PARTNER IDENTIFICATION FORM (PIF)
ESF+ SI+ Initiative — RSF-SSI-2026
Strand I — Strengthening the European Child Guarantee National Governance Systems
1. Identification of Partner Organisation
PIC
887746038
Organisation ID
E102821421
Full legal name
Education and Social Innovation Centre of Austria
Acronym
ESICA
Registration number
1169003066
Country
Austria
Website
https://esica-wien.at/
Email
[email protected]
2. Profile of the Organisation
Type of organisation
Non-governmental organisation / association — non-profit legal entity delivering non-formal education and social-service activities that promote social innovation, inclusion, and equality.
Is your organisation a public body?
No
Is your organisation a non-profit?
Yes
Proposed role in the consortium
Co-applicant — Eligible non-profit organisation contributing expertise in child poverty, social inclusion, integrated service delivery, capacity building, governance innovation and stakeholder cooperation under Strand I of the Call Conditions.
3. Legal Representative
Title / Gender
Mr. / Male
First name
Malcolm Keith
Family name
Birley
Department
Management
Position
President of the Management Board
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+43 681 20368481
4. Contact Person
Title / Gender
Mr. / Male
First name
Tolga
Family name
Saatcioglu
Position
Project Manager
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+43 699 19041227
5. Background and Experience
Please briefly present your organisation (type, size, scope of work, areas of specific expertise, specific social context and, if relevant, the quality system used).
Organisation profile
The Education and Social Innovation Centre of Austria (ESICA) is a Vienna-based non-governmental, non-profit organisation specialised in social innovation, child and family support, equality, social inclusion and integrated public-service innovation. ESICA's work centres children, young people, families in vulnerable situations, migrants, women, persons with disabilities and other groups experiencing poverty or social exclusion, education or training (NEETs), migrants, women, persons with disabilities, and other groups exposed to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. This experience aligns directly with the objectives of Strand I by strengthening integrated governance systems, improving cooperation among child-related services, and promoting innovative approaches to reduce child poverty and social exclusion.
Scope and expertise relevant to Strand I
• Integrated service delivery models for vulnerable children and families: ESICA has extensive experience in designing and implementing integrated support approaches for vulnerable groups through EU-funded projects. The organisation develops innovative educational methodologies, digital tools, and community-based interventions that improve access to education, social inclusion, and essential support services for children, young people, and families.
• Multi-agency cooperation involving municipalities, schools, NGOs and social-service providers: ESICA has established long-term cooperation with municipalities, educational institutions, NGOs, and public bodies in the development and implementation of social innovation initiatives. This experience supports the creation of coordinated governance models that strengthen cooperation among Child Guarantee stakeholders.
• Capacity building for professionals working in education, social inclusion, child protection and community services: ESICA regularly designs and delivers training programmes for educators, social workers, youth professionals, NGO staff, and public authorities. These activities strengthen institutional capacities, improve inter-professional cooperation, and promote child-centred and inclusive service delivery.
• Community participation and family-centred support approaches: ESICA promotes participatory approaches that actively involve children, families, local communities, and civil society organisations in the design and implementation of social inclusion initiatives. The organisation has extensive experience in facilitating community engagement, stakeholder participation, and collaborative decision-making processes.
• Digital monitoring tools, data collection systems and evidence-based governance approaches: ESICA develops digital platforms, monitoring systems, online learning environments, and evaluation tools that support data-driven decision-making, quality assurance, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement of social innovation initiatives.
• Policy dialogue, governance improvement and institutional cooperation supporting child poverty reduction: Through cooperation with municipalities, ministries, universities, NGOs, and European networks, ESICA contributes to policy dialogue, institutional capacity building, and the development of sustainable governance models that strengthen integrated services for children and families while supporting the objectives of the European Child Guarantee.
Organisational size and capacity
ESICA operates with a multidisciplinary core team of 10 experts, including trainers, researchers, project managers, and specialists in education, social innovation, digital transformation, and inclusion. The organisation is further supported by a network of 20+ external facilitators, trainers, researchers, and technical experts engaged according to project needs.
ESICA has extensive experience in the development and implementation of transnational EU-funded projects, including Erasmus+, AMIF, CERV, and ESF+ Social Innovation+. The organisation has proven capacity in consortium coordination, project management, financial administration, quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation, and cooperation with public authorities, municipalities, educational institutions, universities, NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
Specific social context
Like many European countries, Austria continues to face significant challenges related to child poverty, social exclusion, unequal access to quality services, and fragmented cooperation between education, social protection, healthcare, and community support systems. Children and families in vulnerable situations often experience multiple barriers that require coordinated and integrated responses from different institutions.
Through its experience in social innovation, non-formal education, digital inclusion, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder cooperation, ESICA contributes to strengthening integrated service delivery models and improving institutional collaboration for vulnerable children and families. The organisation actively promotes child-centred, inclusive, and evidence-based approaches that are fully aligned with the objectives of the European Child Guarantee.
Most recently, ESICA became a partner in an approved ESF+ Social Innovation+ project (ACCESS4ALL VR – ESF-SI-2025-DEP-01-0007), funded under the European Social Fund Plus. This recent experience provides the organisation with direct knowledge of ESF+ SI+ implementation requirements, consortium cooperation, grant preparation procedures, and the delivery of innovative employment-focused actions at European level.
6. Activities and Experience Relevant to Strand I – Strengthening the European Child Guarantee National Governance Systems
What are the activities and experience of your organisation in the areas relevant for this project? What are the skills and/or expertise of key persons involved?
Activity 1 — Mapping of problems and challenges faced by Roma NEETs
ESICA has extensive experience in conducting needs assessments, stakeholder consultations, desk research, and participatory analyses for vulnerable groups. The organisation applies evidence-based methodologies to identify social challenges, service gaps, and barriers affecting children and families, providing a solid foundation for the design of integrated support systems and governance improvements.
Activity 2 – Development of Integrated Service Delivery Models
ESICA has significant experience in designing innovative social inclusion methodologies and coordinating multi-stakeholder cooperation. Through collaboration with municipalities, educational institutions, NGOs, and public authorities, the organisation contributes to the development of integrated service delivery models that strengthen coordination, referral mechanisms, and child-centred support pathways.
Activity 3 – Multi-Agency Cooperation and Early Identification
ESICA promotes structured cooperation between education, social services, civil society organisations, and local authorities. Its experience in community engagement, stakeholder coordination, and digital communication supports the early identification of vulnerable children and families while strengthening cooperation among Child Guarantee stakeholders.
Activity 4 – Capacity Building for Professionals
ESICA regularly develops and delivers training programmes for educators, trainers, social workers, NGO professionals, and public authorities. These activities strengthen professional competencies in integrated service delivery, inter-institutional cooperation, child participation, social inclusion, and evidence-based practice.
Activity 5 – Child and Family Participation
ESICA applies participatory methodologies that actively involve children, young people, families, and local communities in the design and implementation of educational and social innovation initiatives. The organisation has extensive experience facilitating stakeholder engagement, co-creation workshops, and community-based approaches that support inclusive and sustainable governance systems.
Activity 6 – Governance Improvement and Transferability
Through participation in numerous European cooperation projects, ESICA has developed strong expertise in transferring innovative practices, supporting institutional cooperation, and promoting sustainable governance models. The organisation contributes to policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the replication of successful practices across different regions and countries.
Activity 7 – Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Assurance
ESICA applies comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks in EU-funded projects, including performance indicators, stakeholder feedback mechanisms, outcome measurement, and quality assurance procedures. These approaches support continuous improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and impact assessment throughout the project lifecycle.
Activity 8 – Communication, Dissemination and Mutual Learning
ESICA has extensive experience in communicating project results through conferences, multiplier events, newsletters, digital platforms, social media, and European networks. The organisation actively promotes mutual learning, peer exchange, policy dialogue, and the dissemination of innovative practices among public authorities, NGOs, educational institutions, and Child Guarantee stakeholders.
Key staff proposed for the project
• Tolga Saatcioglu — Instructional Methodology Expert and Senior Trainer with expertise in digital inclusion and diversity strategies; has coordinated EU projects on workplace equality and inclusive leadership, and is experienced in supporting employers and vulnerable jobseekers through organisational-change and activation programmes.
• Kateryna Kyriak — Researcher and Trainer with ESICA since September 2024, currently furthering her studies in Data Analysis and Statistics at the University of Vienna on top of a background in computer technologies and artificial intelligence; her combined experience in research, language teaching and front-facing service roles supports participant engagement, data collection and administrative coordination within the project.
• Halil Keser — Technician responsible for ESICA's IT and digital infrastructure since May 2024, holding associate degrees in Web Design and Coding and in Computer Technology and Programming, with over a decade of professional experience as a web developer and graphic designer across several organisations; he supports the development and maintenance of the project's digital outreach tools, e-learning platforms and dissemination materials.
• Malcolm Keith Birley — Operations & Finance Manager and President of ESICA's Management Board, holding an MBA in Corporate Law from Harvard University, an MA in International Marketing from Leeds University and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester; drawing on his background as a lecturer in Corporate Law at the University of Vienna and as a consultant in international training and project finance, he oversees the organisation's financial management, governance and operational compliance for EU-funded projects.
7. Summary of ESICA's Past EU Project Participation
ESICA has built substantial experience through Erasmus+, AMIF, CERV, and, most recently, the ESF+ Social Innovation+ Programme. The organisation is currently a partner in the approved ESF+ Social Innovation+ project ACCESS4ALL VR (ESF-SI-2025-DEP-01-0007), strengthening its operational capacity in social innovation, partnership management, integrated service delivery, and the implementation of European social policies.
Through its active participation in European cooperation projects, ESICA has consistently worked on social inclusion, digital transformation, capacity building, non-formal education, community participation, equality, and institutional cooperation—all of which are directly relevant to the objectives of Strand I – Strengthening the European Child Guarantee National Governance Systems.
1) Social Inclusion and Capacity Building
ESICA has successfully implemented projects supporting vulnerable groups through innovative educational approaches, digital inclusion, non-formal learning, stakeholder engagement, and community-based interventions. These experiences provide a strong foundation for strengthening integrated governance systems and improving access to quality services for children and families.
2) Capacity Building and Professional Development
• Training programmes for educators, social workers, youth workers, NGO professionals, and public authorities.
• Capacity building in social inclusion, digital transformation, equality, and child-centred approaches.
• Development of leadership, resilience, communication, and community engagement competences through non-formal education.
3) Digital Innovation and Educational Technologies
• Development of digital learning platforms and blended-learning environments.
• Creation of digital educational resources, online toolkits, videos, animations, and interactive learning materials.
• Design of digital monitoring, evaluation, and communication tools supporting project implementation and stakeholder cooperation.
4) Multi-Stakeholder Cooperation and Governance
ESICA has extensive experience in cooperating with municipalities, educational institutions, universities, NGOs, public authorities, and European networks to strengthen institutional cooperation and social innovation. Through these partnerships, the organisation contributes to the development of integrated governance approaches, participatory decision-making, evidence-based policy development, and sustainable cooperation mechanisms supporting vulnerable children and families.
5) Reference EU projects
• DIGI4YOU (2021-2-TR01-KA220-YOU-000047996) — Digital skills and employability for NEETs — toolkits directly adaptable for Roma NEET training and workplace-readiness activities.
• WONDERFUL (2023-1-SE02-KA220-YOU-000152804) — Mentorship models for disadvantaged groups — transferable to Roma NEET peer-mentoring design.
• GROWTH (2022-2-IT03-KA220-YOU-000093446) — Entrepreneurial skills and peer-to-peer learning — relevant to self-employment support under Activity 4.
• ECO-WORK+ (2022-2-PT02-KA220-YOU-000094211) — Capacity building and equality of access to opportunities for marginalised groups.
• VOYOGER (2022-2-FR02-KA220-YOU-000097283) — Digital tools (mobile app, serious game) for outreach and engagement, adaptable to Roma NEET outreach and matching.
• SUSENT (2022-2-SE02-KA220-YOU-000094243) — Sustainable-development and digital-innovation training, adaptable to skilling components.
• ACCESS4ALL VR – Digital support pathways and tools for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities (ESF-SI-2025-DEP-01-0007) Role: Partner
8. Dissemination Channels — Local, National and European Level
Describe channels of dissemination of the organisation on the local, national and European level and accessible media.
Local level (Vienna)
• Long-term cooperation with educational institutions, municipalities, social-service providers, NGOs, youth organisations, and community centres in Vienna (approximately 10 organisations engaged annually).
• Organisation of at least two local multiplier events per year, involving over 150 participants, including educators, social workers, child and family support professionals, NGO representatives, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders working in social inclusion and child well-being.
• Active engagement with local communities through workshops, training activities, public events, and stakeholder meetings promoting social inclusion and innovative service delivery.
National level (Austria)
• Monthly electronic newsletter distributed to more than 200 subscribers, including public authorities, municipalities, educational institutions, NGOs, researchers, and policymakers.
• Active social media communication (Facebook and other digital channels) reaching approximately 1,500 people per month.
• Cooperation with national platforms and networks, including Diversity Charter Austria, universities, municipalities, and civil society organisations to disseminate project results, promote policy dialogue, and strengthen institutional cooperation.
European level
• Active cooperation with more than 20 partner organisations across Europe through Erasmus+, AMIF, CERV, ESF+, and other European initiatives.
• Dissemination of project outputs through European platforms, including the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform, SALTO, the Social Innovation Match (SIM) platform (where applicable), and other relevant EU thematic networks.
• Regular participation in European conferences, workshops, webinars, and peer-learning events to exchange good practices and promote innovative governance approaches supporting the European Child Guarantee.
Accessible media and formats
• Open-access toolkits, short explainer videos, digital storytelling and podcasts.
• Multilingual materials (English and German, extendable to Roma-language materials where relevant for this project) to ensure accessibility to the target group.
• Results published under a Creative Commons licence (CC-BY-SA) to ensure long-term exploitation and open access.
9. Additional Comments
ESICA confirms its interest in participating as a co-applicant under RSF-SSI-2026 Strand I – Strengthening the European Child Guarantee National Governance Systems.
The organisation is fully prepared to provide all required legal, financial, and operational documentation, including its founding documents, proof of operational and financial capacity, and the declarations required under the Call Conditions.
With extensive experience in social innovation, capacity building, digital transformation, non-formal education, stakeholder engagement, and European project implementation, ESICA is well positioned to contribute to the development, testing, evaluation, and transfer of innovative governance models supporting the objectives of the European Child Guarantee.
Furthermore, ESICA's recent participation in the approved ESF+ Social Innovation+ project ACCESS4ALL VR (ESF-SI-2025-DEP-01-0007) has provided the organisation with direct experience in ESF+ programme implementation, consortium cooperation, Grant Agreement Preparation, quality assurance, monitoring, and financial management.
ESICA is committed to strengthening cooperation between public authorities, municipalities, educational institutions, child and family support services, NGOs, and other Child Guarantee stakeholders, contributing to sustainable, integrated, and evidence-based governance systems that improve outcomes for children and families across Europe.