Estonia seeks new head for Language Department as Ilmar Tomusk steps down

Estonia's senior civil service competence centre at the State Chancellery has opened a public competition for the position of director general of the Language Department. Current head Ilmar Tomusk, who has led the agency since 1995 (it was known as the Language Inspectorate until 2020), announced in early August that he would not run for another term after more than 30 years in the role. His last working day will be December 31, 2026.

The State Chancellery said the new director general's task will be to ensure effective implementation of state language policy and strengthen the position of Estonian in society amid a changing demographic situation, labour market and technology. A key priority will be developing a modern, effective and preventive supervision system that promotes compliance with language requirements and boosts proficiency and use of Estonian in all spheres of life. At the same time, the department's efficiency needs to improve and a sustainable operating model must be created under limited resources.

Priorities and requirements

Three priority goals were set for the first 6–12 months: forming a vision and action plan for developing language supervision, creating a future-oriented and sustainable operating model for the department, and ensuring successful implementation of changes to the Language Act.

The director general's term is five years, with a monthly salary of 4,500 euros. Candidates must hold a master's degree or equivalent, have at least five years of managerial experience, English proficiency of at least B2 level, and competencies matching the state's senior executive competence model.

Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, proof of qualification or education, confirmation of no obstacles to civil service employment, and an essay of up to two pages on what a modern Language Department and language supervision should look like to preserve Estonian as a shared public language while growing its use and proficiency. Documents must be submitted by September 1.