Providing business intelligence for those in the
business of managing multilateralism.

What we do and why

ReformWorks is an independent research organization that provides business intelligence to enhance the performance of international organizations. Our knowledge products, learning, evaluation and strategic planning support transform independent evidence and data into practical insights so leaders and decision-makers can best align their limited resources with strategic priorities, while maximizing impact and minimizing risk. 

 

Too often, policymakers and practitioners in international organizations rely on private sector best practices when designing performance improvement initiatives and management reforms. Yet, there is a growing body of academic research that demonstrates that the intergovernmental character of international organizations creates a unique management context, in which private sector solutions may not always be effective. Adopting the private sector practice of having board members assess the performance of executive heads in an international organization may sound like a good way to enhance accountability and performance, for example. But when those board members are countries with their own political agendas and dynamics, this practice is more likely to inflame divisions across the board undermining its ability to take decisions and give direction, which in turn undermines the performance and effectiveness of that international organization and its leadership. 

 

Performance improvement initiatives that fail to recognize and be guided by these intergovernmental realities will not lead to effective or sustainable change - a point increasingly highlighted by independent and academic research. ReformWorks was founded by Katja Hemmerich, an experienced UN management practitioner, to connect this research with practice in international organizations. With our research spotlights - that translate research into actionable insights on current governance and reform debates - having been read over 41,000 times as of September 2026, it is clear that managers, leaders and decision-makers in the UN and international organizations are looking for credible, evidence‑based approaches to maximize impact, strengthen trust, and make better use of limited resources.

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Our team and contributors

With more than 20 years of experience in leadership and management roles in the UN system, our, With 20+ years in UN leadership and management roles, ReformWorks Managing Director, Katja Hemmerich has extensive experience developing and negotiating performance‑improvement strategies with senior leaders and Member States. She has initiated numerous business innovations across the UN system and led enterprise level and interagency initiatives on planning, risk, learning, and workforce improvement across the UN system. In 2020, Ms. Hemmerich was a finalist for the UN Secretary-General's Award for Changing the Way We Work, after being nominated by her team as a "Manager with Profound Impact'. 

Follow Katja on Medium

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ReformWorks is grateful for the spotlight contributions and learning support received from the following researchers and practitioners: Dr. Hannah Davies, Jose Veliz, Dr. Ronny Patz, Simone Anzboeck, Andraž Melanšek, and Thibault Camelli.

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We also appreciate having our work featured in the International Institute for Sustainable Development’s (IISD) SDG Knowledge Hub, and the opportunity to be a guest contributor to the following organizations:​

• IPI Global Observatory

• Opportunities for Youth

• PassBlue

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Most importantly, our website and social media presence would not be possible without the support of Evelyn Alberty and One Girl Guru. 

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If you are a researcher interested in contributing through a spotlight article on your research on the management of international organizations or by collaborating on a learning event, please reach out here.​