Erica Shein

Erica Shein is the Managing Director of the Center for Applied Research and Learning at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and an expert in electoral integrity. Erica was the Lead Editor for the IFES COVID-19 Briefing Series, which explored fundamental areas of concern for democracy and governance from the pandemic. She leads the development and execution of IFES’ research agenda and Knowledge Management Initiative. Erica is the co-creator of the IFES Electoral Integrity Assessment Methodology and the Abuse of State Resources Research and Assessment Framework, both of which provide unique insights into vulnerabilities in electoral and political processes that can undermine inclusion and good governance. She co-developed a groundbreaking leadership and ethics training curriculum for senior electoral officials and is the co-author of multiple publications on electoral integrity, including “Risk-Limiting Audits: A Guide for Global Use,” “Disinformation Campaigns and Hate Speech,” “Leadership in Crisis: Ensuring Independence, Ethics and Resilience in the Electoral Process” and “Election Audits: Principles and Practices” in the Oxford University Press publication Election Watchdogs: Transparency, Accountability, and Integrity (2017). She has field experience around the globe, including in Myanmar, Kosovo, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia, Tunisia and Mexico.  

Erica holds a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies with a concentration in international law and a bachelor’s degree in politics from Princeton University.