Economist / Junior Economist

Finnfund is a Finnish development financier and impact investor. We build a sustainable future and generate lasting impact by investing in businesses that solve global development challenges. We invest 200–250 million euros in 20–30 companies in developing countries each year. Our focus sectors include renewable energy, sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture, financial institutions, and digital infrastructure and solutions. Today Finnfund’s investments, commitments, and investment decisions total about 1.22 billion euros, half of them in Africa. The company has 100 employees based in Helsinki and Nairobi. For more information, please visit www.finnfund.fi

Do you want to help shape global sustainable development? Would you like to be part of our growth and success and work with investments in developing countries?

We are now looking for an

Economist/Junior Economist 

for a full-time, fixed term contract for 1.5 years, with the possibility of extension. You can be a recent graduate or have 2-5 years of work experience. The seniority of the position will be adapted according to your experience. 

You will be part of the Managing Director’s office team and together with the Chief Economist lead the preparation of country-specific analyses for and with the financial teams preparing investment decisions. In this position, you will

• participate in project teams preparing investment decisions by preparing country analyses that assess the economic and political situation and related risks and opportunities in the countries in which investee companies operate. 

• monitor the (economic) development in Finnfund's target countries and assess related risks and opportunities for Finnfund's current and potential investments.

• support the Chief Economist in briefing the Investment Committee, Management Team and Board of Directors.

• participate in development projects and work with a wide range of stakeholders, for example investors. 

• support the Chief Economist in external communications. 

In addition, you will participate in different working groups and support Finnfund’s international cooperation when needed.  The job description may also include project-based or other tasks not specified here.

Who we are looking for

For this position, a genuine interest in the developing world and willingness to analyze macroeconomic and political risks in developing countries is a prerequisite. An ideal candidate should have a Master’s degree, preferably in the field of economics or development economics. In addition, finance studies, development studies, or social sciences studies are appreciated. We value experience in country macroeconomic surveillance and international work or other experience, especially from developing countries. 

A successful candidate for this position has excellent written and verbal English skills as well as good social skills. Command of other languages than English is a benefit. We expect you to have a persistent, analytic, and comprehensive approach to challenges. We value the capability to work independently, a proactive, flexible and goal-oriented mindset and good teamworking skills.

The task involves close international cooperation, in particular with European development financiers and the European Commission. Some travel is required for this cooperation. In addition, country assessments may require travel to developing countries, sometimes at short notice.

In today’s hybrid working environment, excellent ICT skills are required.

What’s in it for you

We are based in Helsinki, the capital of Finland – world’s happiest country. Our modern office space in Ruoholahti was designed together with our staff members. Everyone has their own desk at the office, but as a hybrid workplace, many of us work from home 1-3 days a week. 

Flexible working hours, extensive occupational health care services and recreational activities are some of the ways of how Finnfund promotes employee’s well-being, work-life balance, and job satisfaction. We advance and monitor equality and encourage our employees to carry out continuous learning and professional improvement.  

Finnfund motivates its employees to take care of their well-being and health by supporting their sports and cultural activities. Finnfund’s employees can also choose between an employer-subsidised commuter benefit or bicycle benefit. 

The position is fixed term due to ongoing development projects, affecting the workload in the Managing Director’s office. Depending on the outcome of these projects, there may be an opportunity for a permanent position.

Get in touch

For more information about the position, please contact Chief Economist Kristiina Karjanlahti, tel +358 50 525 7081, preferably on 5th of April between 14.00 and 15.30 or on 8th of  April between 14.00 and 15.30. During other times, Martti Kangas from HR Legal will respond to enquiries at +358 40 7007754 or martti.kangas@hrlegal.fi

We look forward to receiving your application by 18th of April at the latest. Please attach your CV and salary request with your application via the application button.

We encourage applications from qualified individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.