Research and Development Advisor

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is looking for a Research and Development Advisor for a fixed-term position. The Research and Development Advisor is a strategic and coordination role responsible for advancing FCA’s research, evidence generation, and academic partnerships. The position plays a central role in identifying and developing collaborations with academic, learning, and research institutions both in Finland and globally and in facilitating joint research initiatives that strengthen FCA’s programme development, advocacy, and innovation efforts. 

The Advisor ensures that FCA’s programming is informed by systematic research and academic evidence, bridging the gap between research, knowledge generation, and practical implementation and impact.

The position is located at our head office in Helsinki, Finland.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Identify, establish and maintain existing partnerships with academic, learning and research institutions in Finland, globally, and support such partnerships in FCA’s countries of operation.
• Support the identification, design, and facilitation of joint research projects with academic and non-academic partners, such as private sector actors or other like-minded organisations.
• Support and work with research students to facilitate collaborative research initiatives.
• Coordinate and follow up on research initiatives to generate evidence and learning that strengthen FCA’s programme development and advocacy efforts.
• Contribute to the development of FCA’s phenomena-based programming through research and provide related support to SAC and country offices.
• Facilitate internal capacity building and knowledge sharing on research methodologies and best practices.
• Ensure effective dissemination of research findings and outcomes through reports, publications, presentations, and/or other internal and external communication channels.
• Coordinate FCA’s Research Coordination Group (RCG).
• Support the identification and development of global funding proposals with a focus on research and innovation.

Competence and Personal Requirements:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field.
• Strong academic background in research design, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and data analysis.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of relevant professional experience in research and evidence generation within international development, humanitarian, or academic settings.
• Proven experience in developing and managing research partnerships with universities, think tanks, or research institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and coordinate research projects that inform programme design, policy, or advocacy.
• Experience in translating research findings into policy briefs, reports, publications, and programme recommendations.
• Familiarity with donor-funded research initiatives, proposal development, and research components of global funding applications.
• Experience working in or with organizations operating in fragile contexts is an asset.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex data and evidence.
• Excellent knowledge of research ethics, methodologies, and data quality standards.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships and networks across academic, policy, and practitioner communities.
• Ability to facilitate organizational learning and knowledge sharing related to research and innovation.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in Finnish and English (written and spoken).

The position will be filled as soon as possible. It is a fixed-term position until 31 December 2029, including a six-month probationary period. The compensation is based on the FCA salary scale and the candidate’s level of experience. The salary range for this position is 3 472,59 € – 3 962,98 €, depending on experience. FCA’s benefits package includes comprehensive health care and staff development opportunities.

For more information about the position, please contact Head of Strategy and Quality Unit Piritta.Rikkonen@kua.fi

Please apply using the link no later than 17 March 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s largest development co-operation organisation and the second biggest organisation in Finland working in humanitarian aid. FCA is a founding member of the international aid alliance of churches, ACT Alliance. We seek positive change by supporting the most vulnerable people in fragile contexts. We specialize in supporting local communities’ right to peace, livelihoods and quality education. Qualified and interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy.  

FCA has zero tolerance concerning aid diversion and illegal actions and may screen applicants against international lists to ensure due diligence and compliance with Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements.  

FCA has a Safeguarding policy and zero tolerance against child abuse and sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), and participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS).

Tagged as: Research, development & R&D