About the AIIB and Its Mission
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is often misunderstood, as Scott explains: "People see that we're located in Beijing and they see 'Asian' in the title of the bank and presume that we're a Chinese bank. But we're a multilateral organization with 110 shareholders."
This makes AIIB the second-largest multilateral development bank by membership, behind only the World Bank. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank focuses on sustainable infrastructure investment across Asia, with 50% of investments already directed toward climate financing—a target originally set for 2030 but achieved years ahead of schedule.
In our podcast, Scott highlights three flagship projects that demonstrate AIIB's work: Renewable Energy in Kazakhstan, Women's Economic Empowerment and Digital Connectivity in Indonesia. Reflecting on the Indonesia project Scott elaborates: "We launched a satellite that gave access to reliable internet for close to 150,000 public service points across the country... having an impact across millions of people in Indonesia."
From Private to the Public Sector
Scott's career path wasn't entirely planned. He grew up on a farm "five miles outside of a village of maybe 150 people" in Canada before working in Japan, the UK, and eventually finding his way to development banking.
On transitioning from private to public sector, Scott notes: "When you're working in a mandate-based organization, you get a lot of passion and it builds the culture differently." While he "loved my time in the private sector," he found greater fulfillment in development: "You're doing something that has an impact on millions of people across Asia and the world."
AIIB's Growth Creates Career Opportunities
Now approaching its 10th anniversary, the AIIB has grown from a startup to an established institution with 660 staff members. "We're in a period of pretty rapid expansion, adding 10, 15, sometimes close to 20% headcount each year," Scott reveals.
This means "your career is not limited by the pace at which people above you retire or depart. You've got new opportunities being added every year."
Current opportunities span investment operations, digital transformation, climate finance, and numerous enabling functions. Scott's team manages all this with just four people, leveraging technology to handle tasks like screening 8,000 graduate program applications.
Advice on International Relocation
Scott shares valuable insights for professionals considering international moves, drawing from his experiences relocating to Japan, Indonesia, the UK, and China.
"You really have to ask yourself, is this right?" he advises. "Those first six months isn't going to be easy. You have to look at not just you, it might be an excellent opportunity for you, but what's the impact going to be on your family? What's your parents' health like? These are things you need to take into account."
Yet he encourages stepping outside comfort zones: "You have to recognize the development it gives you when you take yourself out of these comfort zones and you go somewhere new." For his children, who have lived in three different countries, "that is something that has an impact on them in a positive way."
Scott emphasizes thorough research before making that move: "The worst thing that can happen is for us to bring you all the way to China or for whatever organization... and it'd be a bad fit. Really do your homework in advance, talk to your network."
In Beijing specifically, Scott found reality defied perceptions: "There's a big gap between what the perception you find and what the actual reality of living here is." He notes the excellent international schools, safety, close-knit expat community, and AIIB's flexible policy allowing "six months remote work each year."
Key Points for Aspiring Candidates
For those interested in joining AIIB or similar organizations, Scott recommends:
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Show genuine passion: "We want people who are not here to collect a paycheck, but people who are here because they genuinely have a passion for what we do."
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Craft a thoughtful cover letter: "I've never worked in an organization like this one where so much attention is paid to that."
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Network strategically: "Use LinkedIn, attend what events you could, look for who the people I wanted to associate with and get your name on the radar."
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Consider the "thin end of the wedge": "It's easier to transition once you're in an organization... get into the organization using the skills that you have and then transition when you're in."
Scott's final career advice applies universally: "Shine the light on other people, make sure they get recognition for the work the people around you are doing and just be a good person, right? That's who other people want to work around."
Be sure to attend any of our virtual events in which AIIB will be participating. This is a great opportunity to connect with HR representatives from AIIB and other leading international organizations!