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STAFF PROFILE: JAYNENDRA RAJ

South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji’s Jaynendra Raj is also responsible for loan reviews and approvals, and
Raj may be relatively new to the role of Operations Manager, monitors SPBD Fiji’s ‘social performance’.
but he is certainly not new to the organisation. Having worked his way up through the organisation, Raj is

Raj, who hails from the ‘hidden paradise’ of Savusavu, first most proud about being named as Centre Manager of the
joined SPBD Fiji in 2012 as a trainee in Sigatoka. That first year. He also enjoyed managing the set-up of new branches
stint with SPBD Fiji lasted a few months. in Levuka, Nabouwalu and now, Labasa.
In 2014, he rejoined SPBD Fiji as a Centre Manager in the Raj acknowledges there have been challenges, including
Suva branch, before becoming a Team Leader in Suva a year ensuring members are being best served by their Centre
later. Managers. But he says the work that SPBD Fiji has done in
team building and relationship building means that there is a
Raj has also worked as an Area Manager for Suva and strong bond amongst all SPBD Fiji staff.
Sigatoka, before becoming Assistant Operations Manager,
with responsibility for Viti Levu operations. “My goal is to continue and build a better portfolio for SPBD,”
Raj says. “And the advice I would give is to be loyal and honest.
He is relishing the new challenge as SPBD Fiji Operations
Manager. “SPBD Fiji started in a hotel room with loan disbursements
of just $400,000 as at end of 2010, after three months
“Part of my role is looking at training and skills development. of operation. But there were people there who were very
I conduct a periodic skills audit for the Centre Managers loyal. They worked with the organisation. They grew with
and I am responsible for interbranch and interdepartmental the organisation to where is stands today; the largest
coordination. microfinance organisation in Fiji with ten branches, and
“I closely monitor and review all the goals and targets of the helping so many families. They are still there and are seeing
branches, prepare weekly reports, and analyse performance the rewards of that now.”
gaps and efficiencies, and recommend actions to minimise
them.”

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