Prof Nicholas Awortwi is the Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies. Prior to his current position, Nicholas was the Director of African Governance Institute based in The Hague, Netherlands (2017-18), Director of Research at the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) in Nairobi, Kenya (2012-2016) and from 2004 to 2012, a Senior Lecturer in Development Management at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University, The Netherlands. He has been one of the leading authors of decentralization, local governance and social protection issues in Africa and provided expert advice to international organizations working in Africa. His two latest books “Governance below the State” and “Politics, Public Policy & Social Protection in Africa are published by Routledge (London & New York).