Do you want to help advance the development of the circular economy globally?

Sitra is a future-oriented think tank that helps Finland reform. We anticipate future trends and work together with partners to find solutions to tomorrow’s challenges. We promote Finland’s well-being and accelerate sustainable economic growth. A better future requires action today—both in Finland and internationally.

At Sitra, experts from various fields work with passion and dedication, united by a shared interest in developing Finnish society. Our statutory mission is to promote Finland’s stable and balanced development, quantitative and qualitative economic growth, and international competitiveness and cooperation. Our work has both national and international impact.

We are now looking for two
Senior Leads or Specialists to join our international projects for a fixed-term period of two years.

These roles are part of Sitra’s new International unit which aims to accelerate the development of global circular economy solutions and promote the growth of the circular economy. Sitra has long worked on sustainability and circular economy topics, and we are now investing even more in international collaboration.
 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating, implementing and managing international projects
• Preparing and participating in projects’ steering group work
• Planning new projects and applying for external funding together with the team
• Presenting project content and results at international and national events and workshops, both virtually and in person
• Co-developing Sitra’s new International unit with other experts.
   

A key project at the start of the role will be the EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC) which is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Its goal is to promote the adoption of sustainable circular economy policies and business models globally.

EU CERC advances circular economy practices through three main initiatives:

• Knowledge Lab – Documents and consolidates EU expertise on the circular economy transition from the perspective of partner countries and makes this knowledge more accessible.
• Policy Lab – Inspires and facilitates the development and implementation of effective circular economy policies and regulations.
• Business Lab – Supports the transition to circular economy and helps companies and sectors in both partner countries and the EU to access markets. (Note: The main responsibility for implementing the Business Lab lies with a project partner.)

EU CERC works in close synergy with the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF), founded by Sitra and implemented through international collaboration. The roles also include initiatives related to the WCEF. Together, these projects promote sustainable economic activity through global collaboration.

We expect you to have:

• Several years’ experience in international project management related to the circular economy
• Excellent spoken and written English skills
• Strong presentation skills, entrepreneurial mindset and strategic capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage in long-term collaboration with diverse stakeholders
• A relevant university degree
• Knowledge in the following areas is considered an asset:
  • Multilateral financing mechanisms, Horizon and European development aid programmes, circular economy business and policy in the EU Familiarity with AI and digital transformation from a sustainability perspective.
  • Sustainable development (especially understanding the specific characteristics and challenges of the Global South), and related language skills. Familiarity with social inclusion, gender balance and human rights, is also beneficial.

We offer you:

• An enthusiastic and knowledgeable work community
• Ambitious and impactful tasks
• Opportunities to work internationally with a broad network of partners
• A chance to help shape the future of the circular economy globally
• Work location: Helsinki.

Interested?
Submit your application, including your salary request in EUR/month, by 28 September 2025. The position will start as agreed.

For more information, please contact Programme Director Kari Herlevi at +358 50 4639 397 or kari.herlevi@sitra.fi on 15 September between 9:00–16:00 (EEST).

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As a future-oriented organisation, our mission is to promote the well-being of Finland and accelerate economic growth within the limits of nature's carrying capacity. We anticipate the future, innovate and renew society.