The Finnish government provides a wide array of international positions across various agencies and organizations. These international roles support Finland’s foreign policy objectives and strengthen international cooperation. On this page, you will find information about career opportunities within the state, recruitment channels, and examples of agencies engaged in international duties. International job vacancies in government agencies can be found through the Valtiolle.fi service. Some international positions are coordinated and/or funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs or another government agency. Job postings can be found either on Valtiolle.fi or on the websites of the respective recruiting agencies.
In addition, numerous international organizations and communities offer a wide range of international job opportunities. Information on these entities can be found on their respective websites. Instructions for applying are included in each organization's job postings. Below are some links to their recruitment sites.
- OSCE Job Opportunities
- EU Job Opportunities
- EU Agencies Network (EUAN) Job Opportunities
- EURES (EURopean Employment Services)
- Council of Europe Job Opportunities
- NATO Job Opportunities
- Nordjobb Job Opportunities (in original language)
- Nordic Council of Ministers Job Opportunities (in original language)
- United Nations Job Opportunities
Would an International Career Suit You?
- Are you interested in working in a multicultural environment?
- Do you want to improve your language skills and develop new communication abilities?
- Are you willing to move to another country or travel for work?
- Do you enjoy new challenges and have the ability to work under pressure?
- Are you motivated to make an impact on global issues such as human rights, security, or sustainable development?
If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, an international career could be an excellent opportunity for you!
Take the leap and get involved!
Why apply for international positions?
- You will strengthen your professional skills and expertise
- You will improve your future employment opportunities
- You will develop your language skills and communication skills
- You will build networks and make contacts from different countries
- You will have an impact on global issues
- You will promote Finland's visibility and influence internationally
- You will learn to operate in a multicultural environment
- You will gain valuable experience and insight into an international work environment
How to Apply for International Positions
- Explore open positions on Valtiolle.fi, agency websites, or other recruitment platforms.
- Enable job alerts where available.
- Read language and other qualification requirements carefully. Ensure you meet them before applying.
- Review the position requirements thoroughly and assess your own skills, experience, and attributes in relation to them.
- Follow application instructions closely.
- Submit a well-prepared application tailored to the role.
- If attachments are required or allowed, include them with your application.
- Apply through the electronic recruitment system or as otherwise instructed. Submit your application on time.
- If you need assistance, check the contact details provided in the job add.
Finland actively participates in international operations through various authorities, organizations, and cooperation networks. International roles support Finland’s foreign policy goals, security, and development cooperation, while offering opportunities for Finnish experts and public servants.
Finland’s Diplomatic Network Abroad
Finland has an extensive network of diplomatic missions abroad, including embassies, consulates, and other offices. These missions:
- Provide services to Finnish citizens abroad
- Promote Finland’s political, economic, and cultural interests in host countries
Membership in International Organizations
Finland is an active member of many international organizations, such as:
- United Nations (UN)
- European Union (EU)
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
In these organizations, Finland contributes to international decision-making and promotes shared goals such as peace, security, and sustainable development.
Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid
Finland is engaged in development cooperation and humanitarian aid across various regions worldwide. The objectives include:
- Reducing poverty
- Promoting human rights and equality
- Supporting sustainable development
International Security
The Finnish Defence Forces and other security authorities take part in international peacekeeping and crisis management missions. These operations are based on international commitments and support global stability and Finland’s own security.
Finland Aims to Promote International Career Opportunities
The Finnish government actively encourages Finns to apply for international positions. The aim is to increase Finnish visibility and influence in international organizations and to support employment in EU institutions and agencies.
It is in the interest of both Finland and the EU that a sufficient number of Finnish experts are employed in these institutions. This enhances Finland’s international standing, boosts influence and brings valuable expertise and experience back to Finland. The goal is to make the most of Finnish expertise and strengthen Finland’s role in multilateral cooperation.
Many Government Agencies Recruit for International Roles
International positions are widely available throughout the government administration: in all ministries and in many agencies. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs plays a particularly central role as it manages Finland’s diplomatic missions and coordinates many international recruitment processes.
The government coordinates the placement of Finnish experts in international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU). Finland’s participation in international stakeholder cooperation is continuously growing.
Below are some government agencies with international responsibilities.
Business Finland employs 760 experts in 37 global offices and 16 locations in Finland. Its global network includes over 150 international experts.
Finland sends experts to civilian crisis management roles with the EU, UN, OSCE, NATO, the Council of Europe, and other international organizations, as well as to EU and OSCE election observation missions.
At any given time, approximately 130 Finnish experts are serving in civilian crisis management roles abroad. Dozens of election observers are also deployed annually, both short- and long-term.
Read more about civilian crisis management assignments on the CMC website
Read more about election observation on the CMC website
Each year, approximately 18 visiting lecturers are sent abroad by the agency to teach Finnish language and culture at foreign universities.
Read more on the Finnish National Agency for Education’s website
The Finnish Police participate in international assignments across all areas of responsibility. Police personnel may also be seconded abroad to work with international partners.
Read more about opportunities to enter international positions on their website
Personnel at the Ministry of Defence may apply for international defense roles, including in EU and NATO representations.
Following Finland’s NATO membership, personnel are assigned to NATO’s command structure, force structure, and agencies.
Read more about the Defence Forces and NATO on the Defence Forces’ website
Military crisis management is a statutory task of the Defence Forces. Operations may be conducted by the UN, OSCE, NATO, EU, or a lead nation. Participation is voluntary and includes both career personnel and reservists. By law, a maximum of 2,000 Finns may serve in operations simultaneously.
Read more about Finland's participation in crisis management on the Defence Forces’ website
The Border Guard participates in selected international border security projects and crisis management operations. It also maintains and develops a liaison officer network abroad.
Read more about working at the Finnish Border Guard on their website
The Foreign Service’s diplomatic network includes 90 missions, with over 500 staff posted from Helsinki. Most missions have 2–4 posted officials. Additionally, around 1,000 locally hired employees work at these missions.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs mainly recruits through two joint application processes: the Training Course for International Affairs (Kavaku) and the Administrative Career Course (Halku). Special officers are also hired for permanent or fixed-term positions.
