Job Posting, Embassy of Finland in Washington D.C.

Would you like to work for the happiest country in the world? The Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., seeks an Advisor to join its Sustainable Growth and Commerce team.

About the Position

The Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., offers a unique full-time, onsite position that combines diplomacy, policy, politics, and business in a fascinating and dynamic setting. The locally hired staff member will work as a member of the Sustainable Growth and Commerce team, with a concentration on federal energy policy issues. Under the direction of the team’s Minister Counselor and other counselors, the Advisor will be responsible for a variety of political and economic initiatives in Washington and across the United States. She or he will track and provide analytic reports on legislative, regulatory, and economic developments, primarily in the energy sector. The Advisor will also promote Finnish–American joint business interests and collaborate with colleagues on congressional engagement, public diplomacy, and other matters as needed. At the Embassy of Finland, local employees have a positive work-life balance, generous benefits, respectful and dedicated colleagues, and intriguing opportunities for professional development and travel. The precise duties and responsibilities of the position will evolve in accordance with the qualifications and interests of the successful applicant.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Identify, analyze, and advance opportunities for political cooperation and commercial engagement in energy and decarbonization, including those involving energy security, nuclear energy, renewable energy, hydrogen, energy innovation, and energy efficiency.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Embassy’s Sustainable Growth and Commerce team to develop and implement political and commercial strategies serving the interests of Finland and Finnish companies in key sectors, including bioeconomy, circular economy, connectivity, space, technology, and transportation (primarily clean fuels, civilian aviation, and maritime).  
• Provide authoritative advice to senior colleagues in the U.S. and Finland on engagements and communications with U.S. policymakers, candidates, officials, and stakeholders and prepare briefs on scheduled meetings and relevant political developments.
• Promote Finland’s views, ideas, and culture through local, national, and international outreach efforts, including embassy events, conferences, and travel.
• Engage with U.S. government officials, embassy counterparts, civil society, and the private sector. Positively represent the government of Finland with integrity and discretion across a variety of communities, venues, and locations.

Required Qualifications

• Subject matter expertise and at least three years of professional experience in U.S. federal energy policy and/or the U.S. energy sector.
• Detailed understanding of Congress or a relevant federal office and at least three years of service in a congressional office, a relevant federal office, or similar policy or political role.
• Excellent communications skills. Ability to communicate and present fluently in English. Ability to analyze and report on technical policy and procedural issues independently.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, political instincts, and personal judgement.
• Capability and motivation to work as a member of team where all colleagues are respected.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative office setting.
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant field, such as political science, public policy, international relations or economics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing network of contacts in the policy and private sector circles in the D.C. area.
• Background in or proven familiarity with Finland, Nordic countries, or European affairs.  
• Demonstrated experience in foreign affairs or international business. 
• Demonstrated experience in event preparation, conference hosting, vendor management, and/or VIP delegation planning.

Benefits / compensation

• Starting annual salary of $80,000 - $84,000.
• Employer-subsidized health insurance.
• Generous employer contributions to mandated retirement plan.
• 20 annual vacation days.
• 11 public holidays.
• Nordic work-life balance with a positive, collaborative, and welcoming work culture.

Work Authorization and Requirements

• Applicant must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 
• Onsite work is required. This is not a remote position. The employee is expected to reside the DMV area. Relocation costs will not be paid. 
• The employee may be expected to travel domestically or internationally up to 30 nights per year.
• Employment is contingent on the applicant successfully completing a basic background check and verification of employment and education history. Failing to adhere to employee guidelines, attendance policies, or complete required background checks may result in termination of employment.

How to Apply

• People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Embassy of Finland seeks to hire excellent candidates regardless of race, color, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, or religion.
• Email all materials to [email protected] by 15^th of November, 5 pm EST. In one PDF document, provide the following materials:
  • cover letter of 300 words or less.
  • resume of 1-2 pages.
  • writing sample of 500-750 words on a relevant policy issue.
  • Phone and e-mail contact details for three individuals familiar with the applicant's professional skills and experience. Please indicate when those individuals might be contacted.
• Incomplete applications or materials received after the deadline may be rejected.

Contact Information: All inquiries about this position or the application process should be directed to [email protected] No phone calls or visits, please.