Head of EU Affairs

We are looking for Sitra’s Head of EU Affairs in Brussels

Would you like to help build an impactful future and advance societal renewal in an international environment? We are recruiting a Head of EU Affairs to strengthen Sitra’s EU policy engagement and international partnerships. You will develop Sitra’s EU activities and work closely with Sitra’s international and domestic functions based in Helsinki.

Sitra promotes societal renewal in Finland, Europe and globally. We work widely with stakeholders, EU institutions and Member States, and accelerate the renewal of a competitive and sustainable Europe through practical experiments.

As the Head of EU Affairs, you will have the opportunity to strengthen Sitra’s and Finland’s impact in solving some of the most pressing societal challenges of our time. Our current focus areas include sustainability transition, use of data and AI, strengthening democracy, and wellbeing solutions.

Your task is to build and strengthen Sitra’s networks at the heart of EU decision-making, influence policy priorities and the focus areas of EU funding programmes, and support Sitra’s role and brand as a forward-looking organisation both in the EU and in Finland. In your work, you will draw on Sitra’s extensive international networks and its unique operating model.

The role emphasises proactive network-building, a strong understanding of how the European Union works, collaboration and influencing skills, and the ability to identify new collaboration opportunities that matter to Sitra and Finland.

We expect you to have

• The ability to connect Sitra’s strategy and societal goals to EU policymaking and to plan impactful activities.
• A proven track record of delivering impact at EU level, including experience and strong evidence of building stakeholder relationships and working with EU institutions.
• The ability to work independently and build cross-sector collaboration in an international environment with diverse partners.
• Knowledge of the EU’s different funding programmes.
• Excellent English skills, Finnish and French skills are considered an advantage.
• A relevant Master's degree or equivalent.

You will be located in Brussels, and the role includes occasional travel, especially to Helsinki.

Your responsibilities

• As Head of EU Affairs, you will lead Sitra’s EU affairs in Brussels and develop the operating model between Brussels and Helsinki.
• You will identify new opportunities and contacts and deepen Sitra’s existing relationships in EU-funded cooperation programmes.
• You will monitor and influence developments in EU policy priorities relevant to Sitra’s focus areas. You will meet EU officials, representatives of Member States, Members of the European Parliament, think-tank representatives and other stakeholders.
• You will discuss policy directions and build new contacts for Sitra. You will support Sitra’s EU training by creating contacts and in other ways agreed separately.

We offer you

• A fixed-term contract for two years in Belgium.
• A competitive salary and flexible ways of working that enable combining remote and on-site work.
• Comprehensive benefits
• A supportive international work community where you work as part of a skilled, growth-oriented team.

Interested? If you recognised yourself in this description and are interested in the role, please submit your application by June 25, 2026, at 23:59 EEST. Please act quickly, as we may start interviews during the application period.

Work starts on September 1st, 2026, or as otherwise agreed in the contract.

Further information:

Our current Head of EU Affairs, Ilkka Räsänen, is available for your questions about the content of work and his experience at the following times:

• Monday, June 8, 10.30 – 11.30 CET
• Friday, June 12, 9.30 – 10.30 CET

p. +358 294 618 540

As a future-oriented organisation, our mission is to promote Finland’s wellbeing and accelerate economic growth within the limits of nature’s carrying capacity. We explore what lies ahead, produce innovations and renew society.

Apply between 3 June 2026 and 25 June 2026 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)