FinCEED Training for Education Development Experts focuses on global perspectives in system-wide education development. The training aims to equip participants to work as education specialists in a variety of global contexts, particularly in ODA‑eligible countries and territories. Typical assignments may include educational planning, policy strategy and formulation, and sector analysis. The training is intended for experts with practical experience in the Finnish education system. The language of instruction is English, and participation is free of charge for selected trainees.

For whom?

The training targets experts with different backgrounds (public and private sectors, higher education institutions, CSOs, education providers, etc.), having practical experience and knowledge of Finnish education, for example: 

• Teachers working in Finland who already have some international experience, whether voluntary or other experience 
• Education-sector experts who have gained experience in Finland and have professional experience in the Finnish education system 
• Education-sector professionals with experience in international commercial cooperation who are interested in emerging markets (lower- and middle-income countries, fragile contexts)
• Development cooperation experts with international experience, who are interested in specializing in education-sector development
• Experts outside Finland or non-Finnish residents may be considered if they have substantial experience in the Finnish education system

Kindly acknowledge that we expect all the participants selected for the training to be motivated and prepared to apply for international assignments in the field of global education development.

Note: FinCEED will organize the FinCEED Specialized Training for Education Development Experts on 26–27 October 2026, which is intended for those who have previously participated in a FinCEED training, and/or those who have more than five years of professional experience in education and development, and who wish to strengthen their expertise.

Read more: FinCEED Specialized Training for Education Development Experts

Selection criteria and how to apply

Participants (25 persons) are selected through an open call. Priority is given for those who are registered in the FinCEED expert directory.

Ideally the selected participants would have (all or some areas apply):

• professional experience in the field of education development in Finland  
• professional experience (may include volunteer work, internship or similar) from international development cooperation or humanitarian assistance or civilian crisis management  
• previous experience in the field of educational development internationally, preferably in a developing country context  
• motivation and strong interest to apply for international positions within education and development  
• commitment to participate in contact learning workshops in Helsinki, Finland, in April and September 2026  
• the following competencies: ethical awareness and intercultural communication skills, collaborative working skills, skills to build and maintain partnerships, strategic thinking and analytical mindset  
• excellent working proficiency in English. Proficiency of other languages (i.e. French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic) is an asset

FinCEED will select the participants based on these criteria. In addition, an overall assessment will be applied to ensure diversity and complementarity of the training group.

Training practicalities 

The training comprises practical in-person training days, virtual learning sessions, and online self-study. The training consists of:

• 4 days of contact learning
• 6-8 hours of distance learning
• Approximately 30 hours of online self-study  

Selected trainees commit to active participation on all training days listed below and to completing the independent assignments required outside the training sessions. If a participant is unable to attend a session, a replacement assignment will be provided. This must be considered before applying for the training.

Training schedule

Apply for the training by 6 March 2026, 16:15 (Finnish time). Please attach your updated CV (in English) to the application form.

Inquiries

Anne Kolehmainen, Senior Advisor, FinCEED

+358 295 331 661 / finceed@oph.fi