Mr Olav Ofstad has had an early career as a police lawyer/public prosecutor, deputy judge, lecturer and senior partner in a private law firm. Since 1992 he has been working internationally as a diplomat at Norwegian embassies and organisations such as the UN and the International Red Cross Federation as Head of Delegation indifferent countries.
Between the international assignments he has engaged in conflict management research, writing, consultancies and training. He has been specializing in application of social psychology in conflict, a network of experts offering training in conflict management and kidnapping survival.
His is the author of books include: Conflict Management in International Peace Operations. A handbook for officers and soldiers (In cooperation with the Norwegian Defence International Center, 2003), Conflict Management in International Missions. A Fieldguide (Routledge, 2015), Surviving Kidnappers. Precautions, Influence, Strategic Tools (Troubador, 2017).