Rishi Datta previously served as the NDI country director for Bangladesh and Malawi. Mr. Datta brings over a decade of experience in 21 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. He has managed and implemented programs on civil society organizations, electoral assistance, strengthening democratic institutions and strategic and digital communications. Prior to joining NDI, Mr. Datta held a number of senior positions, including as political advisor to NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan. In this capacity, he led efforts to support preparations for the country’s 2010 elections.  

As a communications specialist, he has provided communications services in various countries and to a variety of organizations, including a secondment by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Mission to Kosovo as deputy spokesperson and head of the media unit and led an innovative digital communications project for the High Iraqi Electoral Commission (IHEC).

In October 2017, Rishi graduated with an Executive MBA at Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management. He holds a Master’s Degree in Transnational Communication and Global Media from the University of London-Goldsmiths, U.K., a Bachelor’s degree with honors in Political Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.

Rishi is the recipient of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal for his contribution to establishing and maintaining peace in his role as a Canadian civilian peacekeeper in Kosovo. And received the NATO service medal for his work in Afghanistan.