The Finnish Judo Association is seeking two motivated and experienced coaches to join our national coaching team at the Olympic Training Center Urhea in Helsinki. These are exciting opportunities to contribute to the development of Finland’s next generation of elite judoka.

We are recruiting for the following positions: Cadet Head Coach  (U18), Junior Head Coach  (U21). Start date for fixed-term contract positions is 2026.

About the roles

As a Head Coach, you will take responsibility for planning, delivering, and monitoring long-term training programs for your age group. You will work closely with athletes, club coaches, and partner organizations to ensure the best possible development pathway for judoka on their way to success.

Both roles involve regular domestic and international travel for camps and competitions.

Success in these roles requires:

  • Strong technical expertise in judo and understanding of high-performance sport.
  • A proactive, independent, and adaptable approach to coaching.
  • Excellent organizational and teamwork skills.
  • The ability to communicate effectively and build trust with athletes, parents, clubs, and stakeholders.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
  • Proficiency in English (required for both roles).

Daily computer use is expected, so good working knowledge of Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint) is necessary.

Position details: Head Coach U18

  • Lead the national U18 program, including planning and delivery of training and competitions.
  • Oversee judo coaching at Mäkelänrinne Sports High School in Helsinki.
  • Coordinate the national U15 program in cooperation with part-time U15 coaches.
  • Participate in national training camps at Pajulahti Sports Institute.
  • Language requirement: Finnish (to communicate with athletes and their guardians), plus English.

Position details: Head Coach U21

  • Lead the national U21 program and manage daily training at Urhea in Helsinki.
  • Cooperate closely with club coaches and stakeholders across Finland.
  • Monitor and identify athlete potential nationwide.
  • Language requirement: English (fluency required). Finnish is not mandatory.

Contract details

  • Coaches are employed under a cooperation agreement between the Finnish Judo Federation, Ministry of Education and Culture, and other potential partners.
  • Contracts are tied to the Olympic cycle (2026–2028), with annual reviews based on funding and performance.

How to apply

For more information, please contact:
Otto Favén, Head of Coaching
Phone: +358 50 384 7030
Email: otto.faven@judo.fi

Please send your application (including CV and salary expectations) by Sunday, November 2, 2025. Applications will be reviewed during the application period.

About the Finnish Judo Association

Founded in 1958, the Finnish Judo Association represents approximately 120 member clubs nationwide. The Federation supports its members in all aspects of judo, from grassroots to elite performance, and serves as Finland’s representative in national and international judo activities. With an annual budget of around €1 million, the Federation is committed to developing judo and promoting fair play, equality, and the ethical values of sport. Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964.