The European Social Fund Unit forms part of the EU and International Affairs Directorate within the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity.

The ESF Unit is the designated Intermediate Body responsible for the European Social Fund in Malta on behalf of the Managing Authority. The Planning and Priorities Co-ordination Division within the Office of the Prime Minister is the Maltese Managing Authority for all Structural Funds, including the ESF.

Since its establishment in June 2002, the ESF Unit has been active on numerous fronts. These include the co-ordination and assessment of all programming requirements as well as all preparations for the successful implementation of the ESF's Measures proposed for co-financing by Malta as a Member State of the European Union.

The Managing Authority has also delegated to the ESF Unit the day-to-day management of the EQUAL programme. The ESF Unit therefore also acts as the National Support Structure for the ESF's Community Initiative Programme EQUAL.

The National Authorising Office within the Ministry of Finance is the Paying Authority for Malta's Structural Funds and Community Initiatives. Other important stakeholders include the Internal Audit and Investigations Directorate, the Contracts Department and the Treasury Department which also fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance.

Other Departments and entities involved in the management and implementation of Malta's Structural Funds and Community Initiatives include the Central Bank of Malta, the National Audit Office, Department of Value Added Tax, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality, the State Aid Monitoring Board, the Line Ministries and the final beneficiaries or Development Partnerships in the case of EQUAL.

The overall supervisory body for all Structural Funds and the EQUAL Community Initiative in Malta is known as the Monitoring Committee. This include representatives from Government, Social Partners, Civil Society, and the European Commission in an observer capacity, overseeing all programming documents and implementation reports produced by Malta.