Executive Chiefs of Staff Network

The peaceful transfer of executive power is a hallmark of a democratic system. When managed effectively, leadership transitions reinforce democratic norms and set the stage for a successful administration in its first months in office. The quality of a handover process often depends on the systems and processes in place, as well as the capacities of the individuals involved.

At the center of any leadership transition is the executive’s chief of staff. Designated as the closest ally and counselor to the executive, this individual’s unmatched role ensures senior leadership and staff are following through on their responsibilities to support the executive’s strategic vision, goals, and agenda. One of the most critical and influential jobs in any administration, the role of chief of staff is consuming and complex in ways that are perhaps only understood by those who have served in the position before.

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has been working to support smooth leadership transitions following democratic elections globally for the past two decades. Upon request, the Institute works with incoming and outgoing leaders and their executive offices to support effective handovers of power through the development of stable democratic governance process and infrastructure. Support is offered both by academics and experts in transitions, in addition to a community of practice of global peers who have experienced or managed executive transitions.

Noting the essential role that a chief of staff plays in any administration, in addition to the benefits of peer connection and information-exchange in the development of global best practices, NDI maintains a roster of former chiefs of staff (or senior advisors and other chief of staff equivalents), who are committed to putting their experience at the service of newly appointed chiefs in countries experiencing executive transitions.

First-hand experience leading executive transitions is rare. Through the Network, chiefs of staff may develop their capacities through access to seasoned individuals who themselves have grappled with the realities of political power during transition processes. Unlike other programs that provide training through peer-exchange for chiefs of staff, this Network is intended to provide experiential opportunities for a truly global group of peers from across political structures and systems to exchange guidance and support based on their own experiences in transitions.

The Network is facilitated by NDI, which maintains a roster of chiefs in the Network. NDI also serves as the liaison point to connect newly appointed chiefs to their former peers as requests arise for assistance. The Institute also facilitates, organizes, and funds meetings (virtual or in-person) between former and newly appointed chiefs. Please note that due to restrictions under COVID-19, this program is currently only being held through virtual or phone meetings. As the global situation under the pandemic changes, NDI hopes to be able to resume in-person meetings between global chiefs.

For interest in connecting with a peer in the Executive Chiefs of Staff Network, please email cop@transitionsofpower.org.