Iván Vargas
Lake Worth
Summary
Senior consultant, professor and researcher with extensive experience in governance, project management, and public policy, specializing in security and community resilience. Successfully led projects for governments and international organizations in Latin America, focusing on effective policy design and implementation. Engaged in postdoctoral research on integrating sustainability with regional development. Recognized author with an EB-1 visa for extraordinary ability, committed to leveraging technology for innovative solutions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Postdoctoral Researcher
QUINDÍO BOTANICAL GARDEN FOUNDATION
Bogota
01.2024 - Current
- Led a postdoctoral research initiative that developed a networked governance model for birdwatching-based ecotourism, local security, integrating biodiversity, and sustainable planning.
- Established strategic alliance with 12 elected officials, nine academic institutions, 20 tourism operators, and 15 community organizations.
- Contributed to forthcoming international publication on AI and foresight in MSMEs, focusing on risk mitigation strategies.
Territorial Security Management Consultant
PAN AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION- PADF
Bogota
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Advised local authorities, law enforcement, and military officials in 10 conflict-affected municipalities on citizen security strategies and coexistence policies.
- Led technical formulation of 10 Comprehensive Security and Coexistence Plans (PISCC) in collaboration with National Police and community leaders.
- Co-authored national policy tools, including Colombian Methodological Guide for PISCC 2024 and National Police Manual on Territorial Coexistence and Security.
- Developed six targeted security governance toolkits for municipal actors and civil society engagement.
- Facilitated training sessions and national conferences on governance and security for over 600 participants, including National Police and local governments.
Strategic Research and Policy Advisor
DIRECTORATE OF POLICE INTELLIGENCE (DIPOL)
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Led the technical analysis and institutional advisory process for citizen security projects spanning 116 municipalities in Colombia.
- Evaluated and strengthened local and departmental Security and Coexistence Plans, aligning them with digital modernization and public safety policy (Logical Framework Approach).
- Authored the official report, 'Context Analysis of Colombia.'
- Co-led the final evaluation titled 'International Assessment of the Police Reform Project,' contributing to policy improvements and international cooperation frameworks.
Strategic Consultant - Intelligence, Technology, and National Security
ORGANIZATION OF IBERO-AMERICAN STATES - OEI
Bogota
06.2019 - 12.2021
- Developed and launched CLOEI, an integrated platform for planning and monitoring territorial security across Colombia.
- Advised national stakeholders on human rights protection using data-driven strategies to prevent violence.
- Structured and authored academic framework for new PhD in Management, Coexistence, and Security.
- Delivered 20 capacity-building workshops for National Police units on proactive citizen protection and community safety.
Consultant Security and Coexistence
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS- UN-IOM
04.2020 - 11.2021
- Directed rural governance initiatives, enhancing security, sustainability, and coordination in post-conflict municipalities.
- Provided risk analysis and security advice to 30 local governments, promoting violence prevention and community resilience.
- Strengthened research and training capabilities at National Police Graduate School, concentrating on peacebuilding and environmental threats.
- Authored scholarly article on conflict anticipation in rural Colombia, influencing evidence-based security policymaking.
Security and Coexistence Consultant
SWEDISH POLICE AUTHORITY - DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL OPERATIONS
Bogota
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Directed technical analysis and advisory processes for citizen security projects across 116 municipalities in Colombia.
- Evaluated and enhanced local Security and Coexistence Plans, aligning with digital modernization and public safety policies.
- Authored official report titled “Context Analysis of Colombia” to provide comprehensive insights.
- Co-led final evaluation of “International Assessment of the Police Reform Project”, facilitating policy improvements.
Strategic Research and Policy Advisor
NATIONAL POLICE OF COLOMBIA – PLANNING DIRECTORATE
Bogota
02.2015 - 12.2020
- Directed research to develop Strategic Modernization Plan 2020–2030, establishing institutional vision for transformation and public safety leadership in Colombia.
- Designed official methodological framework for institutional foresight to enhance strategic planning.
- Co-authored technical guide "Normative Concepts for Public Management of Citizen Coexistence and Security 2019–2023" in collaboration with national authorities.
- Created and executed national pedagogical plan to update and socialize 2016 Citizen Security and Coexistence Law across all police jurisdictions.
Education
Ph.D. - MANAGEMENT
EAN University
Bogotá05.2025
MASTER'S DEGREE - GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY
Externado University - Columbia Universtiy NY
Bogotá12.2015
MASTER OF SCIENCE - INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
Politecnico di Torino
Italy12.2009
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Pontifical Javeriana University
Bogotá12.2009
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Francisco Jose De Caldas District University
Bogotá12.2007
Skills
- Conflict resolution
- Strategic planning
- Leadership and team building
- Problem-solving
- Self-direction
- Data analysis
Certification
- Certification of Auditor Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). Auditor/ Lead Auditor Training Course. April 2013. British Quality Foundation. SGS/SSCE/ISMSLAC/5123362/P/3407. SGS
- Security Awareness and Training Program Certificate of Completion of Level I and II Certification - USAID 2023
Honors And Awards
- Best Teacher of the Master's Degree in Public Security, Postgraduate School of the Colombian National Police, 2024
- Special Recognition for Significant Contributions, Planning Office of the National Police of Colombia, 2024
- Recipient of National Call for Postdoctoral Fellowships, The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2024
- Recognition of Merit, Municipality of Rioviejo, 2024
- Santiago Canabal Medal Decoration, Tierralta, 2023
- Magna Cum Laude Honorable Mention Thesis of Doctorate, 2022
- Fellow in the Strategic Course on Public Safety, CESEP, 2017
- Meritorious Character Thesis of Systems Engineering, 2007
Languages
- Spanish, Native
- English, Proficient
- Italian, Proficient
Teaching Experience
- Adjunct Professor, Universidad de los Andes – Bogotá, Colombia
Postgraduate Courses in Public Policy and Project Management 2023– 2023 - Lecturer, Universidad Externado de Colombia and Colombian War College of the Armed Forces of Colombia – Bogotá, Colombia. Governance, Citizen Security, and Public Management (Master’s Program) 2017 – 2024
- Visiting Professor, Universidad de La Sabana, Universidad del Valle, Jorge Tadeo Lozano University
Courses in Innovation, Security Strategy, and Institutional Development , 2022-2024 - Faculty Member, National Police Senior Academy – Bogotá, Colombia
Postgraduate Seminars in Security Governance and Community Resilience 2015 – Present
Affiliations
- Traveled to over 90 countries, actively engaging with diverse cultures and global perspectives.
- Enthusiastic about developing applications based on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging technologies to address complex challenges in governance, security, and sustainable development.
- Passionate about community service and local engagement initiatives.
- Active member of multiple professional associations across governance, public policy, and engineering fields.
Timeline
Postdoctoral Researcher
QUINDÍO BOTANICAL GARDEN FOUNDATION
01.2024 - Current
Strategic Research and Policy Advisor
DIRECTORATE OF POLICE INTELLIGENCE (DIPOL)
07.2021 - 12.2021
Territorial Security Management Consultant
PAN AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION- PADF
01.2021 - 12.2023
Consultant Security and Coexistence
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS- UN-IOM
04.2020 - 11.2021
Strategic Consultant - Intelligence, Technology, and National Security
ORGANIZATION OF IBERO-AMERICAN STATES - OEI
06.2019 - 12.2021
Security and Coexistence Consultant
SWEDISH POLICE AUTHORITY - DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL OPERATIONS
01.2019 - 12.2020
Strategic Research and Policy Advisor
NATIONAL POLICE OF COLOMBIA – PLANNING DIRECTORATE
02.2015 - 12.2020
Ph.D. - MANAGEMENT
EAN University
MASTER'S DEGREE - GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY
Externado University - Columbia Universtiy NY
MASTER OF SCIENCE - INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
Politecnico di Torino
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Pontifical Javeriana University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Francisco Jose De Caldas District University
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