Hiring a Youth participation coordinator
Are you passionate about empowering young people to shape democratic life and strengthening their role in decision-making? Do you have the expertise to support National Agencies, foster innovation, and provide insights that drive youth participation in Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps?
Be the driver of change – apply by 12 October to become the next Youth Participation Coordinator of SALTO Participation and Information Resource Centre (SALTO PI).
About SALTO PI
SALTO Participation and Information (SALTO PI) is a European Resource Centre dedicated to supporting the stakeholders of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) on how to utilise these Programmes as tools for promoting meaningful participation in democratic life.
Our main responsibilities are:
- Providing information, resources and inspiration that support a shared understanding of democratic participation and the recognition of Erasmus+ and ESC programmes as tools to promote it among its
stakeholders . - Supporting National Agencies in developing systemic and high-quality approaches to participation in their own work, by providing them with capacity-building events, training materials and peer learning networks;
- Contributing to the quality implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and communication of democratic participation in Erasmus+ and ESC through strategic work.
Our target groups are Erasmus+ and ESC National Agencies, organisations and practitioners in Youth, School Education, VET, Adult Education and Higher Education, and young people and learners of all ages.
We are hosted by the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Agency in Estonian Education and Youth Board (Harno). Harno implements developments in the fields of education and youth and has the ambition of being the best employer in order to become the best state institution. SALTO PI’s work is mandated by the European Commission.
About the role
The youth participation coordinator plays a key role in implementing the Youth Participation Strategy within Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programs. This role involves supporting National Agencies (NAs) in their efforts to enhance youth participation, studying developments in democratic participation, and being an expert partner to the European Commission and other stakeholders. By fostering strategic project management and collaboration, the coordinator helps ensure that youth participation remains a priority in EU programs and policies.
The role entails:
- Coordinating the monitoring, promotion and implementation of the Youth Participation Strategy – supporting the quality implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and communication of youth participation priority in Erasmus+ and ESC, coordinating the work of the Strategy Steering Group, implementing activities based on the priorities and aims of the Strategy in cooperation with other stakeholders and actors, strengthening links between formal and non-formal learning, following developments in youth participation policies and trends.
- Building capacity of National Agencies (NAs) – equipping NAs with tools, knowledge, and resources to foster youth participation, helping them support diverse actors of the youth field in developing key skills for democratic life, and encouraging the sharing of good practices.
- Raising awareness & expertise on youth participation – researching youth participation and decision-making, sharing insights on policy developments, and raising awareness among young people, youth workers, educators, decision-makers and policymakers.
- Providing innovative & data-driven solutions – developing creative ideas and tools to support youth participation, using data to better understand how young people engage, and creating new methods to involve them in democratic life.
- Liaising with the European Commission & stakeholders – supporting the European Commission in Programmes’ development, building connections between EU youth and education policies and Erasmus+/ESC, and providing expertise to stakeholders.
- Facilitating projects & events – coordinating online and offline events, leading workshops and training. Depending on the nature of each event, the coordinator may facilitate themselves, include a facilitator or work with other external partners.
- Supporting colleagues in developing the democratic participation dimension in the programmes
We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:
Work Experience (including voluntary work)
- A minimum of three years of international experience in strategic project or programme planning and management in democratic participation and civic engagement is required.
- Experience in working with non-formal education and youth work fields is required.
- Experience in planning, managing, and conducting transnational training programmes, organising events and monitoring/analysing information and data is desirable.
- Experience working with one or more stakeholders of SALTO PI: National Agencies, European Commission, SALTO centers, Erasmus+ and/or ESC beneficiaries is valued.
- Experience as facilitator and/or trainer is a benefit.
Education and Language
Candidates should have a higher education degree, preferably in social sciences. Written and oral fluency in English (C2) is required; basic knowledge of Estonian is an asset.
Profile of the candidate
We are looking for someone who is personally aligned with SALTO PI’s mission and brings interest and a solid understanding of democratic participation, civic engagement, and participatory approaches. A suitable candidate is open to learning and sharing knowledge to continuously improve the quality of work and can work both autonomously and collaboratively while engaging confidently with diverse actors. Strong self-management skills—such as strategic planning, prioritising, meeting deadlines, and seeking support when needed—are essential, alongside comfort in working within strategic frameworks, procedures, and budgets. The role benefits from flexible attitude and a solution-oriented mindset.
The offer
For this position, we are offering a permanent full-time contract (40 hours per week), starting as soon as possible. The gross monthly salary for this position is €2,900 (onboarding period salary €2,700) plus other benefits to employees, such as:
- Health insurance or a stipend for well-being activities and additional financial support for health-related needs such as psychological counselling.
- Individual budget for your professional development needs and the possibility of attending additional seminars and training events internationally.
- Social and cultural events with SALTO PI, Estonian National Agency and Harno colleagues.
This position is based in Tallinn, Estonia and candidates should live in the surrounding area or be prepared to relocate. For good work-life balance, there is a possibility of combining in-person work and home office, and short temporary periods of fully remote work depending on the work needs and predetermined conditions.
Please note that SALTO PI is the only unit within Harno using English for all its work and communication, all other departments and units operate primarily in Estonian. Non-Estonian speaking team members need to be flexible and adapt, for example, by using translation tools to navigate institutional infosystems and process documents in Estonian. There is the possibility take Estonian language classes (paid by SALTO PI).
The onboarding period is up to four months, in which you will count on the continuous support of all team members and a mentor for direct support.
The position entails the regular possibility of international work missions for sharing and learning with a wide range of European stakeholders, partners, and experts.
Employees are offered 35 days of leave plus 3 paid health days per year. Given the flexible and dynamic nature of our work, there may be times when tasks need to be completed outside of regular working hours or require international travel. In such cases, any overtime incurred will be compensated with equivalent time off.
Application procedure and timeline
We invite you to submit by 12 October 2025 your complete CV, highlighting relevant experiences and skills, and fill an application form through the RECRUR recruitment platform of the Estonian Education and Youth Board.
The selected applicants will be contacted by 17 October for an interview in the following days. The job will start ideally during November 2025, and as early as the selected candidate is available.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in Estonia. This includes holding Estonian citizenship, EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship, or a valid residency permit and work authorization for Estonia.
Please note that due to the large number of applications we usually receive, we unfortunately cannot give individual feedback to each applicant.
Anti-discrimination policy
Our recruitment procedures are done in a transparent way and comply with all relevant employment regulations. No job applicant or employee will receive less favorable treatment on the grounds of race, color, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, gender, gender identity, marital status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, disability or chronic illness.
Contact
For more information, please contact the SALTO Participation & Information team at saltoparticipation@harno.ee.
Authors
