Participation and Co-Design Lead — National Child and Youth Network

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is a leading child rights organization in Australia, part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. The organization focuses on providing quality services to children and their caregivers across every state and territory, including remote areas and capital cities. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons emphasizes a diverse and inclusive culture, reflecting the communities they serve and celebrating the unique contributions of each individual.

Job Overview:
The Participation and Co-Design Lead will play a pivotal role in establishing and co-designing a national Child and Youth Network aimed at empowering children and young people aged 10-1

• This position is designed for an energetic and creative co-design practitioner who believes in the importance of youth leadership in decision-making processes. The role involves working closely with children and young people to create a platform where they can learn about their rights, connect with peers, and influence decisions that affect them. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the design and growth of this network, ensuring that children's voices are amplified and their participation is meaningful. This part-time role (0.8 FTE) is a maximum term position for 6 months, with the possibility of extension, and offers flexibility to work from home or from one of the organization's state offices across Australia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Participation and Co-Design Lead include:

• Leading the design, establishment, and growth of the national Child and Youth Network, ensuring inclusive opportunities for children and young people to connect and contribute.
• Partnering with children and young people as genuine collaborators, facilitating meaningful participation and co-design activities that amplify their voices.
• Championing children's rights by delivering engaging learning opportunities that promote youth voice, agency, and leadership.
• Building and nurturing strong relationships with children, young people, caregivers, partner organizations, and internal stakeholders to create a supportive network.
• Supporting the development of a child-led network by empowering children and young people to take on leadership roles.
• Creating safe and welcoming spaces for young people to feel heard and respected, using a warm and values-driven approach to engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess expertise in child and youth participation, engagement, and co-design. They should be warm, collaborative, and thoughtful practitioners who can build trust quickly and facilitate meaningful participation. A commitment to children's rights and a motivation to create lasting systemic change are essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in human-centered design, including co-design practices, and be comfortable building digital tools and platforms collaboratively. Trauma-informed practice should be instinctual, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams around a shared vision is crucial.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background in fields such as social work, education, community development, or a related discipline is preferred. Candidates should have formal training or certifications in child rights, youth engagement, or co-design methodologies to effectively fulfill the role's requirements.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in child and youth participation, engagement, and co-design, particularly in fast-paced environments. Experience working directly with children and young people, especially in a leadership or facilitation capacity, is highly desirable. Familiarity with trauma-informed practices and the ability to navigate diverse community settings will be beneficial.

Languages:
While there are no specific language requirements mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory. Additional languages that reflect the diversity of the communities served by the organization would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with a broader range of children and young people.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time (0.8 FTE) and is offered on a maximum term basis for 6 months, with the potential for extension. The role allows for remote work or work from one of the organization's state offices in Australia. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and must adhere to the organization's Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. The organization also offers a range of employee benefits, including full salary packaging, extra leave, wellness support, and opportunities for internal development.