CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation is an independent organisation that works to prevent and resolve conflicts through dialogue and mediation. Founded in 2000 by Nobel Peace Laureate and former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, we have since grown to be a leader in the field of international peacemaking. 

Within its Sub-Saharan Africa Programme, CMI works to contribute to the relevant peace processes in the region by facilitating dialogue among conflict parties, enhancing regional conflict resolution capacities and supporting regional bodies and national actors.

CMI is now seeking a fixed-term finance, travel and logistics-focused Project Assistant for its Sub-Saharan Africa Team to assist the implementation of the Sudan projects.

Your key responsibilities:

Providing administrative support to the Sudan team, focusing on travel arrangements, logistics, and budget administration;
Managing and coordinating travel arrangements of CMI organized activities, including flights, accommodation, and transportation, ensuring compliance with CMI and donor travel policies;
Assisting with budget planning, forecasting, and tracking, and supporting procurement processes, providing insights and recommendations to optimize financial performance;
Processing invoices, expense claims, and financial transactions, maintaining accurate records and ensuring timely payments;
Providing support to the project team as needed, including data entry, reporting, and ad-hoc tasks;
Arranging travel and logistical support for events and/or individuals.

What we are looking for:

A professional qualification in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent practical training;
At least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in a similar role, preferably in a multinational environment or with experience in the travel industry and/or corporate setting. Longer work experience (5 years or more) is seen as a strong asset.
Strong knowledge of budget management, financial principles, and accounting software;
Experience in supporting the administration and financial management of EU grants is an advantage;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and have experience with financial software and systems;
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks;
A positive, service-minded, and proactive attitude, with strong communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills;
Fluent written and spoken skills in English. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset.
The ability to work effectively in rapidly changing situations with competing priorities and tight deadlines, while remaining flexible, solution-oriented, and composed when plans shift at short notice.
Commitment to CMI values and principles.

We offer you an opportunity to work in a unique organization in the peacemaking field, with benefits that support your wellbeing such as flexible working hours, hybrid work, occupational health care, lunch benefit and commuter/recreational benefits, as well as travel insurance that includes private travel and accident insurance that covers leisure time. CMI’s experts work in an international environment with our offices in central Helsinki, Brussels and with a global outreach. As a part of the CMI team you will have the opportunity to contribute to CMI’s global vision – “Every conflict can be resolved.” 

The Project Assistant, Finance and Travel will report to the Head of the Sub-Saharan Africa programme and work in close cooperation with the Senior Manager, Sudan projects. The position is located in Helsinki, Finland. This position requires a valid right to work in Finland, that enables full‑time employment. CMI’s main working language is English. The salary of this position is based on the CMI salary scales.

The position is a fixed-term project-related recruitment until 31 December 2027 (tentative to funding). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible, latest in August 2026.

To apply for this position, please submit your application including a CV and a motivation letter in English to our online recruitment system through the link, latest on Thursday 4 June 2026. Please note that we accept applications through our online recruitment system only. Applicants may be contacted already during the application period.

If you have questions regarding the position, you can contact Sylvia Thompson, Senior Manager, Sudan (firstname.lastname(at)cmi.fi)

If you have questions regarding the position or the recruitment process, you can contact CMI recruitment team (recruitment(at)cmi.fi).

Data Protection and Automation

As part of our recruitment process, we might use limited automation and AI‑based tools to support the initial review of applications and to streamline communication with candidates. These tools are used only to assist our recruitment team, they do not make any decisions. All assessments and final selections are always made by a human.

We treat all information you provide in your application with confidentiality, and your personal data is processed in compliance with applicable data protection legislation.

CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation

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