We are hiring one full-time project staff position

The Interreg Aurora Sápmai Buorrin – A Sustainable Future for Sámi Businesses are looking for employees. The project is led by the Sámi Central Organisation in Finland (SSG), together with The Saami Council and Sámi Duodji - Sameslöjdstiftelsen.

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PLEASE NOTE!

The project is hiring 5 positions all together, but this advertised position is connected to The Saami Council, and the employees will be based on the Norwegian side of Sápmi.
The project is also looking for employees on the Finnish and Swedish side of Sápmi. Follow the links for more information.

• Two positions (project manager and project staff) – Finnish side of Sápmi

• Two project staff positions – Swedish side of Sápmi

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 22.9.2025

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This three-year initiative aims to strengthen duodji and Sámi businesses by improving their visibility and access to markets. By further developing the Sámi trademarks Sámi Made and Sámi Duodji, the project showcases authentic Sámi products, supports duojárs and entrepreneurs, and raises the profile of Sámi duodji and cultural industries.

Entrepreneurs and start-ups will gain access to export guidance, capacity-building programs, and digital learning tools, creating better conditions for growth both nationally and internationally. By combining traditional knowledge with modern tools, Sápmai Buorrin seeks to empower Sámi communities, foster resilient businesses, and safeguard Sámi culture across Sápmi.

• Tasks and Responsibilities

  Project assistant: 

  • Provide administrative support to the Project Manager.

  • Take responsibility for specific parts of the project, such as developing and implementing the pilot cities initiative, with a focus on community engagement, marketing, and visibility of Sámi trademarks.

  • Contribute to the practical implementation of activities such as knowledge gatherings and courses, events and dialogues with Sámi businesses and stakeholders

  • Support the achievement of project objectives.

  Other tasks may be included depending on needs and qualifications. The work will involve travel.

• Qualifications

  We are looking for candidates who are committed to strengthening Sámi businesses, cultural industries, and society at large.

  • Good knowledge of the Sámi community is essential; a cross-border perspective is an advantage.

  • Strong cooperation, communication, and writing skills are required, along with independence, goal orientation, and proactivity.

  • This role requires strong people skills and the ability to unite communities and partners in driving the pilot cities initiative forward.

  • Both positions require proficiency in  English in addition to one of the main Nordic languages. Knowledge in one of the Sámi languages will be considered beneficial

• Terms of Employment

  • Project period: November 1st 2025 – 31 October 2028

  • Salary: by agreement

  • Location: On the Norwegian side of Sápmi

• Application

  We welcome applications written in English, but you can also write your application in one of the Nordic or Sámi languages.

  Applications with attachments should be sent to: saamicouncil@saamicouncil.net no later than September 22nd 2025.

  Copies of diplomas and employment certificates must be included with the application.

  For more information, please contact:

  • Christina Hætta , Head of cultural Unit, Saami Council – +47 48021734 or christina@saamicouncil.net

  • Enni Similä , Secretary, SSG – +358 40 419 9601 or enni.simila@saamicouncil.net

  • Johanna Njaita, Executive Director, Sámi Duodji Sameslöjdstiftelsen +46 70 591 28 93 or johanna.njaita@sameslojdstiftelsen.com

The Saami Council is a voluntary, independent cultural and political cooperation body for Sámi organizations in Finland, Norway, the Russian Federation, and Sweden. Its main goal is to safeguard Sámi rights and interests as one people and to strengthen Sámi unity across borders. The Council also works internationally to promote and protect the rights of the Sámi and other Indigenous peoples. It has four thematic units: Arctic and Environmental Affairs, Human Rights, Culture, and EU Affairs.

The Sámi Central Organisation in Finland (Suoma Sámiid Guovddášsearvi rs, SSG) is a non-governmental umbrella organization for Sámi civil society in Finland, founded in 1997. Its mission is to represent the Sámi people, protect and develop their linguistic, administrative, economic, and cultural rights, and address common Sámi issues at both national and international levels. SSG currently has eight member organizations.

Sámi Duodji Sameslöjdstiftelsen was founded in 1993 by the Swedish Sámi National Association and Same Ätnam. The foundation's mission is to preserve, develop, and promote duodji. Sámi Duodji works to ensure that duodji is made visible in various arenas, both in commercial and cultural contexts. The fundamental idea of Sámi Duodji is that it should be independent, serve as a support function, and actively work on issues related to Sámi handicraft.