Martin Samuelsen is the new Head of Section for humanitarian response in Norad
Martin Samuelsen has been appointed Head of Section for humanitarian Response in Norad.
Samuelsen comes from a background from the UN, NGO, private sector and Norad.
Norad has an important role in managing Norwegian humanitarian assistance with the aim to save lives in the most difficult places in the world, based on goals and strategies set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ensuring that these funds go to those who need it most, in a principled way based on solid knowledge, is critical responsibility.
– Martin Samuelsen has worked for the UN and implemented humanitarian programmes on the ground. He has also had leadership responsibilities in both the public and private sector, with a special focus on results and developing system. Combined, we believe this is a background and expertise that makes him very qualified to lead a strong team of professionals at Norad, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies, says Erik Abild, Director of the Department for humanitarian assistance and comprehensive response in Norad.
Samuelsen has a background from Norad, as a consultant for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as various leadership positions in the UN, NGOs and private sector. He will take up his new role 1st March.
– There are few jobs in Norway that are more important and meaningful than leading Norad's humanitarian section at the moment, says Martin Samuelsen.
– In a world with increasing levels of conflict, where many traditional donors are reducing their aid budgets and where we see the self-interest of individual countries trumping humanitarian needs, Norway appears to be an even more important humanitarian actor than before. I see it as our role in Norad to ensure that the Norway’s humanitarian assistance is managed in a way that save lives and alleviate suffering in the most effective and responsible way possible.
Samuelsen comes from the position as Head of the Protection and Gender Unit in NORCAP. He has previously worked for UNRWA in Lebanon, the World Food Programme in Haiti, and in the West Bank he coordinated the protection work of four UN organizations: OCHA, UNICEF, OHCHR and UNRWA. From 2010-2015 Samuelsen worked for Norad's Results Management Section, focusing on risks, results, and grant management, including support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies. Subsequently, he worked for 10 years as a manager in KPMG's International Development Advisory Services, where he managed several longer-term consultancies for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on grant management and digitalization. Samuelsen has also conducted an efficiency review of Norad on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Samuelsen has a master's degree from the London School of Economics in NGO Management and Development, as well as a bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of Oslo.