Senior Specialist Teija Pellikainen

1. Who are you?

I am Teija Pellikainen, currently working as a lawyer in the Secretariat of the Security Committee, which is an expert body on comprehensive security operating under the Ministry of Defence. I have been working at the Ministry of Defence since 2015, and currently have a permanent position in the Legal Unit. The Ministry of Defence as my employer and my wonderful supervisors have been extremely supportive and helped me move forward in my career. In recent years, I have had the opportunity to expand my work experience at the Police Department of the Ministry of the Interior and in staff duties in military crisis management operations. 

2. What’s your job profile like?

My job description is quite extensive, which means I’m involved in a wide range of roles and tasks. These include extensive and intersectoral legal specialist duties in the field of preparedness and contingency planning, as well as specialist support in the preparation of matters addressed by the Security Committee. I also participate in the preparations for the intersectoral meetings of the Heads of Preparedness and Preparedness Secretaries, give lectures in national defence courses and participate in legislative drafting.

3. How did you come to work at the Ministry of Defence?

When I was writing my Master’s thesis on environmental law, an opportunity became available to apply for a one-year position as a legal trainee at the Ministry of the Environment, which offered this position in honour of the Ministry’s 30th anniversary. So, my career as a government official began in the Ministry of the Environment, more specifically in the Water Protection and Environmental Impact Assessment Unit of the Department of the Natural Environment, where I was introduced to the Government’s activities, development projects and legislative drafting. Right after I graduated, the Ministry of Defence hired me as a maternity leave replacement. That was my way in, and the rest is history. Special expertise in land use and the environment has recently been in demand by the security authorities, which meant I had a very suitable background from the defence administration perspective. Currently my areas of special expertise include preparedness and crisis legislation as well as regulation on territorial surveillance and the defence forces.

4. What kind of matters are now topical in your work? 

The most current topic at the moment is how to improve our preparedness, using the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Security Committee examines matters from a broad perspective, trying to take into account the perspective and competence of the different administrative branches. A good example of a key process currently under way is the work to update the Security Strategy for Society, in connection with which a new government resolution will also be prepared.

5. How has the work culture in the Ministry of Defence changed during your career?

I think we have always had an encouraging work culture and a strong sense of community. Cooperation both within the Ministry and with other ministries and authorities has been smooth and efficient. Many things have changed following the COVID-19 crisis. Although remote work allows us to use our time more efficiently, I do miss coffee breaks with colleagues, and spontaneous celebrations over a glass of bubbly. 

6. What is the best thing about your job?

I have been given responsibility, which has given me confidence to handle new, challenging and complex issues. I have always been encouraged to grow professionally and to diversify my job description. I feel that my work here has a meaning.

7. Describe your workplace with a few words

Workplace is important to me, and I value directness and a good community spirit. It is great to work with highly skilled specialists who are also really nice people!