Secretary General

CALL FOR SECRETARY GENERAL

as a parental leave replacement (until 31.01.2027)

Youth of European Nationalities (YEN) is looking for a full-time Secretary General as a parental leave

replacement for the YEN office in Berlin from as soon as possible, until 31st January 2027, with the

perspective for regular employment after the parental leave replacement time ends.

Depending on the start date, this time includes a familiarisation and handover phase in the summer of

2026.

The Youth of European Nationalities (YEN) is the largest network of youth organisations of autochthonous, national, and linguistic minorities in Europe. Under the slogan “Minority Rights are Human Rights”, YEN represents the interests of young members of national, ethnic, and linguistic minorities currently 41 member organisations from 18 countries.

Job Description:

• Management of the YEN Office and conduct of its daily affairs (including administration and

communication);

• Financial management of the organisation: budget controlling, handling of YEN’s bank accounts

and all payments, bookkeeping etc;

• Fundraising (searching for grant opportunities and developing partnerships);

• Development of project ideas; preparation and reporting of grant applications (on the European,

national and regional level);

• Management and support of YEN staff (currently one full-time employee);

• Supporting the voluntary work of YEN’s board members and their activities;

• Work in the field of European minority policy and European youth work.

Being Secretary-General of YEN is a demanding position, requiring excellent organisational and

leadership skills.

Preferred qualifications of the applicant:

• Excellent knowledge of both English and German, additional languages are an advantage;

• Experience in NGO work, preferably youth organisations, ideally on a European level and in a

leading position;

• University degree and/or relevant work experience;

• Proven practical experience in financial and project management, application writing, and

reporting to various institutions;

• Excellent organisational skills, ability to multi-task and work under high pressure and tight

deadlines;

• Ability to lead, motivate, and support the team as well as delegate tasks;

• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as intercultural competencies;

• Experience or interest in the field of human rights and/ or autochthonous national minorities is an advantage

Willingness to work flexibly, occasionally on the weekend, and willingness to travel;

• Knowledge about politics, policies, history, and European contexts.

The applicant should show flexibility, initiative, personal commitment, and motivation on

supporting the activities promoted by the organisation.



We offer:

• Full-time position (40 hours per week);

• Flexible working conditions;

• Workplace in the centre of Berlin (Mitte) with good public transport connection;

• Frequent and extensive travel;

• Work in a dedicated young team;

• Inspiring and creative work environment at international level;

• The opportunity to enhance your knowledge of national minorities in Europe and youth work.

The applications should include:

• An application letter in English or German explaining the candidate’s motivation and qualifications;

• A curriculum vitae,

• If available: references and credentials.

--> All in one PDF file.

• A short introductory video in the language other than the application letter either English or

German would be appreciated.

Work start: as soon as possible, preferably 1st/15th of July (latest start 1. September 2026)

Job Location: Berlin-Mitte, Germany

Application deadline: 07.06.2026, submitted to [email protected]

The job interviews will take place in Berlin or digitally.

Contact:

Bo Sösemann

E-Mail: [email protected]

Tel: +49 176 31779414

www.yeni.org