Kristin Melsom

Thematic expertise: Defense and Security policy, Women, Peace and Security (WPS)

Geographic expertise: Turkey, Western Balkans, Cyprus

Languages: English and French (fluent), German (advanced), Turkish (basic)

Kristin Melsom is currently serving as Director and leader of the Section for Southeast Europe in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prior to her current position, Ms. Melsom served four years as Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Norwegian Embassy in Ankara and four years as Counsellor and Head of political section at the Norwegian Delegation to NATO. Kristin Melsom joined the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1996. After finishing the Ministry’s education and trainee program, her first posting was at the Norwegian Embassy in Paris. The following posting was at the Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa. Ms. Melsom has held several positions in the Ministry where she among others, has served as Press Spokesperson for the Minister and Deputy Director for Security and Emergency Preparedness. Prior to her career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Melsom served as an Air Defence officer in the Norwegian Air Force and held the rank of captain in 1996.

Ms. Melsom has a degree from the Norwegian Air Force Academy, Harstad University College (Economy and Management) and has attended the Norwegian Defence College’s Senior Executive Program.