- What is your background prior to joining AIIB?
I am a Swedish-qualified lawyer, who had three years of professional experience prior to joining AIIB. I gained my professional experience at two global law firms where I worked on project development and finance with a particular focus on the renewables sector, as well as mergers and acquisitions and capital markets. I also interned at the Swedish Embassy in Mexico City during my law studies.
- How did you find out about AIIB and what motivated you to apply?
Given my interest in international affairs and development, AIIB had already been on my radar for quite some time when I first read about the opportunity to become part of the Bank’s first cohort of Legal Associates. The main driving factors behind my application were the chance to work for an organization with a very important developmental mandate and the opportunity to work on challenging and interesting projects together with highly experienced colleagues.
- Describe your typical workday. What projects are you working on right now?
A typical workday for me consists of meetings with various stakeholders including both internal and external clients, drafting of agreements and other legal documents, as well as legal research. During my first six months with AIIB, my main focus had been private sector operations and projects related to AIIB’s funding operations on the international capital markets.
Over the course of the year, I also had institutional legal work and sovereign financings added to my work portfolio, which makes for a well-rounded exposure to the work of the Bank.
- From your perspective, what set of skills do you find valuable for your current work at the Bank? Any tips you can share with potential applicants who are considering joining AIIB?
As is the case for most jobs within the legal sector, collaboration skills, time management skills, and client management skills are important parts of the skill set of a successful lawyer at AIIB. In addition, I would like to mention flexibility and the ability to work in a multicultural environment as two other key elements that should make up the profiles of potential applicants.
- How has your Beijing experience been so far? (e.g., challenges, interesting finds, cultural experiences, food, etc.)
I am very pleased with my experience in Beijing. There are lots of things to see and do—I especially enjoy the fact that no matter where you find yourself in the city, you will find delicious food. I particularly like the hutongs, Beijing’s ancient alleyways, where local, traditional life is mixed with historical sites and interesting bars and cafés. Beijing is also a great starting point to explore China—I have already visited the Fujian, Hainan and Shanghai provinces during my time with AIIB.