Executive Team
Dr Popular Gentle
Executive Director
Dr. Popular Gentle has over 25 years of experience working at the intersection of research, policy and practice, with expertise in climate change adaptation, natural resource governance, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI). He has worked extensively with development, research, academic, bilateral and multilateral institutions, designing, implementing and managing development and research programmes. He currently leads locally led adaptation and climate governance initiatives at Clim Adapt, focusing on programme implementation, knowledge generation, capacity building and policy engagement.
Popular has held senior leadership positions, including Country Director at Ipas USA Nepal, Team Leader at Oxford Policy Management, Deputy Country Director at CARE International Nepal, and Ecosystem Specialist at ICIMOD. From June 2023 to July 2024, he served as Climate Change and Environment Advisor to the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Nepal, providing strategic advice on climate and environmental priorities, including Nepal’s global priorities on climate justice. He is also a Contributing Author to the Seventh Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Working Group II on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.
Academically, Popular is trained in climate change adaptation, natural resource management and ecology. He holds a PhD in Climate Change Adaptation from Charles Sturt University, Australia, where he has served as an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow since 2014. He also holds a Master’s degree in Forestry Science from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand; a Master’s degree in Zoology (Ecology) from Tribhuvan University, Nepal; and a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the Institute of Forestry, Nepal.
Popular has published widely on climate change adaptation, livelihoods, natural resource governance, poverty and gender. His current research and professional interests focus on strengthening the research–policy–practice interface to advance locally led adaptation, sustainable natural resource governance, and people-centered, inclusive and rights-based approaches to development.
Rabindra Shrestha
Admin & Finance Manager
Mr. Rabindra Kumar Shrestha serve as the Admin & Finance Manager at Clim Adapt. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Studies (MBS) from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, and has extensive experience working with various development organizations. His areas of expertise include financial planning, budgeting, financial monitoring, reporting, and overall administrative and financial management.
He has strong experience in managing due diligence processes, internal and external audits, and strengthening financial and internal control systems. He has also provided capacity-building support to partner NGOs and sub-grantees on fiduciary risk management, audit compliance, and internal controls, as well as conducted orientations for field staff. His expertise contributes to effective financial accountability, compliance, and organizational strengthening.
Priti Sakha
GEDSI & MEL Officer
Priti Sakha is a young environmental and climate change professional with expertise in climate adaptation, resilience-building, research, policy analysis, and inclusive development, with a master’s degree in Environmental Science. Her work focuses on integrating gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) into climate policies, programs, and community-based initiatives. She has contributed to research, vulnerability assessments, climate advocacy, and policy development through collaborations with national and international organizations, supporting evidence-based decision-making and strengthening community resilience. Priti has experience in stakeholder engagement, project monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and knowledge management. She is passionate about advancing equitable and locally led climate action, ensuring that the perspectives of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities are reflected in climate governance and sustainable development.
Monika Jirel
NRM, Livelihood & Adaptation Officer
Monika Jirel is a dedicated youth with a profound commitment to climate action, advocacy, and community engagement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry and has been contributing to the ClimAdapt Executive Team as a research assistant since August 2025. She has over 4 years of hands-on experience in organizations such as ClimAdapt, Wildlife Conservation Nepal, and Nepalese Youth for Climate Action. She has contributed to initiatives focused on youth engagement, climate advocacy, climate resilience, and capacity building for climate-vulnerable communities. Passionate about advancing Nepal’s climate goals, Monika advocates for meaningful youth participation and gender inclusion in climate governance while supporting community-driven approaches for sustainable development and building climate-resilient communities.
Regan Sapkota
Expert
Mr. Regan Sapkota brings over a decade of expertise in climate change, disaster risk reduction and natural resource research and management. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, specializing in climate change. His diverse portfolio includes risk assessment, project development and implementation, provision of technical support, and facilitation of policy formulation processes for strengthening sustainable development practices and resilience-building. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Sapkota has forged strategic partnerships with numerous governmental, non-governmental organizations, bilateral and multilateral organizations. His regional collaborations include work with The World Bank, ICIMOD, IWMI, OPM, and Practical Action, significantly advancing research and practical applications related to climate change. He also works as the visiting faculty at Nepal Open University and is involved in the development of curriculum or training module. In his recent work, he has closely worked with the government for the development of Multi hazard risk Assessment Framework, Green Finance Taxonomy, strategic action plan for Green Resilient Inclusive Development, sectoral vulnerability and risk assessment, development of loss and damage framework including several other. Over the years, Mr. Sapkota have contributed to the community through the publication of several of peer reviewed journal, report and policy documents.
Shirish A. Adhikari
Expert
Shirish A. Adhikari is a seasoned program management expert with over 25 years of senior leadership experience focusing on infrastructure, Climate change Adaptation, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and disaster risk reduction. Holding a Master of Science in Municipal Water and Infrastructure from UNESCO-IHE in the Netherlands , he has successfully directed multi-million-dollar resilience programs in climate-vulnerable contexts. Shirish has a strong background in advancing locally led adaptation , having served as an Adaptation Expert for targeted climate interventions and led strategic learning for the Resilience, Adaptation and Inclusion in Nepal (RAIN) Programme. Throughout his career, he has managed high-profile projects funded by major international donors, including the FCDO, the European Union, and USAID. A civil engineer by training , Shirish is highly skilled in end-to-end program management and ensuring that development projects remain inclusive and climate-resilient.
Gaurav Chapagain
IT & Digital Consultant
Gaurav is a Computer Engineer and SEO Specialist serving as an IT & Digital Consultant with Clim Adapt. He supports the organization by managing and analyzing its website, addressing technical requirements, maintaining digital platforms, and improving the organization’s overall online presence. Through his technical expertise and digital experience, he contributes to keeping Clim Adapt’s website accessible, functional, and effectively connected with its audiences.
Samjhana Shrestha
Admin & Finance Assistant
Samjhana Shrestha works as the Admin & Finance Assistant at Clim Adapt. She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) degree from Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
With more than 10 years of experience in the development sector, Ms. Shrestha has developed strong expertise in administrative and financial management. She supports the organization’s day-to-day finance and administrative functions, including financial documentation, record keeping, procurement, logistics, and office operations. Her experience and commitment contribute to ensuring efficient administrative processes and sound financial management in support of the organization’s programs.
Ranjit Chepang
Field Assistant
Ranjit Chepang is an undergraduate in Diploma in Agriculture with practical experience in agricultural programs, community engagement, field data collection, and project monitoring. As an indigenous local of Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, Dhading, he has strong knowledge of crop production, organic farming, and agricultural technologies. He has contributed to post-distribution monitoring, farmer consultations, agricultural program implementation, community mobilization, and report preparation through his work with Focus Nepal and Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality. His key strengths include data collection and analysis, report writing, community mobilization, and facilitating agricultural extension activities.
Shailesh Rajbhandari
Support Staff
Shailesh Kumar Rajbhandari is a highly committed and dependable professional personnel with over 20 years of experience providing transportation, logistics, and administrative services for INGOs, NGOs, and government institutions. Throughout his career, he has closely supported senior government officials and project teams in dynamic field environment, demonstrating a strong focus on road safety, operational excellence, and effective logistical coordination for development initiatives across Nepal. His core competencies include supporting field missions, managing travel arrangements, maintaining documentation and vehicle logbooks, supporting procurement and inventory, and emergency response, including first aid awareness.