Prior to becoming the Secretary General Merilin was working as the Undersecretary of Cultural Heritage for the of the Ministry of Culture.
Previously, Merilin has led the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, was one of the founders of the Anthropology Center, and led several civic associations. Merilin has studied ethnology and applied anthropology at the University of Tartu and sociology and political science at the University of Essex in England.
She is a member of the following supervisory boards and councils:
Estonian History Museum Foundation, Chairwoman of the Council 2020–...
Pärnu Museum Foundation, Member of the Council 2022–...
Estonian Song and Dance Festival Foundation, Chairwoman of the Council 2023–…
Anthropology Centre OÜ, Member of the Council 2023–…
About the position of Secretary General
A Secretary General is appointed to and released from office by the Government of the Republic on the proposal of the minister after hearing the opinion of the Civil Service Committee for Selection of Top Managers.
-
The Secretary General directs the work of the structural units of the ministry and manages the operations of the ministry. The Secretary General is also responsible for coordinating the activities of state authorities within the government area of the ministry.
-
The Department of Communication and International Cooperation, the Department of Human Resources and Legal Affairs, the Department of Strategical Planning and Innovation, the Financial Department and the Estonian National Commission for UNESCO report directly to the Director General. The operations of the Arts Department, the Sports Department, the Cultural Heritage Department and the Cultural Diversity Department are managed by the Secretary General through undersecretaries.
-
The Secretary General appoints to and releases from office officials who are on the staff of the ministry or enters into and terminates employment contracts with employees, except for those who are appointed to and released from office by the minister.
-
The Secretary General coordinates participation in the decision-making processes of the European Union with regard to issues within the government area of the ministry
-
The Secretary General represents the ministry within the relevant limits of competence and the authorisation granted by the minister.
Last updated: 02.12.2025
