Love Calissendorff

Policy Specialist, UNDP

Year(s):

2013

Tell us a bit about your career since leaving ODID

Since my degree I have focused on the nexus of research and monitoring, evaluation and learning in relation to conflict transformation and development initiatives. I lived and worked in the WANA (West Asia-North Africa) region for three years, focusing on peacebuilding and social cohesion initiatives in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon and Tunisia. I also worked for the Swedish government agency for peace, security and development (FBA), focusing on the incorporation of research findings into policy and on Sweden's bilateral development strategy towards Palestine and Iraq.

And your current position?

I currently work as a Policy Specialist in conflict prevention at UNDP. I work on coordinating UN-EU policies and bridging the gap between development needs at the country level and policies and priorities at EU-UN HQ level.

Why did you choose your course?

A friend of mine who had studied the same degree previously mentioned that is was very practically oriented as well as academically rigorous. I found that combination appealing and interesting.

What did you particularly value about your course?

The flexibility in terms of the different combination of modules that I could take. This meant that I could tailor my degree to my preferences and goals. The small size of the classes also enhanced the quality of the learning both for me and others.

And what did you particularly value about ODID?

My classmates and other students at ODID! We were an incredibly diverse and dynamic group. The horizontal learning during and between classes was very rewarding.

We were an incredibly diverse and dynamic group. The horizontal learning during and between classes was very rewarding.