Project Manager for Näktergalen – a Mentorship Program that Strengthens Children's Education and Future Belief

Do you want to lead the establishment of a new mentorship program in Helsingborg that strengthens children's self-esteem, belief in the future, and desire to learn? In Näktergalen, children in grades 2 and 3 will be matched with social work students, who will become role models and companions for the children during a school year. We are now looking for a dedicated project manager who wants to drive and develop the operations during the startup and establishment phase.

The project employment is 50-100% based on agreement. The project is currently funded from the turn of the year 2025/26 until June 30, 2027.

About the Workplace

In the city of Helsingborg, the social administration is responsible for individual and family care. Our mission is to enable residents to become independent in life so that they can take an active part in society.

Näktergalen is an international model that exists in about 25 countries. In Helsingborg, the concept is adapted for children in grades 2-3. During a school year, the child and a social work student meet every week and do activities together that spark curiosity, strengthen self-esteem, and open doors to new experiences. A distinguishing feature of Helsingborg's initiative is the focus on reading, in close collaboration with Familjen Läser and Letterbox. The purpose is to strengthen children's belief in the future and to provide students with practical experience in social work.

About Us

You will be part of the development unit within the social administration, where the work is characterized by commitment, collaboration, and long-term thinking. Familjen Läser will be your closest workgroup, providing opportunities to exchange experiences and develop initiatives together. A researcher from the School of Social Work is linked to Näktergalen at 15% throughout the project period.

Job Responsibilities

As the project manager for Näktergalen, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and driving the operations from the ground up. The assignment includes, among other things:

• establishing and further developing collaboration between the School of Social Work, the social administration, and participating schools
• recruiting, introducing, and supervising social work students who will become mentors
• matching children with students and creating good routines for follow-up and support
• maintaining ongoing dialogue with schools, guardians, and partners
• planning and conducting joint activities for mentor pairs
• contributing to the development of a model for follow-up and evaluation together with researchers from the School of Social Work
• ensuring that reading and leisure activities become a natural part of the mentorship, in close collaboration with Familjen Läser and the Letterbox project of the General Child House

During the spring term of 2026, the operations will be planned together with researchers from the School of Social Work and representatives of parents and students. It may also be possible to test the concept on a small scale. From autumn 2026, the project will scale up with more mentor pairs, and you will then lead the continued establishment of the operations.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who has:

• a degree in social work
• experience working with children and/or families – preferably in areas with socioeconomic challenges
• the ability to develop and lead projects
• the ability to build relationships, create engagement, and communicate clearly

It is advantageous if you have experience in project management, collaboration, and development work.

You have a strong interest in issues related to equality, education, and children's rights. You have a growth mindset, thrive in a startup phase, and are motivated to create structures that endure over time. As a person, you are unpretentious, attentive, and confident in the role of coordinator and supervisor.

We place great emphasis on personal suitability.

Video questions and work samples may be used. Parents and students will participate in interviews that will take place continuously.

Working in the City of Helsingborg

Do you want to help create a better city together with the residents of Helsingborg? Then you should work in the City of Helsingborg. Here, you can use your creativity and drive to make life easier and safer for our residents, visitors, and businesses. Together with curious and helpful colleagues, you make a difference in people's lives, both today and in the future. A good job today, a better city tomorrow.

Here you can read more about what it is like to work in the city: https://helsingborg.se/arbete/sa-ar-det-att-jobba-i-staden/ (https://helsingborg.se/arbete/sa-ar-det-att-jobba-i-staden/)

Application deadline: 2026-01-12

Employment form: Project employment

Extent: 50-100%, by agreement

Start date: As soon as possible

Duration: until 2027-06-30

Number of positions: 1

To ensure the quality of the recruitment process in the City of Helsingborg, we use the recruitment tool ReachMee. Therefore, we ask you to submit your application via ReachMee by clicking on the application link in the ad. In the application, CV and other relevant documents for the position should be attached, such as proof of education or certification. You will also be asked to answer selection questions.

If you are applying for a job and have protected personal information, please contact the recruiting manager in the ad who will guide you further for a secure application process. You should not apply digitally via the application link.

Union Representatives

https://intranat.helsingborg.se/hr/samverkan-och-delaktighet/fackliga-foretradare/ (https://intranat.helsingborg.se/hr/samverkan-och-delaktighet/fackliga-foretradare/)