The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. It is made up of two unique development institutions owned by 185 member countries—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). Each institution plays a different but supportive role in its mission of global poverty reduction and the improvement of living standards. The IBRD focuses on middle income and creditworthy poor countries, while IDA focuses on the poorest countries in the world. Together they provide low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries for education, health, infrastructure, communications and many other purposes.

Cristina: When and why did you decide to work for The World Bank?

I have always been interested in development work. After having worked several years in a law firm in Portugal I decided to come to the USA to do an LLM focused on corporate and international studies. I did my LLM at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and at the same time I did an internship at the World Bank, in the Legal Department. After finishing my LLM studies I went to work in New York and then back to Portugal, but I have always remained interested in the work of the World Bank. So, when a position opened for the Latin America and the Caribbean practice Group (the Legal Department is divided into several geographically-based practice groups) I applied and was very pleased to have been accepted.

To what extent your experience with the European Young Lawyers Scheme has helped you to reach this job?

The Young Lawyers Scheme was my first international experience living and working abroad and has both professionally and personally developed my interest for pursuing further international experiences. I was also the first time that I had the opportunity to work in English on a daily basis and to have some understanding of the Common Law legal system (although Scotland has a “mixed” legal system with elements of both Common and Civil Law).

How is your experience in working for such a multinational and multilingual organization?

It has been an extremely exciting and rewarding experience. After almost one year and a half I can say that I feel “adapted” here, although I am still learning all the procedures and internal rules of this institution. The work has been very interesting, since I get to learn a lot about all the countries of my region (Latin America) and about different areas and sectors of activity. Personally, the fact that is a multinational and multicultural institution, as you say, makes the daily life at the Bank extremely interesting since you get to know and work with people from all over the world. It also gives you the ability to deal with and be sensitive to all different cultures and behaviours. I think this is one of the most interesting parts of my work.

Are you still in touch with the other 1997 “Euro devils”?

Yes. My former roommates and I became very close and we have been in touch throughout the years. They have visited me in Lisbon and I have been in their countries. Of course it is difficult to maintain frequent contact when we all live in different countries (and continents) but we manage to at least be up-to-date with all the important changes in your lives. I also keep in touch with many of the Euro Devils from other years and I make an effort to attend the annual meetings, which are the best way to keep in touch with everyone (and spend a really good time).

Thank you.