Dipendra Pokharel

Mr. Dipendra Pokharel is an accomplished environmental and social safeguards specialist with over 15 years of professional experience in Environmental Assessment, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM), and Sustainable Infrastructure Development. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Niko Energy Limited and previously worked as the Key National Environment and Social Expert for the JICA-funded Urban Transmission and Distribution System Improvement Project. Throughout his career, he has held Managerial Positions with leading organizations, including Urja Developers, Solu Hydropower Limited, Building Design Authority, WWF Nepal, MCA-Nepal, and AEPC, leading environmental and social compliance for major hydropower, transmission line, road, and infrastructure projects. Mr. Pokharel is a promoter of the 83 MW Middle Mewa Hydropower Project, a founder Chairman of the Sustainable Environmental Research and Development (SERD), and a Board Director of Paurakhi Investment Company. He also serves as a part-time lecturer at Tribhuvan University, sharing his expertise with future professionals. Holding an M.Sc. in Environmental Science from Tribhuvan University, he is recognized by several Government of Nepal agencies—including MoFE, MoEWRI, MoICS, DoED, DoI, and DMG—as an Environmental Assessment (EA) Expert and Reviewer. A certified ISO ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Auditor, Mr. Pokharel is known for his versatile leadership, strong team-building skills, and ability to motivate multidisciplinary teams while ensuring international best practices in ESG, IFC Performance Standards, Environmental Compliance, Community Engagement, and Sustainable Project Development.