devanand noel sharma (born 21 december 1975) is a canadian-born australian politician, former businessman and former public servant. he held a number of senior positions in the australian public service, including from 2010 to 2012 as the head of the international division of the department of the prime minister and cabinet. from june 2013 to june 2017 he served as ambassador to israel. his appointment, at the age of 37, made him the youngest person to be appointed as an australian ambassador and the second australian ambassador of indian heritage.