Meet Our Team

We are a group of professionals with experience spanning legal awareness, donor-funded projects, financial advisory, and institutional support.

Ms. Grace Eli

Founder & Executive Director

Grace Eli is a corporate lawyer, governance strategist, and development practitioner committed to
strengthening institutions and empowering communities across Papua New Guinea.

With over eight years of cross-sector experience, Grace has advised senior executives, negotiated
complex international agreements, and developed compliance and risk management frameworks within leading organizations such as Kina Bank and Newmont Mining Limited. Her leadership in formalizing correspondent banking agreements with global institutions ensured regulatory compliance and protected access to international financial systems.

Beyond corporate environments, Grace is deeply committed to inclusive development. In her current role with Good Return Limited, she leads sustainable inclusive finance initiatives that expand economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Apaka Consulting Services was born from her vision to bridge legal expertise with practical impact – delivering advisory services that are not only technically sound but ethically grounded and development-focused.

Grace has completed Director Development Training with the PNG Institute of Directors and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Global Finance (HKU & NYU Stern), strengthening her expertise at the intersection of law, finance, and sustainable growth.

Mr. Ere Kariko

Director & Country Finance Advisor

Ere Kariko is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with nearly 15 years of experience across licensed financial institutions, donor‑funded projects, oil and gas, and Big 4 advisory. His career spans diverse roles from Accounts Payable Officer to Management Accountant, and currently as Finance Advisor – Production with Santos PNG. Ere brings proven expertise in financial reporting, budget management, variance analysis, compliance, and stakeholder engagement, consistently delivering insights that support strategic decision‑making and operational efficiency.

He holds a Diploma in Banking & Finance and a Certificate in Accounting, complemented by extensive hands‑on experience in bookkeeping, reconciliations, payroll, taxation, and financial systems such as MYOB, Attache, and Microsoft Office. Recognized for his problem‑solving ability, communication skills, and mentoring capacity, Ere adds significant value to Apaka Consulting Services by strengthening financial governance, enhancing reporting accuracy, and supporting organisations in achieving sustainable growth.

Ms. Freda Kitum

Country Legal Counsel (Volunteer)

Freda Kitum – Senior Legal & Governance Professional, is a highly experienced lawyer specializing in commercial law specialising in Mining Law, governance, compliance, and corporate advisory. With over a decade of legal and board-level experience, she has held senior roles at Kina Securities Limited and the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), where she provided legal opinions, managed contracts, oversaw compliance, and supported board operations. She holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Mineral Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, alongside a Bachelor of Law from the University of Papua New Guinea.

Her expertise spans corporate governance, board secretariat functions, contract management, mining law, and stakeholder engagement. She has championed fair and transparent benefit-sharing in Papua New Guinea’s mining sector, negotiating Community Development Agreements and managing landowner trusts to safeguard community interests and promote sustainable development.

Freda has also completed professional development programs with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the PNG Institute of Directors, strengthening her leadership in governance and risk management. She is a member of the Papua New Guinea Law Society and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with strong skills in legal drafting, compliance, and corporate governance. Passionate about integrity and diligence, Freda brings a proven track record of supporting boards, managing legal risks, and driving organizational compliance.

Mrs. Zira Obayuwana

Website Developer (Volunteer)

Zira Obayuwana is a Website Designer and Developer and a highly experienced tech professional specializing in project management, building and delivering digital solutions for businesses and clients. She has worked with clients across a variety of industries, developing websites and systems that improve user experience and support business growth and ROI.

She has previously worked as a web developer with a tech startup in Port Moresby and continues to volunteer her expertise to support community-focused initiatives. Zira holds a Diploma in Software Development from TAFE Queensland and has delivered 20+ projects locally and internationally, with more ongoing.

She is also the brains behind the Apaka Consultancy website, managing it remotely and ensuring its ongoing performance, structure, and digital presence.

Beyond her technical work, she is also passionate about mentorship and has a strong history of supporting young girls in high school through the RISE Community Initiative program.

Ms. Janet Gurame

Country Project Coordinator (Volunteer)

Janeth Gurame is an accomplished operations and maintenance specialist with over ten years of
experience in the oil and gas industry, having served in senior technical and leadership roles at
ExxonMobil PNG. At the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant, she led complex shutdowns, compressor and turbine maintenance, and coordinated rate reduction activities, ensuring safe and efficient production continuity. Her expertise spans operations management, maintenance planning, contractor evaluation, risk assessment, and project commissioning, complemented by her role as a certified Procedure Competency Assurance Standard (CAS) assessor, mentor, and trainer.

Janeth has represented Papua New Guinea internationally, including as a delegate to the 2018 APEC Summit, and has received multiple safety and leadership awards recognizing her contributions to operational excellence. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at the University of Papua New Guinea, further strengthening her capacity to integrate technical expertise with legal and governance frameworks. Resilient, adaptable, and committed to empowering teams, Janeth brings a unique blend of industry experience and legal insight to advancing sustainable resource management and community development.

Mr. Alisa Kelamu Pinoko

Provincial Project Coordinator (Volunteer)

With over 14 years of experience in community development and 11 years serving as Acting Executive Officer with Watut Local Level Government, Mr. Pinoko brings a wealth of expertise in grassroots engagement, governance, and public relations. Mr. Pinoko’s career reflects a strong commitment to empowering communities, strengthening local institutions, and fostering sustainable development outcomes through effective leadership and collaboration.

Holding a Diploma in Local Level Government Management, he has successfully guided community initiatives, overseen government operations, and built trusted relationships with stakeholders. Mr. Pinoko has a proven track record in local governance and public relations positions as a valuable contributor to Apaka Consulting’s mission of supporting organisations in achieving impact through strong proposals, governance frameworks, and community‑driven solutions.

Subscribe to our Newsletter