The diverse, interdisciplinary training from her studies shaped the way Helene works today, bringing critical insight, and collaborative skills into her role as a Technical Officer at the WHO.
Name: Helene Rød
Job: Technical Officer (JPO), World Health Organization (WHO)
Study Programme: International Environment and Development Studies
Completed studies at NMBU: 2018
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Helene, and I work as a Technical Officer in the Department of Gender, Rights, Equity and Sexual Misconduct Prevention at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva. My role focuses on gender mainstreaming across WHO’s work at global, regional and country levels, helping integrate gender perspectives in health and advance gender equality in and through health.
After completing my BSc at NMBU, I did an MSc in Global Health at the University of Copenhagen. I then spent several years working on women’s health, gender equality and gender identity in Norway, through positions at KUN Centre for Equality and Diversity, the Women’s Health Commission, and the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs. When the JPO position at WHO was published, it felt like an exciting next step – a chance to work on the same issues but in a global, multilateral setting.
What attracted you to your programme at NMBU?
I’ve always been interested in social justice, gender and development issues, and wanted a career where I could contribute to a more equitable world. The BSc in International Environment and Development Studies appealed to me because of its interdisciplinary approach, international environment and strong focus on preparing students to understand and address complex global challenges. I actually found the programme by chance through a Facebook ad, but it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.
What was the most memorable part of your studies?
The most memorable experience was the field course Environment, Development and Climate Change in Tanzania, taught by Professor Ian Bryceson (now Professor Emeritus) at the time. We spent two weeks in Dar es Salaam and two weeks in Zanzibar, meeting local experts, visiting institutions, and spending time in coastal communities. We talked to village leaders, met seaweed farmers, walked in the intertidal zone, and even had tea with a former prime minister. The field course offered a unique combination of theory and practice and gave me a much deeper understanding of environmental, climate and livelihood challenges in Tanzania.
Note: The field course in Tanzania is now focusing on agriculture and agroecology in the Mgeta region.
How was the academic and social environment at NMBU?
I loved the community in Ås. Because it is a small town, students naturally spend a lot of time together on campus, at Samfunnet, or in student housing. It creates a close, friendly and supportive atmosphere. Many students at NMBU, especially within Noragric, are passionate about social and environmental issues. I got involved in SAIH Ås, which I highly recommend. It was meaningful to work on issues I cared about, the experience helped me when applying for jobs later, and some of the people I met there are still close friends today.
How do you use what you learned at NMBU in your current job?
The most important skills I bring from my studies are critical thinking and the ability to work well with people from different backgrounds. The BSc was very international, and working in multicultural, interdisciplinary teams is a major part of my daily work.
The courses I took also gave me a strong foundation, helped me understand gender and power dynamics, and deepened my understanding of the UN system. I still draw on the writing skills I acquired during my studies; my job involves a lot of writing, and clear communication is essential.
What are your next career plans?
As part of the Norwegian JPO Programme, I will spend two years at WHO in Geneva followed by one to two years in a regional or country office. I have about a year and a half left in Geneva before moving on to the next duty station. After the programme, I hope to continue working on gender equality and gender mainstreaming, whether in Norway or elsewhere.
Any advice for future students?
Get involved in something you care about. Student life becomes much more meaningful when you share it with people who are passionate about the same issues, and the experience you gain will stay with you long after graduation. Breaking into international development can be challenging, so start early gaining relevant experience. Volunteering or interning with an organization working internationally makes a real difference to your CV.
And if you can, definitely take one of the field courses!
Disclaimer
“Institutional affiliation is provided for identification purpose only and does not constitute institutional endorsement. Any views and opinions expressed are personal and belong solely to the individual and do not represent any people, institutions or organizations that the individual may be associated with in a personal or professional capacity unless explicitly stated.”