Katja Boettcher
Lima
Summary
German national with over 17 years of experience in international peace, security, and multilateral diplomacy. Proven track record in UN roles at headquarters and in the field, including as a JPO sponsored by the German Federal Foreign Office. Extensive experience in cross-cutting policy and programme development at the intersection of peace, security, and development. Skilled in building and managing strategic partnerships, engaging with donors, including Germany and European institutions, and mobilizing resources for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Political Affairs Officer and Deputy Director
United Nations, Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC)
03.2022 - Current
- Provide strategic and programmatic leadership for the Centre, including oversight of all project implementation across Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Develop and promote new thematic initiatives, including on emerging technologies and on armed violence prevention.
- Serve as focal point for partnerships and donor engagement, including with the Government of Germany and other international and regional stakeholders.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with regional organizations, UN agencies and civil society to advance cross-cutting peace, security, and development approaches.
- Regularly produce background analyses, speeches, and policy statements for senior UN officials and high-level delegates, including annual UN SG report on the Centre’s work.
- Supervise and mentor individual staff members and project teams.
Political Affairs Officer
United Nations in New York, Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Conventional Arms Branch
06.2019 - 03.2022
- Led the UN Small Arms Process, including the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons and related General Assembly processes.
- Managed the EU-funded global project “Gender and Small Arms Control” (Council Decision 2018/2011), with full responsibility for content, budget, coordination, and implementation, including in Africa.
- Actively contributed to inter-agency coordination through participation in UN working groups: CASA (Coordinating Action on Small Arms), UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict, UNODA Gender & Disarmament Task Force, and NATO-SALW coordination.
- Engaged with donors and partners to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and secure continued support for programming.
Programme Management Officer
United Nations in New York, Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Conventional Arms Branch
12.2017 - 11.2018
- Oversaw the content and full implementation of the Third Review Conference (RevCon3) of the Programme of Action on Small Arms.
- Managed the EU-funded project supporting RevCon3 (Council Decision 2017/633), including budget oversight, coordination, and staff supervision.
- Served as focal point for conventional arms control and conflict prevention under the SG´s Disarmament Agenda (Action 21).
Associate Political Affairs Officer (JPO sponsored by Germany)
United Nations in New York, Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Conventional Arms Branch
09.2015 - 12.2017
- Supported the management and implementation of the UN Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR).
- Contributed to the development of UNODA’s strategy for implementing the 2030 Agenda, particularly SDG 16.4 and related indicators.
- Monitored high-level segments of the UN General Assembly on disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control.
Researcher
European Leadership Network (ELN) in London
09.2012 - 03.2015
- Conducted research and authored briefings on European foreign and security policy.
- Engaged with German parliamentarians and government representatives on European security issues, including nuclear disarmament and NATO strategy.
- Supported Lord Browne of Ladyton (former UK Secretary of State for Defence) in the House of Lords.
- Coordinated all activities of the Top-Level Group of UK Parliamentarians for Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (TLG).
- Developed and implemented the organization’s communication strategy and led the planning of high-level events and delegations.
Consultant Policy Analyst
European Leadership Network (ELN) in London
02.2011 - 08.2012
- Conducted policy research and analysis on a project basis, contributing to ELN’s growing influence in European security debates.
Student Assistant
Centre for Science and Security Studies at King's College London
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Conducted research and analysis for Prof. Wyn Bowen on non-proliferation and international security topics.
Business Manager, Account Manager, Media Researcher
Daryl Willcox Publishing Ltd in London
06.2006 - 01.2010
- Managed PR clients and led marketing and social media activities.
- Conducted media research and supported German-language content and website development.
- Produced news articles, interviews, and translations for German-speaking audiences.
Education
Master - Non-Proliferation & International Security
King's College London
08.2010
Master's degree - Political Science, Focus: International Relations
University of Leipzig
03.2006
Study abroad - Department of Politics
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
03.2004
Primary school and high school - undefined
01.2000
Skills
- Language skills:
- German (Mother Tongue)
- English (Native level)
- Spanish (Good)
- Computer skills: Microsoft Office, Zoom/Webex/MS Teams, Wordpress, HTML, and web-based applications
- Miscellaneous: Member Women In International Security Germany (WIISde)
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Upper intermediate (B2)
German
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Political Affairs Officer and Deputy Director
United Nations, Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC)
03.2022 - Current
Political Affairs Officer
United Nations in New York, Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Conventional Arms Branch
06.2019 - 03.2022
Programme Management Officer
United Nations in New York, Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Conventional Arms Branch
12.2017 - 11.2018
Associate Political Affairs Officer (JPO sponsored by Germany)
United Nations in New York, Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Conventional Arms Branch
09.2015 - 12.2017
Researcher
European Leadership Network (ELN) in London
09.2012 - 03.2015
Consultant Policy Analyst
European Leadership Network (ELN) in London
02.2011 - 08.2012
Student Assistant
Centre for Science and Security Studies at King's College London
01.2010 - 12.2010
Business Manager, Account Manager, Media Researcher
Daryl Willcox Publishing Ltd in London
06.2006 - 01.2010
Master's degree - Political Science, Focus: International Relations
University of Leipzig
Study abroad - Department of Politics
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Primary school and high school - undefined
Master - Non-Proliferation & International Security
King's College London
FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
From 2012 to 2014 board member of WIIS UK.
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