Shobit Manchanda is a program manager for USIP’s Africa Center, where he leads the political transitions portfolio. Manchanda’s programmatic and research interests include democracy and governance, conflict stabilization, peacebuilding, and political affairs.

Prior to joining USIP, Manchanda worked at Chemonics International, where he supported the implementation of projects dealing with the democratic transition in Sudan, early recovery efforts in frontline communities in Ukraine and economic growth in Jordan. He previously worked as a trade officer for the French Trade and Investment Commission in India and taught English in rural Colombia.

Manchanda earned his master’s degree in international development from Sciences Po Paris, with concentrations in defense and security and emerging economies. He has a bachelor’s degree in international criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.