Strand holds an MA and a PhD in Post-war Recovery Studies from the University of York, UK, with specialisation on coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies and fragile states.

Prior to his studies, Strand directed Norwegian NGOs in Afghanistan from 1988 to 1997.
Strand covers a range of research topics, including fragile states, state and peacebuilding, migration and assisted return, humanitarian and development assistance and corruption and anti-corruption.

Geographical research focus has centred on Afghanistan and Pakistan, but also the broader Middle East, including Turkey and Cyprus and the political, economic and security roles of USA, Russia and China within these regions.

Strand has been team leader of a number of research projects, evaluations, political economy analysis and commissioned studies, and is frequently drawn on for public lectures and media presentations.