Rija Joshi, Executive Director
Rija Joshi is an experienced urban planner working at the intersection of cultural heritage, community participation, and sustainable urban development. At CIUD, she leads initiatives on climate- and disaster-resilient planning, urban governance, and community-based development in partnership with local governments and development agencies.
She has over a decade of experience working with government agencies, development partners, NGOs, and private consulting firms on urban planning, policy development, and infrastructure planning at municipal and regional levels.
Her experience includes municipal and provincial planning, land-use and physical development planning, infrastructure design, resilient WASH program and capacity building for local government and institutions.
Ms. Joshi holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Tribhuvan University. She has also completed professional training on Nature-based solutions for Climate-resilient cities (IHS Erasmus/UPLB), Integrated Urban Water Management (UN-Habitat/IUTC), GIS, Sustainable Urban Transport; WASH training and ToT, and Sustainable Cities and Project Management. She has authored and contributed to research on traditional buildings, heritage reconstruction, youth in disaster risk management, traditional occupations and intangible heritage and urban issues.
She is an active advocate for urban heritage conservation and has been deeply involved in grassroots campaigns including Rebuilding Kasthamandap, Baakhan Nyane Waa; focused on preserving the rich cultural fabric of Kathmandu Valley. She is also specially engaged in sustainable urban mobility, including pedestrian and cycle-friendly infrastructure and policies and is committed to bridging research, policy, and practice to create inclusive, culturally rooted, and future-ready cities.
Sudarshan Rajbhandari, Program Director
Sudarshan Rajbhandari is a development professional with nearly two decades of experience in urban and rural development, specializing in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), urban services, and groundwater recharge. He has successfully led and implemented numerous development projects in collaboration with government agencies, national and international development partners, and local organizations. He is widely recognized for his expertise in climate-resilient water supply systems, sanitation improvement, and sustainable groundwater management. Mr. Rajbhandari is also an accomplished researcher, with several research papers to his credit.
He holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, and a postgraduate degree in Urban Water and Sanitation from NIRAS Academy, Sweden.
His professional contributions span across project design, implementation, policy advocacy, and capacity building of local governments and community institutions. Mr. Rajbhandari has played a key role in developing inclusive and sustainable service delivery models, particularly in urban and peri-urban contexts. Mr. Rajbhandari has been associated with CIUD since 2016 as Program Director.
Yash Man Karmacharya, Program Manager
Mr. Karmacharya is Program Manager at CIUD. He has led multi-stakeholder initiatives with schools, communities, and partners including UN agencies, INGOs, the University of Lausanne, SDC, South Asian institutions, and municipal/metropolitan governments. Mr. Karmacharya is a socio-urban professional with over fifteen years of progressive experience in the development sector in Nepal.
He has a Master’s degree in Social Science from Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, with a thesis focused on the recognition, dignity, and livelihoods of waste workers. He completed LL.B from Nepal Law Campus, strengthening his development practice, and a Bachelor’s degree in Management, equipping him with strong skills in financial planning and project monitoring.
He is an ISO-certified trainer in Citywide Inclusive Sanitation, including expertise in SWM, Indigenous culture and society, tangible/intangible heritage conservation, RWH/GWR, DRR, waterborne disease preparedness, conservation of traditional water systems, open spaces, ecosystems, livelihoods, and climate resilience. As a team member, listening makes him a creative communicator during project execution for sustainable and livable communities.
Subarna Narshing Joshi, Admin and Finance Manager
Mr. Subarna Narshing Joshi is an experienced finance and administration professional with over two decades of expertise in financial management, accounting, and organizational administration across NGOs, cooperatives, and the private sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a major in Accountancy from Tribhuvan University.
Since 2008, Mr. Joshi has been serving with the Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD), currently as Admin and Finance Manager, where he leads financial planning, budgeting, donor reporting, audits, payroll management, and overall administrative operations. He has extensive experience working with international development partners, including UN agencies and INGOs, ensuring compliance with donor and Government of Nepal regulations.
His professional background also includes roles as Manager of a savings and credit cooperative, Chief Accountant in the manufacturing sector, and Auditor in a chartered accounting firm. With strong expertise in computer-based accounting systems and NGO financial management software, Mr. Joshi brings a high level of integrity, precision, and leadership to organizational financial governance.
Reagan Shrestha, Administrative and Finance Officer
Reagan Shrestha is a seasoned Administrative and Finance professional with over 15 years of progressive experience in managing financial operations, administration, and compliance for national and international organizations. He is currently working as the Administrative/Finance Officer at the Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD), where he plays a key role in managing financial systems and administrative functions for projects supported by prominent development partners including UNDP, UN-Habitat, WaterAid Nepal, DAI Global, and the World Bank. Previously, he also served in Poverty Alleviation Fund as an Accounts Officer.
His core expertise spans financial planning and reporting, budgeting, accounting, internal controls, audits, procurement, payroll management, and regulatory compliance. He also holds strong leadership in office operations and human resource management. Over the course of his career, Mr. Shrestha has successfully designed and implemented budget tracking systems, strengthened financial management information systems, and supported organizational growth through proposal development and institutional strengthening.
He holds a Master’s degree in Business Studies (Finance) from Tribhuvan University and has completed professional training in public procurement, financial reporting, and accounting systems. With the attributes like professionalism, reliability, results-oriented approach and problem solving attitude, he brings significant value to organizational governance and project effectiveness.
Naresh Raj Joshi, Admin/Finance Associate
As a dedicatee and detail-oriented accounting professional, Naresh Raj Joshi has been meeting the accounting needs for the past fourteen years. He is currently working as an accountant at the Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD), handling financial services. He specializes in preparing asset, liability, and capital account management and analysis, as well as analyzing financial options through careful risk and benefit options. With his careful analytical mind as well as careful skills, he is able to perform precise auditing tasks, ensuring that financial transactions are accurately represented.
He has good knowledge in tax preparation, organization renews, strong relationship in clients and good networking in government agencies. In his position, he checks all outgoing and incoming transactions, making careful records of all expenses for annual auditing purposes. Additionally, he summarized and analyzed all financial documents in order to prepare reports on financial status during management meetings.
His holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies (BBS) with Accountancy as a major from Tribhuvan University andhas good skillsin English and Nepali Typing. At the end he is very good in nature, helpful, supporting and problem-solving attitude.
Biswa Nath Shrestha, WASH Engineer
Biswa Nath Shrestha is a retired Government Engineer with 31 years of extensive experience in the water supply and sanitation sector across multiple districts of Nepal. He retired from the Department of Water Supply & Sewerage in 2010 and has since been serving as a WASH Engineer with the Center for Integrated Urban Development.
Mr. Shrestha has successfully led and implemented several WASH-related projects in Nala, Kushadevi, Chaurideurali (Kavre District), Kalitar, and Dukuchhap. The Kalitar and Dukuchhap WASH projects were funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation and executed in close coordination with Godawari Municipality, local Water Users Committees, and WaterAid Nepal.
In addition to his technical role, Mr. Shrestha has been a strong advocate for safe and sustainable water access under the Government of Nepal’s “One House, One Tap” approach. He has consistently strengthened the capacity of Water and Sanitation Users Committees, community leaders, and local residents through targeted training programs and awareness initiatives. His expertise includes conducting training on operation and maintenance, water safety planning, and the preparation of Asset Management Plans and Business Development Plans to ensure the long-term sustainability of water supply systems.
Nivesh Maharjan, Civil Engineer
Nivesh Maharjan is a dedicated Civil Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree (B.Tech) in Civil Engineering and two years of experience in water supply and WASH projects. With hands-on experience as a Site Supervisor, he has been actively involved in planning, supervising, and monitoring construction activities related to water supply systems, ensuring quality work and timely project completion. He possesses practical knowledge in pipeline installation, reservoir construction, coordination with technical teams, and community-level implementation.
His field experience has strengthened his understanding of sustainable water management and community-based infrastructure development. Known for his hardworking nature, cooperative attitude, and strong learning mindset, he continuously seeks to enhance his technical and managerial skills. He works effectively with multidisciplinary teams, local stakeholders, and community members, contributing positively to project outcomes. Through his association with CIUD, he aims to support initiatives that promote sustainable infrastructure, improved public health, and community empowerment.
Saru Deshar, Hygiene Officer
Saru Deshar is a public health professional currently serving as a Hygiene Officer at the Centre for Integrated Urban Development. She has contributed significantly to the implementation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives in Kalitar, Dukuchhap, Devichaur/Beauty, and is presently engaged in the Chhampi Project.
In her role, she leads the design and implementation of hygiene promotion and behavior change programs, develops Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, and conducts awareness activities in schools and communities. She actively supports stakeholders in adopting safe water, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene practices.
Additionally, she coordinates major advocacy events such as World Water Day, World Toilet Day, Menstrual Hygiene Day, World Environment Day, Total Sanitation Day, and Global Handwashing Day, fostering stronger community engagement and environmental stewardship. Ms. Deshar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Purbanchal University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Gender Studies at Tribhuvan University. She integrates gender-responsive approaches into WASH programming, contributing to the development of healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
Sajan Rajthala, Socio Technician
Mr. Sajan Rajthala a dynamic and multi-talented person always eager to learn and share his knowledge with communities. A youth and development initiator from Lubhoo, Mahalaxmi Municipality, Lalitpur, with over 15 years of experience in community development sectors such as WASH, child protection, open space management, traditional stone spouts and ponds management, and cultural heritage preservation, others. Currently as a Youth serving as Social Development Officer at the Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD), he coordinates study survey, stakeholder engagement, and field mobilization in partnership with local governments, donors and municipalities including Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
With a Certificate Level education, Mr. Rajthala was engaged in many development organization project’s supported by UNICEF, Terre des Hommes, World Education and WaterAid Nepal, conducting School WASH trainings, emergency cholera response, rainwater harvesting and groundwater promotion, solid waste management (specially bin and box composting, household kitchen waste management), and child rights advocacy. He has facilitated numerous trainings for students, youth groups, and communities, strengthening local leadership and participatory development practices.
Beyond development work, he is deeply engaged in preserving culture, open spaces, and traditional musical instruments and tunes. As Chairperson of Freedom Group and Secretary of Lubhoo Baja Byawasthapan Samittee, he mobilizes youth in social, cultural, and sports activities, promoting heritage conservation and community harmony.