Clara, International Economic Policy

Coming from Sweden, Clara Marköö has graduated in International Economic Policy. She works as a Senior Analyst at KOIS, an impact investment finance firm. 

What is your role and main responsibilities? 

I work as a senior analyst at KOIS, an impact investment and innovative finance firm. KOIS offers advisory services to design, structure, and place a diverse range of innovative impact financing instruments, as well as to help organizations shape strategies to enhance their societal impact. To make this more concrete: KOIS has recently launched an impact bond focused on refugee livelihoods in Jordan. What is special about results-based instruments such as impact bonds are that they attract new actors and resources to underserved contexts and sectors. In this case, the donors IKEA Foundation, Norad and Novo Nordisk Foundation joined forces with the investors DFC and Ferd to fund a micro-enterprise creation program for refugees and vulnerable host-communities in Jordan.

As an analyst, I spend most of my time conducting desk research (e.g., policy analysis on topics such as sustainable land use, water access, health system strengthening), interviewing experts, performing financial analysis, and preparing client deliverables. As an example, I am currently conducting feasibility research into launching a blended finance fund to invest in sustainable water infrastructure in fragile contexts together with UNICEF.

>How did you secure this role? 

I did a 6-month internship at the end of which I received an offer to start full-time in our Paris office.

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect at your role?

I would say that the most fascinating aspect of my role is the opportunity to work on issues that truly I care about while doing so in an environment that fosters professional growth. Indeed, KOIS is a small firm and I have from day one had the chance to work closely with experienced senior colleagues – something that has enabled me to quickly acquire new skills and take on responsibilities.

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role? 

I have PSIA to thank for introducing me to blended finance and the field I am currently working in. I think the ability to choose from a wide range of courses is a clear strength of PSIA.

What advice would you give to others? 

I would advise current students to try out different types of roles and working environments. It took me several years to learn that choosing a working environment that brings out the best in you is often more important than working on your main topic or in your sector of interest.

• About KOIS
• About the Master in International Economic Policy