Began career as an academic, studying history, philosophy, public administration and sociology. Taught Sociology, Political Science and Philosophy at the Universities of Bergen and Oslo. 1981, established the Fafo Institute for Applies Sciences, Oslo; as Director of Fafo, initiated a research project into the living conditions of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. 1993, Ambassador and Special Adviser for the Middle East Peace process to the Norwegian Foreign Minister. 1994, United Nations Undersecretary-General, Special Coordinator for Gaza and the West Bank. 1996, Norwegian Cabinet Minister for Planning and Co-operation. 1999, Special Co-Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority at the level of Undersecretary-General. 2004, Special Envoy for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559, on Lebanon and Syria. Currently, President, International Peace Institute. Concurrently, United Nations Undersecretary-General; Special Envoy to the Secretary-General and Senior Adviser on the Middle East.