The NDPC Secretariat is Looking for a Head of the Secretariat 

The Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture (NDPC) is an international governmental organization that supports international cooperation within cultural and creative sector (CCS). The overall objective of the Partnership is to serve as a focal point for culture and creative sector practitioners, experts, and policymakers, enhancing the capacity of the sector and its strategic role in sustainable development. You can find more information on our website: https://ndpculture.org/ndpc/. 

Since 2010, the NDPC has served as a regional focal point, connecting policymakers, experts, and practitioners in the field. The NDPC’s mission is to strengthen the strategic role of the CCS in sustainable development across the region. The NDPC currently has 10 member countries, and the Secretariat’s office is located in Riga, Latvia. The working language at the Secretariat is English. 

Due to the end of the term for the current Head of Secretariat, the NDPC is seeking a new Head of Secretariat to begin their duties in March 2026. We offer meaningful work in a dynamic and inspiring sector, with high standards of expertise, a stable salary, and attractive working conditions.. The selected Head of Secretariat will be welcomed by a small team of five employees — friendly, open-minded, and supportive — who value employee empowerment, initiative in the workplace, and a healthy work-life balance. 

Responsibilities 

The Head of Secretariat will: 

  • Take full responsibility for the everyday management and administration of the organizationRepresent the Secretariat and ensure effective communication and collaboration with various public and private sector entities, organizations, and other stakeholders. 
  • Drive organizational change, effectively communicating with and engaging all stakeholders (regulatory institutions, legal experts,  policymakers ). 
  • Be responsible for the personnel management of the Secretariat in accordance with employment law and the organization’s internal HR regulations  
  • Manage the overall flow of the organization’s projects—the quality of project results and assess risks, including budget accuracy. 
  • Contribute to the drafting of project applications 
  • Coordinate and prepare NDPC Steering Committee meetings and provide the information needed for well-informed decision-making. 
  • Present working plans and budget proposals of the Secretariat for the information and approval of the NDPC Steering Committee. 
  • Submit annual reports, and collect, analyze, and prepare necessary information for reports, accounts, and other documentation and reports. 
  • Provide support to the Parties of the Partnership in fulfilling NDPC’s  shared objectives. 
  • Take active steps to prevent financial risks and monitor the organization’s financial record-keeping practices. 
  • Manage and implement contracts for the Secretariat, ensuring they comply with the law. 
  • Monitor the performance of outsourced contractors 

Required Profile and Qualifications 

Your profile should include: 

Knowledge & Expertise 

  • Insight into the Cultural and Creative Industries today, encompassing a variety of creative sectors. 
  • Practical experience in financial management, legal, administrative and human resources matters. 

Professional Experience 

  • At least five years’ work experience in arts management and/or administration, or cultural and/or creative industries/institutions. 
  • Relevant experience in implementing complex projects with multiple external partners and contracts; knowledge of EU funding mechanisms is considered an asset. 
  • Experience in working in international organizations and/or at the national level with links to international processes is preferred. 
  • Previous experience with change management is an asset. 

Skills & Competencies 

  • Considerable networking and fundraising skills and experience, including good connections with relevant stakeholders, both within the region and within EU institutions. 
  • Clear, confident, and persuasive communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences. 
  • Managerial and leadership competencies like strategic approach, operational management, leadership. 
  • Ability to prioritize and organize workload, balancing pressure and quality of work. 

Education & Languages 

  • Master’s degree or equivalent advanced university degree in an area relevant to the NDPC, such as cultural studies, management, cultural policy, arts, or international relations. 
  • Fluent oral and written English (C1 minimum); additional foreign language skills are considered an advantage. 

Terms of Employment 

The Head of the Secretariat will be employed full-time on a three-year contract until April 2029. The contract has the possibility of a one-year prolongation or the individual may reapply for the position for one more term through an open competition.The appointed candidate can re-apply for the position only once. 

  • The monthly gross salary ranges from €3800 to €4105, depending on experience. 
  • The remuneration package includes health insurance after the probationary period. 
  • The expected starting date for the position is March 2026 or as soon as possible after that date. 
  • The contract includes an initial 3-month probation period. 
  • The position requires international travel and occasional evening or weekend work. 
  • The Head of Secretariat will be appointed strictly on the basis of merit. 
  • Candidates must be citizens of one of the following Partner countries: Denmark,  Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland,  Sweden,   
  • The decision of the NDPC Steering Committee is final and cannot be appealed. 
  • The NDPC is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes qualified candidates from all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds. 

Application and Interviews Process 

  • Please send your up-to-date CV and a letter of motivation (maximum 1 A4 page in length as a PDF) to explain why you are applying for the position, and how your experience and expertise align with the requirements to info@ndpculture.org with the subject “Head of Secretariat” . 
  • Your CV should include two referees. 
  • All materials must be submitted in English. 
  • Please send the application by November 2, 2025. 
  • Applications without both a CV and a letter of motivation will not be considered. 
  • Selected candidates will be interviewed online and on-site during November-December. They may also be asked to complete a written assignment related to the position. 
  • Only candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted for further interviews. 
  • Confidentiality will be ensured. 

For further information about the position, please contact: 

Dace Resele, Acting Head of the Secretariat, at dace@ndpculture.org.