Her academic background provided a strong foundation for her subsequent career in human rights and anti-trafficking work, with her master dissertation written on "Supply and Demand Dynamics of Sex Trafficking in Russia.”[1] Kotlyarenko began her career working with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international bodies focused on human rights.
Tatiana Kotlyarenko founded and served as the Chief Executive Director (ED/CEO) of the Enslavement Prevention Alliance – West Africa (EPAWA) in Ghana.
Her work involves collaborating with member states, NGOs, and other international organizations to develop comprehensive strategies and best practices for combating trafficking in persons.
[7] Kotlyarenko's contributions include the development of the National Referral Mechanism Handbook,[8] which provides practical guidance for protecting the rights of trafficked persons.
[18][19][20] Together with the team of experts from ISTAC, Kotlyarenko developed and delivered numerous trainings on "Addressing human trafficking risks in light of military attack on Ukraine: Training for civil society and frontline responders", based on the NRM principles, and organized within the ODIHR's Advancing the Human Dimension of Security in Ukraine project framework.
[26] Additionally, in her personal capacity, she has assisted with the response to humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine by organizing and supporting evacuations and other activities aimed at protecting women and children.
Following the unprecedented Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Kotlyarenko participated in rapid response and on-site assessment missions as an international expert.