Arlen Cordero joined the Basel Institute in November 2024 as Senior Programme Manager for the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR). Based in the Basel Institute’s Latin America office in Peru, Arlen is providing programme management expertise to ICAR-funded work in the region.

Arlen brings over 14 years of management experience in international development and humanitarian assistance. She has worked with NGOs, INGOs, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, and has managed projects funded by major donors. She has extensive expertise in strategic planning, proposal negotiation, programme execution and coordination.

Over her career, she has developed a deep understanding of humanitarian needs and trends, focusing on disaster response, urban violence, migration, psycho-social support and access to essential services like health and education. Arlen's experience spans countries such as Mozambique, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua and others, where she has led different teams, overseeing strategic planning exercises, project implementation and emergency response efforts, working alongside governments, regional organisations, local authorities and donors.

Arlen holds a Bachelor (Hons) in International Affairs with a concentration in International Cooperation Administration and Management and a Master in International Humanitarian Action. She is fluent in English and Spanish, practices target archery and loves music.