Renate Kersten

Renate Kersten is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in policy advisory roles, currently serving as a Senior Policy Advisor for Trade for Development in the Sustainable Economic Development Department at the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken since June 2019. In addition, Renate contributes as a Vice-chair for Herenboeren de Vlietstreek since November 2022. Previously, Renate worked at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) from August 2011 to May 2019, managing infrastructure project portfolios across multiple countries. Renate's early career included a Central Government Trainee position at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, where policy development focused on labor market activation and social reintegration. Renate's academic background includes an MPhil in Development Economics and an MSc in International Economics from the University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Utrecht University. Renate is currently pursuing a PhD in Development Economics and International Development at Erasmus University Rotterdam.