Demos Helsinki
Policy Advisor at Demos Helsinki in Location not listed
Job Description
Demos Helsinki
The societies we live in were not designed for the challenges they now face.
Institutions, policies and economic structures have developed over decades through political choices, compromises and changing circumstances. Many have produced enormous progress. But the values behind them are increasingly being tested by global dynamics that cut across established policy boundaries: ecological crises, geopolitical uncertainty, technological change, demographic shifts and growing pressures on democratic societies.
At Demos Helsinki, we believe these challenges require more than better answers to existing questions. They require us to keep asking which questions matter, what is worth knowing, and how knowledge can actually help societies change direction towards a fairer, more sustainable and joyful future.
This is what our work is about.
Demos Helsinki is a globally operating, non-profit and independent think tank. We are a community of motivated experts dedicated to instigating and sustaining essential transitions to a fair, sustainable and joyful future. We believe that change can happen only together.
That is why we carry out consultative and research projects together with hundreds of partners, including private international foundations, UN organisations, the European Commission and companies. Over the past 20 years, we have grown into an organisation of over 80 people working on more than 100 projects per year, with forecasted revenue of over €6 million.
About the role
We are looking for a Policy Advisor to join Demos Helsinki. Please note that we might be hiring more than one person for this role.
Our work sits between research, policy and practice. We work with academic researchers, policymakers, civil servants, businesses and civil society, not only to understand societal problems, but to find ways of acting on them.
This means knowledge plays a distinct role here: it exists to be acted on, not just produced.
Sometimes the work means going deep into research and finding the insight that changes how a problem is understood. Sometimes it means writing a brief or memo that helps someone in making a better decision. Sometimes it means understanding what different stakeholders actually care about and finding a way forward between competing perspectives. And sometimes it means recognising that the question everyone is trying to answer is not the right one.
As a Policy Advisor, you will help us do this work.
You will work across research and consultative projects and alongside different teams at Demos Helsinki. You will engage closely with substantive content, but also with the people and institutions that can act on it. You will help turn research and ideas into analysis, arguments and forms of action that can influence real-world decisions.
We do not expect you simply to execute an established agenda. You are Demos Helsinki too. Over time, we want you to help shape the questions we pursue, identify where our work can matter and contribute to building new openings for impact.
What kind of person thrives in this work?
We have found that it requires some of the following:
A point of view and the confidence to defend it with credible argumentation.
Genuine curiosity about people: what they care about, what pressures they are under, and what would influence their thinking.
The ability to push forward without generating resistance.
A collaborative instinct: you quickly understand what a team needs and are comfortable contributing without taking lead.
Comfort with being unfinished and the courage to speak up when you get it wrong.
A sense that this work is genuinely meaningful because you care about the direction of our societies — towards a fairer, more sustainable and joyful future.
What we expect from you
Some years of professional work experience in a relevant field, for example policy, governance, economics, research or consulting. What matters most to us is what you made of your experience – not the credentials or path that got you there.
A background in economics, political science, political economy, law, business, environmental policy, or a related field, and the habit of engaging seriously with both ideas and action.
Hands-on experience producing substantive written outputs: policy briefs, research summaries, position papers, analytical memos or similar. You are comfortable working close to the content and deep-dives come naturally to you.
Comfort working in ambiguity and across different teams and workstreams.
Strong written and spoken English.
Based in the European Union, with willingness to travel.
Practicalities for the position
Employment: Permanent (inc. 6 months of a probationary period), full-time position (37.5 h/week) with flexible working hours
Location: Our home base is Helsinki, Finland. Working arrangements can include hybrid and remote work, although we expect regular presence in Helsinki, particularly in the beginning.
Salary: According to Demos Helsinki's responsibility category model. Final salary is determined based on the level of responsibility and your demonstrated experience in comparable responsibilities.
Start: As soon as possible / agreed with the selected candidate.
How to apply
Please apply by writing us a 1-page essay.
The topic: How would you go about leveraging long-term goal-setting at EU level, with different stakeholders?
Drawing from your professional background and experience, describe your approach and the reasoning behind the choices you would make. We are not looking for literature reviews!
We assume AI tools will be part of how you work. Please briefly explain in the application form how you used AI tools in preparing your application.If you didn’t, mention that as well.
The deadline is set for Sep 27th 00:00 CET.
Please submit your application through this form. In addition to your essay, include your CV with brief descriptions of your responsibilities and contributions in each role.
If you have questions about the role, you can contact: Jenni Kilpi, jenni.kilpi@demoshelsinki.fi