Coen Pustjens has broad professional experience in the fields of politics, democratization and governance. Previous NDI posting include Yemen, Nepal and Zambia, where he supported emerging and post-conflict democratization processes. Before joining NDI, Mr. Pustjens worked as an international political consultant for several organizations working in the D&G field in over twelve countries, including in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, the USA and Asia. He has designed, managed and implemented USAID, NED and FCDO programs on political party strengthening, debates, public opinion research, parliamentary support and political inclusion and representation of marginalized groups. Mr. Pustjens is an experienced trainer, authored several publications and has worked with a broad range of political stakeholders throughout different regions.

Before moving abroad, Mr. Pustjens worked in Dutch national politics, including as political advisor, campaign manager and Chief of Staff to local and national political leaders. Mr. Pustjens holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the International School for Social Sciences in Amsterdam, is married and has two children.