We are now seeking for Diak’s Helsinki campus a Project Manager – Educational Developer for a fixed-term position for the period 1 October 2026 – 31 August 2028.

The position is divided equally between the roles of Project Manager (50%) and Educational Developer (50%).

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced expert to lead Diak’s sub-project in the international THRIVE (Transforming healthcare research into validated solutions through Alliance-KIC cooperation) project, as well as to strengthen our degree education in social services, healthcare, and sign language interpreting.

About the Project

THRIVE is a 24-month international project with a consortium comprising 14 higher education and innovation actors across nine EU countries. The project aims to build a permanent, simulation-based validation and training model and to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity to bring healthcare research results and innovations to market.

The project will develop five specialized innovation support structures and a three-tiered micro-credential-based educational model. These will be closely integrated with the operations of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Knowledge and Innovation Communities (EIT Health and 28Digital).

Diak leads a work package (EIT KIC Strategic Integration) aimed at creating a strategic cooperation model and roadmap (2028–2035) between the alliance and the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities. In addition, Diak brings strong Finnish health system and RDI expertise to the project (such as CFIR implementation readiness assessments and knowledge of Kela reimbursement logic).

Key Tasks and Responsibilities in the Project (50% of working time)

• Leading the Strategic Integration work package: Coordinating the international cooperation structure, working in close collaboration with the EIT Health and 28Digital Knowledge and Innovation Communities, and preparing key strategic documents (such as the roadmap).
• Project administration: Managing the budget, working hours, and cost tracking for Diak's sub-project, MEL data collection (monitoring and evaluation), and official reporting to the project coordinator and funder.
• Representation: Acting as Diak’s representative and contact person within the 14-partner international consortium and maintaining active links with the Nordic health innovation ecosystem.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities in Educational Development (50% of working time)

• Developing education within Diak’s degree programmes in social services, healthcare, and/or sign language interpreting, as well as in continuous learning services and commercial business activities.
• Focusing development themes particularly on the digitalisation of professional fields, social and healthcare innovation activities, simulation teaching, and digital social and healthcare services.
• The position may also include teaching and student guidance, research, development, and innovation (RDI) work, as well as publishing activities.

What We Expect from You

• An applicable Master’s degree (e.g., health/social sciences, business administration, technology).
• Up-to-date, broad experience and expertise in social services, healthcare, and/or sign language interpreting, along with knowledge of professional networks and an understanding of future development trends in the welfare sectors.
• A proven track record and experience in successfully managing international EU-funded projects (e.g., EIT, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Interreg) or national projects at the work package level (budgeting, timelines, reporting).
• A developmental, innovative approach to work, combined with experience in business collaboration and welfare sector development.
• Strong interpersonal, guidance, facilitation, and networking skills.
• Fluent English language skills (English is the working language of the consortium, Finnish is Diak's main internal language, and teaching is conducted in Finnish/English).
• Readiness to travel for international project meetings and workshops within Europe.
• A self-directed, organized, and dynamic work style, with the ability to operate effectively in a multicultural expert environment.

Considered an Asset

• Finnish language proficiency.
• Familiarity with EIT funding logic and KIC operations (EIT Health, 28Digital).
• Understanding of health and welfare innovation activities and the broader RDI landscape.
• Experience in foresight and roadmapping methodologies.
• Familiarity with the Finnish health system, reimbursement logic (Kela), and Nordic health innovation networks.
• Business acumen and experience in commercialising innovations (e.g., productisation, go-to-market strategies, business collaboration).
• Qualification as a University of Applied Sciences Senior Lecturer in accordance with Finnish Government Decree 1129/2014 or equivalent higher education pedagogical competence.
• Experience in developing higher education curricula and educational products.

Salary and Benefits

The monthly salary for this position is €4,800 / month.

We offer a diverse and impactful role in a nationwide, increasingly international university of applied sciences. You will join a collaborative expert community and participate directly in building future social and healthcare innovations and education. We value equality and diversity in our workplace.

Further Information and How to Apply

For further information regarding the position, please contact Research and Development Manager Reija Paananen (reija.paananen@diak.fi, tel. +358 50 5920246) at the following times:

• 31 August at 10:00–11:00
• 7 September at 14:00–16:00

Please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 11 September. Please attach your curriculum vitae (CV) and application letter.