Nirjan Rai

Nirjan is a researcher with over a decade-long experience of designing, managing, and leading analytical studies in the governance of the water and energy sectors in Nepal. Institutionally, he helped establish and lead Nepali research and policy institutions, namely, PEI and Niti Foundation, where he secured and supervised programs related to hydropower, renewable energy, and water governance to clients that included bilateral agencies and the Government of Nepal. 

Nirjan currently serves as an advisor to PEI, the capacity in which he works closely with the executive director to further the institutional interest and also leads a select number of PEI’s research. Nirjan specializes in political economy analysis and has examined critical reforms in the electricity sector, local governance, and the impact of federalism in the energy sector. Nirjan has also worked at the Asian Development Bank and The Asia Foundation where he managed research and programs on energy, governance, and economic growth.

Prior to his return to Nepal, Nirjan worked in the United States for four years at the Institute for Higher Education Policy, a non-profit research institute focusing on access and quality of higher education in the United States, and at the Analysis, Research, Planning Corporation (now Ankura Consulting), an economic and management consulting firm providing statistical, economic and financial analysis, and strategic advice. 

Nirjan has a Master of Public Policy degree from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bennington College in the United States. He is also a United World College alum and an Asia Foundation Development fellow.