Kristen Sample is the Director of Global Programmes for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) charged with oversight of global knowledge generation as well as internal and external programmatic partnerships.  Previously, she was the International IDEA’s Chief of Mission for the Andean Region and served as its regional coordinator for democracy and development and gender issues.

She is editor or author of numerous publications, including, “Poverty and Politics in the Andean Region”; “A Democracy Results Approach: The Present Debate and Growing Consensus Surrounding the Inter-American Democratic Charter”  in Latin American Policy Journal;  “The Role of International Electoral Observation Missions in the Promotion of the Political Rights of Women: The Case of the OAS” in The 2007-12 Electoral Cycle in the Americas;  “Dime a quien escuchas: Think tanks y partidos políticos en América Latina,” “From Words to Action: Best Practices for Women´s Participation in Political Parties,” “Riding the Wave: Women´s Political Participation in Latin America¨ and “Democracia en la Región Andina: los telones de fondo.”

She has a Masters’ degree in public policy from Harvard University.

Before joining IDEA, Kristen worked in Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala and Chile in various positions related to democracy building and support for civil society.

Related links

• International IDEA homepage
• International IDEA on What is a good democracy?