With almost 30 years of experience in international development cooperation and labour issues, Carlien van Empel has built a career dedicated to advancing decent work, sustainable development, and social justice.
Before assuming her current position, she headed the Development Cooperation Support Unit within the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Department for Multilateral Partnerships and Development Cooperation in Geneva, where she advised on development policies, including the integration of environmental and social safeguards into projects.
Earlier in her career, she held expert positions in the ILO’s Enterprises Department and Cooperative Branch, focusing on green jobs, local economic development, partnerships, and the promotion of cooperative and rural enterprises. She has also worked as an International development Consultant, and for the ILO in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where she gained experience in the socio-economic reintegration of conflict-affected groups.
Holding a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Amsterdam and an Executive Certificate in Advocacy in International Affairs from the Geneva Graduate Institute, Carlien combines strong technical expertise with a deep commitment to human-centred development. Today, she liaises with the institutions of the European Union and fosters dialogue with the governments, employers’ organizations and trade unions of the Benelux countries, championing a future of work that is human-centred, inclusive and equitable.
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