VOLUNTEER STUDENT INTERN: Political & Economic Section, Spring 2024
Position Title: Volunteer Student Intern – Political & Economic Section
Location: American Embassy, Helsinki
Salary and Grade: Unpaid
Schedule: 25-40 hours/week. Flexible, but full time preferred. Temporary position.
Opening Date: November 28, 2023
Closing Date: Until filled
Security: U.S. Mission issues non-sensitive security clearance
Two positions are available starting in January 2024 for three to six months. Starting and ending dates are negotiable.
PERTINENT APPLICATION INFORMATION
Application Procedures: Interested applicants must submit their applications and pertinent supporting documentation to:
American Embassy
Human Resources Office
Itäinen Puistotie 14
00140 Helsinki
Email: hroh@state.gov; tel. 09/6162-5218
Please note:
- Application language is English, i.e., letter of introduction and CV or resume.
- Certificates, awards, or degrees in English or Finnish do not need to be translated.
- Applicants must provide an enrollment confirmation from the university/school.
- Eligibility requirements: The U.S. Mission will only accept applications from non-U.S. citizens. The purpose of the Volunteer National Student Intern Program is to offer local students the challenge of working in the foreign affairs arena.
- There are no benefits to this internship and no compensation, nor any future employment rights. The U.S. Mission will consider issues such as conflict of interest and nepotism in determining successful candidacy.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The Political/Economic Section in the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki advances U.S.-Finland bilateral interests as well as the U.S. global agenda. The section engages the Finnish government, political actors, private sector, universities, businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and academics to advance bilateral diplomatic relations, regional trade, science and technology cooperation, and to encourage entrepreneurship.
The section works with the Finnish government and manages the U.S.-Finland trade and investment, political affairs, science, Arctic, energy, environment, and technology portfolios.
The internship would entail substantive research, writing, and analysis on current developments in the aforementioned sectors as it relates to Finland. Written translation from Finnish to English and vice versa will be required. The daily routine includes administrative duties, including paperwork and electronic filing.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific information supporting each item in order to be considered qualified.
Education: Present enrollment in a university or comparable educational institution – preferably studying in a field related to politics, economics, business, or international affairs.
Experience: Basic level research or writing experience in English is preferred.
Language: Level IV (fluent) Finnish and English required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Prefer background in international relations and international issues. It is particularly helpful if the applicant has some background in international law, politics, or economics. A good understanding of the Finnish political and economic framework is preferred.
- Ability to multitask, work under tight deadlines, and take on increasing levels of responsibilities/tasks as needed.
- Ability to carefully follow instructions and work well in team settings.
- Must possess strong interpersonal, writing, research and analytical skills.
- Prefer candidates with experience providing analysis and evaluation of information derived from a variety of sources.
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION: Until filled.
The U.S. Mission in Finland provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The U.S. Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.
The Equal Employment Opportunity complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliations. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts of relief.
The U.S. Embassy in Helsinki offers internship opportunities under the Foreign National Student Intern Program (FNSIP). The main purpose of the program is to provide students with the opportunity and challenge of working in a foreign affairs arena while profiting from the expertise of experienced employees. Interns may earn academic credit from their educational institutions. Their supervisors serve as mentors, providing feedback as necessary to the intern and to the academic institution.