Bjørn Nissen is an experienced executive and team coach with over two decades of work in multicultural and international environments. In recent years, he has focused on systemic team coaching, leadership development, and executive and career coaching for senior leaders and management teams across the UN system and beyond. Over the last year he has worked with teams and individuals across three continents in collaboration with organizations such as the IAEA, ILO,UNFPA, UNICEF, UNSSC, and WFP to mention some.
Bjørn’s work centres on helping leaders and teams build clarity, cohesion, and performance around seven key areas of expertise: roles, responsibilities, and goal alignment; effective communicationand collaboration; conflict resolution and managing power dynamics; trust-building and fostering a positive team culture; decision-making and adaptability to change; managing diverse perspectives and personalities; and enhancing overall team performance and productivity. These pillars form the foundation of his practice, informing the design and delivery of his coaching, facilitation, and training engagements.
Specializing in work with boards and management teams, Bjørn supports clients in navigating complexity, strengthening collaboration, and cultivating the conditions for collective success. In recent years, he has designed and delivered executive and career coaching programmes, as well as tailored training and workshops, for leaders and teams operating in diverse cultural and organizational contexts.
Earlier in his career, Bjørn spent extensive periods in the field, holding operational leadership roles in countries such as Sudan, Chad, Pakistan, India, Italy, and Zimbabwe. These experiences gave him firsthand insight into the realities of leading diverse teams in complex and high-pressure environments. Later, as President of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Norway, he shifted toward a governance and oversight role, supporting systems, accountability, and organizational learning. As CEO of Engineers Without Borders Norway, he focused on building networks, fostering innovation, and developing partnerships that bridged humanitarian and technical expertise. Together, these experiences provided a strong foundation for his current work in executive and team coaching, deepening his understanding of leadership, collaboration, and organizational systems.
A CTI-trained coach and ORSC-certified practitioner, Bjørn combines rigorous methodology with deep relational insight. His passion for team development and continuous learning has guided a career devoted to helping individuals and organizations grow, adapt, and thrive. Originally from Norway, he is based in Turin, Italy.
