Achala Sharma

Travel & Hospitality Officer/Unit Head
Travel and Hospitality Management
Administration and Finance

Achala Sharma has been leading the Travel & Hospitality Unit at ICIMOD since October 2022. Prior to this role, she served as a Programme Associate in the HUC/AAE division at ICIMOD, where she effectively managed administrative duties, logistics, and travel coordination, among other responsibilities.

Achala joined ICIMOD in 2014, bringing with her experience from Mega Bank Nepal Limited (now Nepal Investment Mega Bank) as Operations-in-charge, where she oversaw operational efficiency and ensured compliance with regulatory standards. She also gained valuable experience from Wells Fargo Bank in the USA during her Optional Practical Training (OPT) period.

Achala holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska, USA, and a master’s degree from Indira Gandhi Open University, Nepal.

Achala Sharma

How do you protect the pulse of the planet?

I make a conscious effort to reduce the use of plastic in my everyday life, to minimize food waste, to reduce water waste and also to educate my dependents where and whenever possible.

What is your favorite part of the work you do at ICIMOD?

The sense of contributing somehow in protecting the planet, as well as the friendly working environment, sense of teamwork, coming to know new people and learning aspects of partnership in different of our regional member countries.

What are you passionate about?

Exposure, new learning and travel.

My qualifications

I hold a master’s degree in Business Administration and an undergraduate degree in BBA emphasizing on MIS & Economics. Prior to joining ICIMOD, I worked for Mega Bank Nepal limited as operational In-Charge.