Head of Section for Food in Norad

Name: Astrid Tveteraas

Job: Head of Section for Food in Norad

Study Programme: Management of Natural Resources and Sustainable Agriculture (MNRSA)

Completed studies at NMBU: 2003

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your current role? How did your career path lead you there?

I am 49 years old and have been committed to sustainable development throughout my life. As a student, I was active in various organisations focusing on solidarity and sustainability, which strongly influenced my choice of studies. Since graduating from NMBU in 2003, I have worked within Norwegian development assistance. I spent several years in different NGOs, focusing on natural resource management, food security and climate adaptation, before joining Norad in 2017. At Norad, I initially worked as a Senior Adviser, managing projects related to disaster risk reduction, climate services and food security, and in 2020 I became Head of Section.

What attracted you to your programme at NMBU?

I was particularly attracted to the interdisciplinary nature of the MNRSA programme. In my bachelor’s, I studied both geography and social anthropology, but continuing with only one of these fields felt limiting. A master’s degree at NMBU appeared more compelling, as it allowed me to build on both perspectives. I have always been interested in working at the intersection of environment and development, and I found that Noragric offers an excellent combination of these themes. In addition, the fact that the studendts mainly came from Africa, Asia and Latin America, made it interesting. We were only three Norwegians in the programme.

What was the most rewarding or memorable part of your studies?

The lectures were all over very inspiring, but the most rewarding part for me personally and professionally was the fieldwork I did in Uganda. I spent three months doing interviews and research focusing on the consequences of HIV/AIDS on rural livelihoods. I had a very good supervisor, Prof Ruth Haug, who supported me throughout the entire process, from the initial idea stage to the field work and writing of the thesis.

How did you experience the academic and social environment at NMBU?

The academic level was high, with lecturers from many different nationalities. I mainly took part in the social environment at Noragric, which was very international and interesting.  Living in Oslo throughout the study, I did not take part in the wider NMBU social environment.

How do you use the knowledge or skills you acquired during your studies in your current job?

I draw on the knowledge from my studies almost on a daily basis, even though continuous learning and capacity development are necessary to stay up to date. The foundation in tropical natural resource management and agriculture that MNRSA provided is crucial in my current role in the section responsible for Norwegian development assistance to food security.

What further career plans do you have?

Right now, I am very satisfied with where I am. I appreciate Norad’s societal mission and have the privilege of working with incredibly skilled and kind colleagues on something I am truly passionate about and where I believe that the Norwegian support makes a difference.

What advice would you give to current or future students?

Follow your interests and trust your gut feeling. Seize the opportunities that come your way, and don’t rush through your studies. If you have the chance to do an internship or engage in volunteer work, take it. Employers are often more interested in someone with diverse and interesting experience, who has taken a few detours along the way, than in someone who has focused solely on their studies.