In alignment with its ongoing efforts to enhance financial preparedness for natural disasters across the Pacific region, the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) is pleased to announce the engagement of Ms Kelera Bakaniceva to lead the development of Fiji’s national contingency plan.

With financial support from the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP), managed by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, this appointment represents a significant step forward in PCRIC’s continued mission to provide accessible and effective disaster risk financing solutions. The overarching aim is to ensure that insurance payouts are rapid and reach the most vulnerable communities in the wake of natural disasters.

Ms Bakaniceva brings over 20 years of experience in Public Financial Management, Public Sector Reform, and Disaster Risk Management and Climate Finance. Her distinguished career includes roles with the United Nations Development Programme Pacific Office in Fiji, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, Fiji’s Ministry of Finance, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

As the impacts of climate change intensify, the ability of Pacific countries to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters depends not only on access to financial tools, but also on the strength of their institutional delivery systems. Strengthening national capacity for coordination, disbursement, and implementation is essential to ensure that insurance payouts translate into timely and targeted support for those most in need. By investing in institutional capacity alongside contingency planning, PCRIC and its partners aim to close the gap between financing and frontline impact, ensuring disaster-affected communities receive assistance without delay.

PCRIC CEO Mr. Aholotu Palu said:

“We’re excited to have Ms. Bakaniceva on board especially given her comprehensive expertise in the Disaster Risk Management space, and familiarity of Fiji’s regulatory framework related to climate change.”  

Dr. Annette Detken, Head of GSSP, commented:

“This appointment reflects the growing importance of strengthening not just financial preparedness, but also the institutional capacities and delivery systems that enable timely and effective disaster response. Through GSSP, we are proud to support efforts that ensure insurance payouts are not only available but can be swiftly channelled to those who need them most. Ms Bakaniceva’s appointment brings valuable expertise to this process and will help ensure that Fiji’s contingency plan reflects the specific needs and realities of Fiji’s institutions and communities”

The contingency planning process for Fiji will follow a consultative approach, engaging key stakeholders to validate funding assumptions, refine response timelines, and define operational triggers for the swift and effective release of disaster-related funds.