About
Consultant
Talanoa Consulting
merewalesi@talanoa-consulting-fiji.com
Summary
Merewalesi has two masters degrees in Public Policy (University of Minnesota) and Development Studies (University of the South Pacific) and a BA in Psychology / Management and Public Administration (University of the South Pacific / Saint Louis University). She has more than 15 years of experience in public diplomacy, strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and research in the development sector with a background in journalism and media, civil society and the creative arts. She is a writer and internationally exhibited sound artist. Her writing has been published in the Commonwealth Writers Blog, DevPolicy, the Lowy Interpreter and the Diplomat.
Publications
Title: Merewalesi Nailatikau - Authory Portfolio Publisher: Authory Date published: Sat, 02/01/2021 - 12:00 Link: https://authory.com/MereNailatikau
Qualifications
Degree: MA in Public Policy Period: 2022-2024 Status: Completed Education institution: University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs Country: United States
Degree: MA in Development Studies Period: 2010-2014 Status: Completed Education institution: University of the South Pacific Country: Fiji
Degree: BA in Psychology/Management and Public Administration Period: 2006-2008 Status: Completed Education institution: University of the South Pacific Country: Fiji
Degree: BA Psychology Period: 2003-2005 (Two-Year Work-Study Scholarship) Status: Completed Education institution: Saint Louis University (Madrid Campus) Country: Spain
Degree: MA in Development Studies Period: 2010-2014 Status: Completed Education institution: University of the South Pacific Country: Fiji
Degree: BA in Psychology/Management and Public Administration Period: 2006-2008 Status: Completed Education institution: University of the South Pacific Country: Fiji
Degree: BA Psychology Period: 2003-2005 (Two-Year Work-Study Scholarship) Status: Completed Education institution: Saint Louis University (Madrid Campus) Country: Spain
Work Experience
Project name: Pacific Regional Council for Early Childhood Development Client: UNICEF Pacific Project period: Thu, 01/07/2021 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/08/2022 - 12:00 Position: Consultant Location: Suva Deliverables Designed a comprehensive strategy for communications to support the Pacific Regional Council for Early Childhood Development (PRC4ECD) with raising the profile and encouraging investment in early childhood development (ECD) throughout its 15 member countries. Developed the PRC4ECD Communications Plan in close consultation with UNICEF Pacific in their capacity as PRC4ECD Secretariat and with the oversight of the PRC4ECD Steering Committee Chair. Undertook a Literature Review and consulted with ECD experts, stakeholders and Steering Committee and PRC4ECD members at the government official and ministerial level. Finalised the PRC4ECD Communications Plan including high-level strategies, links to the overall 10-year work plan of the Council, strategic objectives, key messages, target audiences and practical activities with resourcing allocations. Oversaw implementation of the PRC4ECD Communications Plan starting in 2022. Worked closely with the UNICEF Pacific ECD Specialist to coordinate the launch of the Pacific Child website and PRC4ECD Commitment to Climate Change, which involved the attendance of 6 Pacific Islands Prime Ministers and Presidents, including speaking roles for the Prime Ministers of Fiji and Samoa in endorsing ECD as essential to building climate resilient Pacific communities. Established social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube) for the PRC4ECD, developed, scheduled and posted content. Maintained the PRC4ECD Pacific Child website, updating it with stories and resources. Led the drafting and dissemination of the PRC4ECD E-Newsletter to keep Council members and stakeholders informed of ECD developments. Supported PRC4ECD Steering Committee and stakeholder meetings by drafting talking points and minutes, and presenting on the PRC4ECD Communications Plan.
Project name: Strategy, Planning and Learning Team Client: SPC Project period: Tue, 01/06/2021 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/08/2022 - 12:00 Position: Consultant Location: Suva Deliverables Assisted with writing capacity for the Pacific Community’s Strategy, Performance and Learning Team. Developed written content, provided technical advice and writing across: (1) Strategy and Foresigh, (2) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, (3) and Programming and Innovation. Wrote content tailored to a range of audiences to support thought leadership activities including the SPC Strategic Plan 2021+. Drafted, editing and provided narrative advice, incorporating SPC member country and staff inputs into the SPC Strategic Plan 2021+. Created content for public communication based on existing written materials including opinion editorials, knowledge briefs, articles, blog posts, talking points and other written materials as needed. Conducted background interviews and synthesised existing research materials telling the story of SPC’s work, strategy programmed and processes in a way that connects to SPC key audiences.
Project name: VOSA Podcast (Season 2) Client: World Bank in PNG and the Pacific Project period: Mon, 01/03/2021 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/08/2022 - 12:00 Position: Host and Producer Location: Suva Deliverables Collaborated with the World Bank in the Pacific and PNG to develop the concept and 10-episode plan for Season 2 of Vosa, a storytelling platform featuring creators, thinkers and changemakers across the Pacific. Liaised with and conducted interviews with nearly 40 guests across 10 episodes. Scripted episodes, liaised with sound producers and communications providers to promote episodes, resulting in more than 3,000 downloads across 80 countries.
Project name: Supporting Emerging Pacific Consultants in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Client: Talanoa Consulting Project period: Tue, 01/06/2021 - 12:00 - Fri, 31/12/2021 - 12:00 Position: Consultant Location: Suva Deliverables onducted focus group discussions with local Pacific consultants in the climate and disaster risk reduction sector. Supported the participating consultants to incorporate their key messages into seven short videos sharing their consulting experiences and advice for working as a consultant in the Pacific. Moderated sessions during the Localising Pacific Climate Consulting webinar series hosted by the Australia Pacific Climate Alumni Network and partners. Wrote a blog published by the Australian National University’s DevPolicy Blog titled, ‘Localising Pacific consulting’.
Project name: Green Climate Fund Proposal for Coral Reef Resilience Project Client: WWF Pacific Project period: Fri, 03/05/2024 - 12:00 - Mon, 30/09/2024 - 12:00 Position: Stakeholder Engagement Consultant Location: Suva Deliverables Developed and conducted stakeholder engagement initiatives, including survey design, fieldwork coordination, content analysis, and reporting, while ensuring compliance with free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) and integrating gender, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) considerations. Developed a stakeholder engagement consultation report and stakeholder engagement plan, in line with Green Climate Fund and WWF standards.
Project name: Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change - 3-Year Strategic Plan Client: Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change Project period: Sat, 01/03/2025 - 12:00 - Wed, 30/04/2025 - 12:00 Position: Consultant Location: Suva Deliverables Conducted stakeholder interviews on PISFCC partnerships and engagement. Designed and developed a three-day workshop to reflect on lessons learned, review partnerships and plan for future actions to realize potential for ensuring the ICJ Advisory Opinion on climate change is utilized for climate action and climate justice on behalf of the Pacific. Supported preparations, facilitation, and the drafting of the three-year strategic plan alongside PISFCC.
Employment date: Wed, 01/08/2018 - 12:00 - Sat, 01/05/2021 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Australia Pacific Training Coalition Position: Senior Strategic Communication Manager Location: Suva
Employment date: Thu, 01/06/2017 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/07/2018 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Oxfam in the Pacific Position: Regional Media Coordinator Location: Suva
Employment date: Sun, 01/09/2013 - 12:00 - Mon, 01/05/2017 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australian High Commission, Suva) Position: Senior Program Manager - Regional Communications Location: Suva
Area of expertise: Public Diplomacy Experience: 100
Area of expertise: Research Experience: 50
Area of expertise: Strategic Communications Experience: 160
Area of expertise: Stakeholder Engagement Experience: 25
Area of expertise: Policy Analysis Experience: 30
Area of expertise: Organisational Development Experience: 30
Current: No Company: University of Minnesota - Humphrey School of Public Affairs (Leadership and Management Area) Position: Teaching Assistant - Organizational Dynamics Location: Mineapolis, Minnesota, USA
Project name: Strategy, Planning and Learning Team Client: SPC Project period: Tue, 01/06/2021 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/08/2022 - 12:00 Position: Consultant Location: Suva Deliverables Assisted with writing capacity for the Pacific Community’s Strategy, Performance and Learning Team. Developed written content, provided technical advice and writing across: (1) Strategy and Foresigh, (2) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, (3) and Programming and Innovation. Wrote content tailored to a range of audiences to support thought leadership activities including the SPC Strategic Plan 2021+. Drafted, editing and provided narrative advice, incorporating SPC member country and staff inputs into the SPC Strategic Plan 2021+. Created content for public communication based on existing written materials including opinion editorials, knowledge briefs, articles, blog posts, talking points and other written materials as needed. Conducted background interviews and synthesised existing research materials telling the story of SPC’s work, strategy programmed and processes in a way that connects to SPC key audiences.
Project name: VOSA Podcast (Season 2) Client: World Bank in PNG and the Pacific Project period: Mon, 01/03/2021 - 12:00 - Wed, 31/08/2022 - 12:00 Position: Host and Producer Location: Suva Deliverables Collaborated with the World Bank in the Pacific and PNG to develop the concept and 10-episode plan for Season 2 of Vosa, a storytelling platform featuring creators, thinkers and changemakers across the Pacific. Liaised with and conducted interviews with nearly 40 guests across 10 episodes. Scripted episodes, liaised with sound producers and communications providers to promote episodes, resulting in more than 3,000 downloads across 80 countries.
Project name: Supporting Emerging Pacific Consultants in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Client: Talanoa Consulting Project period: Tue, 01/06/2021 - 12:00 - Fri, 31/12/2021 - 12:00 Position: Consultant Location: Suva Deliverables onducted focus group discussions with local Pacific consultants in the climate and disaster risk reduction sector. Supported the participating consultants to incorporate their key messages into seven short videos sharing their consulting experiences and advice for working as a consultant in the Pacific. Moderated sessions during the Localising Pacific Climate Consulting webinar series hosted by the Australia Pacific Climate Alumni Network and partners. Wrote a blog published by the Australian National University’s DevPolicy Blog titled, ‘Localising Pacific consulting’.
Project name: Green Climate Fund Proposal for Coral Reef Resilience Project Client: WWF Pacific Project period: Fri, 03/05/2024 - 12:00 - Mon, 30/09/2024 - 12:00 Position: Stakeholder Engagement Consultant Location: Suva Deliverables Developed and conducted stakeholder engagement initiatives, including survey design, fieldwork coordination, content analysis, and reporting, while ensuring compliance with free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) and integrating gender, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) considerations. Developed a stakeholder engagement consultation report and stakeholder engagement plan, in line with Green Climate Fund and WWF standards.
Project name: Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change - 3-Year Strategic Plan Client: Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change Project period: Sat, 01/03/2025 - 12:00 - Wed, 30/04/2025 - 12:00 Position: Consultant Location: Suva Deliverables Conducted stakeholder interviews on PISFCC partnerships and engagement. Designed and developed a three-day workshop to reflect on lessons learned, review partnerships and plan for future actions to realize potential for ensuring the ICJ Advisory Opinion on climate change is utilized for climate action and climate justice on behalf of the Pacific. Supported preparations, facilitation, and the drafting of the three-year strategic plan alongside PISFCC.
Employment date: Wed, 01/08/2018 - 12:00 - Sat, 01/05/2021 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Australia Pacific Training Coalition Position: Senior Strategic Communication Manager Location: Suva
Employment date: Thu, 01/06/2017 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/07/2018 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Oxfam in the Pacific Position: Regional Media Coordinator Location: Suva
Employment date: Sun, 01/09/2013 - 12:00 - Mon, 01/05/2017 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australian High Commission, Suva) Position: Senior Program Manager - Regional Communications Location: Suva
Area of expertise: Public Diplomacy Experience: 100
Area of expertise: Research Experience: 50
Area of expertise: Strategic Communications Experience: 160
Area of expertise: Stakeholder Engagement Experience: 25
Area of expertise: Policy Analysis Experience: 30
Area of expertise: Organisational Development Experience: 30
Current: No Company: University of Minnesota - Humphrey School of Public Affairs (Leadership and Management Area) Position: Teaching Assistant - Organizational Dynamics Location: Mineapolis, Minnesota, USA