the field of Climate Change (CC), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a Joint Secretary, he served as Chief of Environment and Climate Change Division and Focal Point of UNFCCC in the Ministry of Environment. He also led climate change projects such as NAPA, LAPA, PPCR, EBA and others, and the Nepalese delegation in many times to UNFCCC process. He was elected board member to the Global Mountain Partnership from the Asia Pacific Group for three year and focal point ICIMOD and UNDESA.
He also worked as Policy Expert for USAID and Oxford Policy Management (OPM), a DFID support program in Nepal. He also served as Governance Advisor to the “Development of a Collaborative Disaster Risk Reduction Mechanism for Hydropower Projects and Communities through EWS Installation. He also worked as policy adviser to the UNFCCA and contributed Clean Cooking Campaign in Nepal and supported in preparing Clean Cooking National Guideline.
Mr. Shirish Singh Consultant - Clean Cooking Projects
Shirish Singh has been associated with SPI Nepal since 2022, initially serving as Program Coordinator, where he supported program planning, coordination, reporting, and data management across clean cooking and research initiatives. Under the CCA-led clean cooking project in Madhesh Province, he served as Field Coordinator – Data Management and Monitoring, leading field data systems, supervising surveys, and strengthening monitoring and accountability mechanisms. He now contributes as Consultant – Clean Cooking Projects, providing technical support in monitoring, evaluation, and data-driven implementation.
Prior to joining SPI Nepal, Shirish worked in logistics, supply chain management, and humanitarian operations. He led a logistics capacity assessment for the World Food Programme (WFP), supported Nepal’s earthquake response with World Vision International as a Sourcing Coordinator, and served as a Procurement and Logistics Officer, building strong expertise in operational management and field coordination.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, USA.
Reetu Rajbhandari is an experienced Engineer with over eight years of expertise in the clean energy and sanitation sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Water and Sanitation from IHE-Delft, Netherlands.
Previously serving as Program Coordinator at SPI Nepal, Reetu has worked with organizations including the Clean Cooking Alliance, Imperative Global, BORDA and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (in Indonesia and Pakistan) on clean cooking solutions, carbon offset programs and innovative sanitation technologies. Her work includes feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, and field testing for clean energy and sanitation projects. In sanitation sector, she has promoted ISO Standard 24521, city-wide inclusive sanitation plans, wastewater and faecal sludge management, and e-waste management through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks in Nepal.
She has engaged stakeholders across government, private sectors, and communities, ensuring local alignment with project goals. Her contributions have been recognized at national and international forums, where she has presented and published research. With a proven track record in advancing sustainable practices, Reetu continues to advance equitable and innovative solutions in clean energy and sanitation.
Mr. Animesh Ghimire Research Fellow
Animesh is an ethics, education, and public health researcher. Currently, he serves as a Research Fellow at the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative Nepal and as a Lecturer within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences at Monash University, Australia. His scholarly work centres on critical issues in the Global South, particularly exploring themes related to health and educational equity.
Animesh’s research is deeply committed to examining the ethical dimensions of frontline healthcare practices and the complexities surrounding health workforce migration. His work also explores the intersection of climate change, public health, and education, with a particular focus on the ethical issues surrounding climate justice and its impact on vulnerable communities. Employing a blend of applied philosophy alongside qualitative research methodologies, he rigorously addresses these multifaceted topics.
His significant contributions to academic discourse are evidenced by numerous presentations at prestigious international conferences and an extensive publication record. Animesh’s interdisciplinary expertise is reflected in his scholarly outputs across prominent journals, including The Lancet, BMC Public Health, Frontiers in Public Health, BMC Medical Ethics, Developing World Bioethics, Australian Journal of Human Rights, Feminist Theory, Qualitative Health Research, International Journal of Public Health, Nursing Ethics, Nurse Education Today, Nurse Education in Practice, BMC Nursing, and Policy, Politics and Nursing Practice, among others.
His scholarly endeavours continue to advance knowledge and inform impactful policy and practice in global health.
Please refer to Animesh’s Google Scholar or ORCID profile for an overview of his scholarly contributions.
Samridhi Pant is a seasoned private sector expert with a diverse portfolio encompassing business environment assessment, local economic development, private sector development amid federalization, and policy-making. With a wealth of experience, Samridhi has successfully navigated and contributed to a wide range of international projects, showcasing a keen understanding of the intricate dynamics within the business landscape. Known for strategic thinking and effective policy implementation, she continues to make impactful strides in shaping and enhancing the private sector across various domains.
Ms. Aju Nyachhyon Consultant - Market Systems Expert
Aju Nyachhyon is a systems thinker and a seasoned professional with experience in various fields of business, technology and economic development. She is a food technologist with an MBA degree, passionate about private sector engagement and creating a better business environment for socio-economic prosperity.
Ms. Chandrakala Shrestha Accountant
Chandrakala Shrestha has more than 5 years of experience in accounting and financial management specifically at audit firms. At SPI Nepal, she is responsible for preparing and examining financial records, reconciling bank statements, and ensuring financial information are accurate and up to date throughout the year.
She holds Bachelor’s of Commerce degree (specialization in Accounting and Finance) from Tribhuvan University.
Mr. Dhanesh Khadka Admin & Finance Assistant
Dhanesh Khadka has been serving as the Admin and Finance Assistant at SPI Nepal for the past three years, bringing over eight years of extensive experience in administration, logistics and finance. Prior to joining SPI Nepal, he worked as a Communication and Information Assistant at the National Development Volunteers Service (NDVS) for more than five years, where he gained valuable expertise in managing communication systems and information processes.
Dhanesh also held the position of Communication Officer at J.P. Foundation, further honing his skills in organizational communication and coordination. His dedication to ensuring smooth administrative operations and his strong logistical capabilities make him a key member of the SPI Nepal team.
Ms. Talamai Mardi (Sugi) Office Support
Talamai Mardi (Sugi) is responsible for housekeeping services and pantry management.
Mr. Mohan Das Manandhar Chairperson
Mohan Das Manandhar is an expert in climate change, political economy analysis, energy policies, socio-political dimension of government and social inclusion. He has more than 35 years of hands- on experience in government agencies, development organizations, academic institutions, and private sector enterprises in Nepal, South Asia (Bangladesh, Pakistan), South East Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Myanmar), and Africa (Liberia).
Mr. Manandhar is Chairperson of Sustainable Prosperity Initiative (SPI) Nepal and Executive Chairperson of Organisation Development Centre (ODC). He was Executive Director of Niti Foundation. He also served as chairperson of development bank. Mr. Manandhar was the Political Economy Consultant for Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Political Economy Analysis (PEA) of energy and electricity sector of Nepal in designing an economic reform programme for the Government of Nepal. He also served as senior academic advisor to Nepal Administrative Staff College (NASC). Mr. Manandhar was a visiting scholar at the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. He is also an adviser of Displacement Research and Action Network (DRAN)/MIT and is a member of Nepal Research Advisory Group, the Program of Resilient Communities, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. He was board member of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), a government institution established with the objective of developing and promoting renewable/alternative energy technologies in Nepal.
He did his BE (Civil) from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Roorkee and MBA from International University of Japan (IUJ).
Ms. Sarita Karki Managing Director
Sarita Karki has been leading the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative (SPI) Nepal since 2021, driving impactful programs in clean cooking and sustainable development, managing multiple programs, projects, and consulting assignments. She brings over a decade of diverse experience working with international organizations like the United Nations Foundation’s Clean Cooking Alliance, Imperative Global, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and ActionAid International. She has experience of working with development partners, government agencies and private sector agencies in the area of clean cooking, carbon-offset, stakeholder management, policy engagement, institutional strengthening and organizational development, organizational capacity building, human resource management, learning and development, program evaluation and surveys, and research and studies.
Previously, she worked as Regional Research Coordinator for Asia Market Assessment of Innovative Sanitation Technologies in Indonesia and Pakistan for BMGF. Before joining SPI Nepal, she held key roles at ActionAid International Nepal, Teach for Nepal, Niti Foundation, Urja Developers, and CE Construction Pvt. Ltd. She is passionate about empowering communities, advancing voluntary carbon markets, and integrating policy frameworks to achieve long-term environmental and social impact.
She holds MBA from Bangalore University and MBS from Tribhuvan University. She has also completed short courses on “Key Essentials: The Global Biodiversity Framework, Sustainable Development and the Law” and “Key Essentials: The Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development and the Law” offered by Lucy Cavendish College and Hughes Hall at the University of Cambridge.
Mr. Purushottam Ghimire Senior Advisor - Policy
Purushottam Ghimire served more than 32 years in the Government of Nepal in a different capacity and 15 years in the field of Climate Change (CC), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a Joint Secretary, he served as Chief of Environment and Climate Change Division and Focal Point of UNFCCC in the Ministry of Environment. He also led climate change projects such as NAPA, LAPA, PPCR, EBA and others, and the Nepalese delegation in many times to UNFCCC process. He was elected board member to the Global Mountain Partnership from the Asia Pacific Group for three year and focal point ICIMOD and UNDESA.
He also worked as Policy Expert for USAID and Oxford Policy Management (OPM), a DFID support program in Nepal. He also served as Governance Advisor to the “Development of a Collaborative Disaster Risk Reduction Mechanism for Hydropower Projects and Communities through EWS Installation. He also worked as policy adviser to the UNFCCA and contributed Clean Cooking Campaign in Nepal and supported in preparing Clean Cooking National Guideline.
Mr. Shirish Singh Consultant - Clean Cooking Projects
Shirish Singh has been associated with SPI Nepal since 2022, initially serving as Program Coordinator, where he supported program planning, coordination, reporting, and data management across clean cooking and research initiatives. Under the CCA-led clean cooking project in Madhesh Province, he served as Field Coordinator – Data Management and Monitoring, leading field data systems, supervising surveys, and strengthening monitoring and accountability mechanisms. He now contributes as Consultant – Clean Cooking Projects, providing technical support in monitoring, evaluation, and data-driven implementation.
Prior to joining SPI Nepal, Shirish worked in logistics, supply chain management, and humanitarian operations. He led a logistics capacity assessment for the World Food Programme (WFP), supported Nepal’s earthquake response with World Vision International as a Sourcing Coordinator, and served as a Procurement and Logistics Officer, building strong expertise in operational management and field coordination.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, USA.
Ms. Reetu Rajbhandari Consultant - Sanitation & Clean Cooking
Reetu Rajbhandari is an experienced Engineer with over eight years of expertise in the clean energy and sanitation sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Water and Sanitation from IHE-Delft, Netherlands.
Previously serving as Program Coordinator at SPI Nepal, Reetu has worked with organizations including the Clean Cooking Alliance, Imperative Global, BORDA and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (in Indonesia and Pakistan) on clean cooking solutions, carbon offset programs and innovative sanitation technologies. Her work includes feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, and field testing for clean energy and sanitation projects. In sanitation sector, she has promoted ISO Standard 24521, city-wide inclusive sanitation plans, wastewater and faecal sludge management, and e-waste management through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks in Nepal.
She has engaged stakeholders across government, private sectors, and communities, ensuring local alignment with project goals. Her contributions have been recognized at national and international forums, where she has presented and published research. With a proven track record in advancing sustainable practices, Reetu continues to advance equitable and innovative solutions in clean energy and sanitation.
Mr. Animesh Ghimire Research Fellow
Animesh is an ethics, education, and public health researcher. Currently, he serves as a Research Fellow at the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative Nepal and as a Lecturer within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences at Monash University, Australia. His scholarly work centres on critical issues in the Global South, particularly exploring themes related to health and educational equity.
Animesh’s research is deeply committed to examining the ethical dimensions of frontline healthcare practices and the complexities surrounding health workforce migration. His work also explores the intersection of climate change, public health, and education, with a particular focus on the ethical issues surrounding climate justice and its impact on vulnerable communities. Employing a blend of applied philosophy alongside qualitative research methodologies, he rigorously addresses these multifaceted topics.
His significant contributions to academic discourse are evidenced by numerous presentations at prestigious international conferences and an extensive publication record. Animesh’s interdisciplinary expertise is reflected in his scholarly outputs across prominent journals, including The Lancet, BMC Public Health, Frontiers in Public Health, BMC Medical Ethics, Developing World Bioethics, Australian Journal of Human Rights, Feminist Theory, Qualitative Health Research, International Journal of Public Health, Nursing Ethics, Nurse Education Today, Nurse Education in Practice, BMC Nursing, and Policy, Politics and Nursing Practice, among others.
His scholarly endeavours continue to advance knowledge and inform impactful policy and practice in global health.
Please refer to Animesh’s Google Scholar or ORCID profile for an overview of his scholarly contributions.
Ms. Samridhi Pant Consultant - Private Sector Expert
Samridhi Pant is a seasoned private sector expert with a diverse portfolio encompassing business environment assessment, local economic development, private sector development amid federalization, and policy-making. With a wealth of experience, Samridhi has successfully navigated and contributed to a wide range of international projects, showcasing a keen understanding of the intricate dynamics within the business landscape. Known for strategic thinking and effective policy implementation, she continues to make impactful strides in shaping and enhancing the private sector across various domains.
Ms. Aju Nyachhyon Consultant - Market Systems Expert
Aju Nyachhyon is a systems thinker and a seasoned professional with experience in various fields of business, technology and economic development. She is a food technologist with an MBA degree, passionate about private sector engagement and creating a better business environment for socio-economic prosperity.
Ms. Chandrakala Shrestha Accountant
Chandrakala Shrestha has more than 5 years of experience in accounting and financial management specifically at audit firms. At SPI Nepal, she is responsible for preparing and examining financial records, reconciling bank statements, and ensuring financial information are accurate and up to date throughout the year.
She holds Bachelor’s of Commerce degree (specialization in Accounting and Finance) from Tribhuvan University.
Mr. Dhanesh Khadka Admin & Finance Assistant
Dhanesh Khadka has been serving as the Admin and Finance Assistant at SPI Nepal for the past three years, bringing over eight years of extensive experience in administration, logistics and finance. Prior to joining SPI Nepal, he worked as a Communication and Information Assistant at the National Development Volunteers Service (NDVS) for more than five years, where he gained valuable expertise in managing communication systems and information processes.
Dhanesh also held the position of Communication Officer at J.P. Foundation, further honing his skills in organizational communication and coordination. His dedication to ensuring smooth administrative operations and his strong logistical capabilities make him a key member of the SPI Nepal team.
Ms. Talamai Mardi (Sugi) Office Support
Talamai Mardi (Sugi) is responsible for housekeeping services and pantry management.