As part of the Government, and as the authority directing its branch of government, the Ministry of Defence is in charge of national defence policy, national security and international cooperation in defence policy matters. The Ministry of Defence ensures that Finland has the necessary military defence capabilities, and secures the Defence Forces’ operating conditions. The Ministry of Defence’s purview also includes Finland's participation in international crisis management and contribution to the European security structures to safeguard national interests. Finland's membership in NATO has a crosscutting impact on the Ministry of Defence's range of duties.

The Ministry of Defence has three departments, and two units reporting directly to the Permanent Secretary. The Secretariat of the Security Committee also works under the Ministry. The departments divide their work between several units. The directors-general and the directors of unit coordinate the activities of their teams. The Ministry is a civilian organisation with a management style that is similar to any other central government agency. Nationally, the Finnish Defence Forces operate under the Ministry of Defence. It is the Ministry's task to guide the Defence Forces’ activities.

The Ministry of Defence is an expert organisation. Some 80 per cent of the ministry staff are educated to Master's degree level in their field, most commonly in Law, Political Science, Arts, Science, Administrative Sciences, and Military Sciences. Other common qualifications include Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Business Administration.

The Ministry’s work covers a wide range of issues. It is challenging with a forward-looking approach and has societal relevance. Working at the Ministry offers an excellent overview of central government with insights into specific matters relating to defence policy and more broadly to national defence. The Ministry of Defence provides an opportunity to be at the forefront of societal and international changes. Ministry staff can apply for the defence administration’s international positions, for example in the Permanent Representations of Finland to the EU and NATO.

We believe that trust is built on openness, respect and high quality. If you are interested in engaging in socially and internationally meaningful work and you share our common values, follow our job postings on the Ministry of Defence social media channels and on valtiolle.fi. You can apply for the Ministry of Defence vacancies on the valtiolle.fi recruitment site. More details on how to apply can be found in the advertisement for each position.