KELERA SIGABALAVU GADOLO
Suva,Fiji
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in property management and strategic oversight, notably at the Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission. Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and policy writing, leading teams to achieve impactful results. Skilled in Microsoft Excel and effective communication, driving initiatives that empower communities and enhance resource utilization.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Board Member
Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission
01.2025 - Current
- Contribute to strategic oversight and decision-making for the commission.
Freelance Consultant
J&J Consultants
06.2018 - Current
- Provide property management services and consultancy on land matters in Fiji, particularly iTaukei land issues.
Housing Sector Societal Lead
Habitat for Humanity Fiji
06.2023 - 11.2024
- Led a team of researchers on Low Cost Housing in Fiji, presenting findings at the Pacific Housing Forum in September 2023, subsequently published.
- Facilitated GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) Sensitization programs and developed training materials for HFHF community programs.
Freelance Property Management Consultant
J & J Property Management Consultants
05.2018 - 04.2023
- Delivered property management services to landlords, including those absent from the country or seeking third-party administration.
- Provided consulting services on land matters in Fiji, with a focus on I Taukei Land tenure.
- Freelanced with Sands Partnership Fiji on NZ Tertiary Education Programs.
Manager Landowners Affairs
TLTB - I Taukei Land Trust Board
04.2014 - 04.2018
- Developed and implemented strategies, provided advice, mentoring, and training, and monitored procedures for efficient service delivery to native landowners.
- Offered advisory and mentoring services to Itaukei (native) landowners on sustainable resource utilization to ensure fair market value for land and resources through leases, supported by detailed research on asset holdings.
- Enhanced partnerships and stakeholder relationships for landowners' best interests through joint ventures, shareholdings, and special contractual conditions, collaborating with government, commercial banks, investment companies, and NGOs.
- Advised on commercial interests and investment product trading for landowners.
- Empowered Itaukei communities by facilitating bank account openings, business certifications, and providing profiled reports of asset holdings for capital financing.
- Participated in Tikina, Yasana, village, mataqali, and yavusa meetings to disseminate information for informed decision-making among various groups.
- Managed the TLTB Grant Scheme, facilitating Terms of Reference, policies, and monitoring contracts, to provide seed funding for Itaukei projects and businesses, emphasizing financial literacy and accountability.
- Involved in policy creation, process and procedural manual development, budget management, and leading a geographically dispersed team across Fiji.
Manager Properties/OHS
Land Transport Authority of Fiji
03.2012 - 03.2014
- Managed all property matters for 15 branches across Fiji and the main Head Quarters in Valelevu.
- Oversaw a fleet of 50 vehicles nationwide.
- Managed all OHS matters, ensuring LTA workplaces were compliant with regulations.
- Facilitated and managed building renovation, extension, and refurbishment projects with an annual budget of FJD 900,000.
Part-time Tutor/Marker/Assessor
University of the South Pacific
07.2009 - 09.2011
- Taught and assessed 100, 200, and 300 level students in the Land Management field of studies.
Manager Properties - Leasing
Bank South Pacific Life - Properties Division
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Managed a property portfolio exceeding FJD 60 million in commercial, retail, and residential properties.
- Oversaw the management of multi-tenanted commercial buildings (e.g., Dominion House, Pacific House, Suva Central, Parade Building, Colonial Plaza) to ensure return on investment.
- Developed policies, procedures, and processes for property division management and investment decisions.
- Appointed as a management representative on the OHS committee for the Properties Division.
Real Estate Professional
Bayleys Real Estate Fiji Limited
12.2008 - 07.2009
- Managed commercial, retail, and industrial real estate in Nadi.
- Handled leasing of shopping centers (e.g., RB Patel Jetpoint Supacentre, Airport Central Complex) and sales of industrial lots.
Operations Manager and Secretary to the Body Corporate
Port Denarau Centre Management Limited
02.2007 - 11.2008
- Oversaw and managed operations, budgeting, and contracts related to office administration, cleaning, maintenance, security, electrical, pest control, hygiene, rubbish removal, signage, gardening, lift maintenance, insurance, and center promotions.
- Directly supervised and administered cleaners, security, entertainers, repair and maintenance crews, and various contractors.
- Ensured operational service delivery met Western standards, a rarity in Fiji.
- Administered the needs of owners, tenants, and customers as Secretary to the Body Corporate of the first strata-title commercial building in Fiji, managing 60 owners within an operational shopping center still under construction, prioritizing safety.
- Managed accounts with intricate detail due to numerous tenancies and businessmen.
- Focused on increasing foot traffic through promotions, marketing, and events.
Commercial Property Investment Manager
L J Hooker Commercial, Fiji
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Managed commercial projects with an emphasis on the retail market, overseeing Mid City Mall from construction to tenancy fit-out.
- Managed operations and budgeting related to cleaning, security, maintenance, repairs, pest control, hygiene, and rubbish removal for Mid City Mall.
- Responsible for contract screening and tender selection for services.
- Managed tenancy fit-outs, signage, and payments.
- Served as a general liaison between tenants and owners regarding service needs.
Estate Officer (Central Eastern Region)
Native Land Trust Board
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Managed all native leases in the Nausori area (Verata Wailevu to Kuku Village), including applications, rent collection, and arrears for approximately 3,000 leases.
- Led the Corporate Team for the Central Eastern Region, managing lease particulars for corporate clients such as Fiji Hardwood, Vodafone, Telecom, Government Leases, Standard Concrete, Church Organizations, and Housing Authority (approximately 500 leases), and represented NLTB in court.
- Conducted rental reassessments, valuations, and sales analysis for the central eastern region, and marketed new subdivisions, valuation services, and business enterprises.
- Liaised with landowners, managed their needs and demands regarding land portfolios, and educated them on their rights and responsibilities concerning native leases.
- One of two women in a seven-person team holding the post at Head Office in Suva.
Valuer Trainee / Real Estate Agent/Sales Consultant / Property Management Staff
Rolle Valuations (now Rolle Associates)
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Prepared valuation reports with a registered valuer.
- Managed sales and leases of properties in Suva and outer regions, including drawing up lease agreements and marketing properties.
- Collected rent, drafted lease agreements, oversaw apartment, residential, and commercial buildings, updated arrears, monitored maintenance, and served as a tenant liaison.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Gender Studies
University of the South Pacific
Suva, Fiji03.2023
Post Graduate Certificate - Gender Studies
University of the South Pacific
Suva, Fiji09.2020
Master's in Business Administration -
University of the South Pacific
Suva, Fiji09.2011
Bachelor of Business - Property Valuation Major
University of South Australia
Adelaide, Australia04.2000
Foundation Social Science Program -
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji03.1995
Skills
- Software: Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, Publisher, Works, PowerPoint, Map Info, Lotus Notes email, Internet Explorer, Vanua View, SAP, MYOB
- Other: Geographical Positioning System (GPS) via Geo Explorer 3 , G2 License
- Stakeholder engagement
- Strategic oversight
- Policy writing
- Property management
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Negotiation skills
- Research methodology
- Organizational leadership
- Strategic planning
Languages
English (Fluent), Fijian (Fluent), French (Basic)
References
- Mr. Solomone Nata, Chief Executive Officer, snata@tltb.com.fj, 679 3312733 (Ext. 500), I Taukei Land Trust Board - Suva, Suva, Fiji
- Ms. Elena Wakolo, Assistant Resident Representative Operations, Elena.wakolo@undp.org, 3312500 ext 728 or 3227728, United Nations Development Programme, Valelevu, Fiji, Formerly General Manager Finance & Administration, LTA Valelevu
- Mr. Sowane, Puamau, Shelter Project Manager, sowane@habitatfiji.org.fj, 679 7099810, Habitat for Humanity Fiji, Walu Bay, Suva, Fiji
Hobbies and Interests
Gender Issues, Property Markets and Land Issues, coupled with new environmental issues
Awards
Suva Grammar School: Elected Head Girl (1994), Blue House Captain (1994), Best All-Round Girl (1994), Student Council Treasurer (1993), Elected Interim Head Girl (1993), Scholarships: AUSAID Education Scholarship to Australia (1996), FAB Scholarship to University of South Pacific for MBA Studies (2009)
Volunteer Experience
Methodist Church Women's Division, Board Member, Present, Board Member, Methodist Church Women's Division (Current), Sunday School Teacher, Wesley City Mission Church (Current), Member, Marketing Committee for the Lomaiviti Rugby Club in Raiwai (Current), Assistant Manager, Junior Escort Shield Lomaiviti Junior Teams (Current)
Timeline
Board Member
Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission
01.2025 - Current
Housing Sector Societal Lead
Habitat for Humanity Fiji
06.2023 - 11.2024
Freelance Consultant
J&J Consultants
06.2018 - Current
Freelance Property Management Consultant
J & J Property Management Consultants
05.2018 - 04.2023
Manager Landowners Affairs
TLTB - I Taukei Land Trust Board
04.2014 - 04.2018
Manager Properties/OHS
Land Transport Authority of Fiji
03.2012 - 03.2014
Part-time Tutor/Marker/Assessor
University of the South Pacific
07.2009 - 09.2011
Manager Properties - Leasing
Bank South Pacific Life - Properties Division
01.2009 - 01.2011
Real Estate Professional
Bayleys Real Estate Fiji Limited
12.2008 - 07.2009
Operations Manager and Secretary to the Body Corporate
Port Denarau Centre Management Limited
02.2007 - 11.2008
Commercial Property Investment Manager
L J Hooker Commercial, Fiji
01.2006 - 01.2007
Estate Officer (Central Eastern Region)
Native Land Trust Board
01.2003 - 01.2005
Valuer Trainee / Real Estate Agent/Sales Consultant / Property Management Staff
Rolle Valuations (now Rolle Associates)
01.2000 - 01.2002
Post Graduate Diploma - Gender Studies
University of the South Pacific
Post Graduate Certificate - Gender Studies
University of the South Pacific
Master's in Business Administration -
University of the South Pacific
Bachelor of Business - Property Valuation Major
University of South Australia
Foundation Social Science Program -
University of The South Pacific
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