Olav Kjørven has over 30 years of experience in international, national, and organizational leadership in sustainable development, covering areas such as climate change, biodiversity, food security, public health, poverty reduction, human rights, and democratic governance. He currently works as an independent consultant, including as a Senior Advisor for Article 109, a global coalition focused on renewing the UN Charter as a foundation for effective global governance under international law.

From 2017 to 2024, Olav held senior leadership roles at EAT, an organization focused on transforming global food systems based on scientific evidence. Between 2014 and 2017, he directed UNICEF’s engagement with governments, the UN system, and international financial institutions to promote children’s rights in global policy and mobilize resources for UNICEF’s work worldwide.

Earlier in his career, Olav served as Assistant Secretary-General and Director of Development Policy at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 2007 to 2013, overseeing a global team of 360 and programs in areas including democratic governance, gender equality, and climate change. He played an important role in the process that led to Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Olav has also served as State Secretary for International Development in the Government of Norway (2001–2005) and worked at the World Bank for six years in the 1990s.