Dr. P.K. Mishra has a career profile comprising research, publications, policy formulation and programme / project management. He has varied work experience in management of programmes relating to agriculture, disaster management, power sector, infrastructure financing, and regulatory issues. 

As Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister during 2014-2019 Dr. Mishra is credited with introducing innovation and transformative changes in human resource management, particularly appointments to senior positions. When the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was set up towards the end of 2005, Dr. Mishra played a crucial role in operationalizing its structure, functions and perspectives. He published a book entitled The Kutch Earthquake 2001: Recollections, Lessons and Insights in 2005. 

He has a Ph.D in Economics/Development Studies from the University of Sussex, UK. He completed M.A. degree in Development Economics at the University of Sussex in 1990, when his academic performance was rated outstanding by the university. He did his M.A. in Economics with a first class at the Delhi School of Economics. In 2019, he was conferred with the United Nations SASAKAWA Award, the most prestigious international award in disaster management.