Camille, Partnerships and Communications Officer, at the World Food Programme Nordic Office

>Camille Fogtdal has graduated in International Security with concentrations in human rights and diplomacy. Coming from Denmark, she is Partnerships and Communications Officer, at the World Food Programme Nordic Office, located in Copenhagen. 

What is your role and main responsibilities?

I’m mainly responsible for carrying out national political surveillance, monitoring trends and issues related to hunger and food security and identifying opportunities for WFP to influence key stakeholders through strategic advocacy and positioning. I’m also responsible for planning and coordinating conferences and other events, drafting briefings and talking points, handling inquiries related to WFP's operations and providing support in outreach to the media. 

How did you secure this role?

I interned with the same office during the third semester at PSIA. It provided me with valuable first-hand experience and insight into the work of the WFP Nordic Office. When the Partnerships and Communications Officer position then became available, I was encouraged to apply and went through a competitive selection process. 

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect of your role?

One of the most fascinating aspects of my role is the opportunity to discover the complexity of WFP as an organization and the interconnectivity of each unit's work. By interacting on a daily basis with people from different units, I gain an understanding of how WFP operates in a context-specific way, adapting its approach to the unique challenges and circumstances of each territory it operates in. This enables me to appreciate the vast array of humanitarian and development work the organization carries out in different parts of the world and the importance of tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of the affected populations.

One of the most memorable experiences that deepened my understanding of WFP's work was a field trip that I carried out with the organization in late 2022 to Chad where we focused on the provision of school meals in crisis settings. Witnessing the intricate processes and diverse activities that WFP carries out on the ground was a truly eye-opening experience, I was able to see firsthand how the organization works with local communities, governments, and other partners to provide assistance to those in need. This experience helped me appreciate the real impact of WFP's work on the ground, which is far more than just theoretical. 

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role?

Through courses I took at PSIA I gained valuable knowledge about the theoretical backbone of food security, the role of international actors in addressing fragility and promoting stability as well as the essentiality of localization. The Grand Oral allowed me to apply these understandings by centering it on how food security assistance can serve as a pathway to peace. 

I believe that studies at PSIA also equip us with valuable practical skills such as research, analysis, drafting capabilities and strategic thinking. These skills have been essential when working under tight deadlines and to inform our advocacy and positioning efforts.

Additionally, studying at Sciences Po provided me with an invaluable opportunity to engage with a diverse group of students with varied career aspirations and backgrounds. Interacting with such a group allowed me to broaden my own perspective and reflect on my career path. It was truly enriching to learn from the experiences and insights of my classmates!

What advice would you give to others?

The advice I would give to others is to embrace diverse experiences. It's easy to become fixated on finding a clear career path, but I consider that this isn't always necessary or even possible. Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they don't seem directly related to your long-term goals. As you accumulate these experiences, take the time to reflect on how they fit together and how they can be used to form a compelling narrative. This is especially relevant as opportunities may arise unexpectedly from places you may not have anticipated. In my case, I only came to know about the internship opportunity at WFP’s Nordic Office through another UN agency that had previously rejected my application but had my CV on file. It was only after this agency referred me to WFP that I became a candidate for the internship. So, if you don't get the job you're hoping for, try not to get discouraged. Remember that every job application is a unique experience that can open the door to an exciting and fulfilling path and through this process, you may discover new interests, refine your goals, and develop a clearer sense of your career plans. 

• More about the Master in International Security
• More about the World Food Programme