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 is committed to creating a supportive environment for children and young people, empowering them to lead and influence decisions that affect their lives.

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

• This part-time position (0.8 FTE) is a 6-month maximum term role that may be extended. The successful candidate will work flexibly from home or one of the state offices in Australia. The role requires a passionate and energetic individual who believes in the importance of children's voices in decision-making processes. The lead will be responsible for creating inclusive opportunities for children and young people to connect, contribute, and influence positive change, ensuring that their rights are championed and their participation is meaningful.

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

• Leading the design, establishment, and growth of a new national Child and Youth Network.
• Creating inclusive opportunities for children and young people to connect and contribute to decision-making processes.
• Facilitating meaningful participation and co-design activities that amplify the voices of children and young people.
• Championing children's rights by delivering engaging learning opportunities and fostering authentic participation.
• Building and nurturing strong relationships with children, young people, caregivers, partner organizations, and internal stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of a child-led network by empowering children and young people to take on leadership roles.
• Bringing a warm, curious, energetic, and values-driven approach to engagement, creating safe spaces for young people.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess expertise in child and youth participation, engagement, and co-design. They should have a strong commitment to children's rights and be motivated to create lasting systemic change. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to facilitate participation with diverse groups of children and young people, build digital tools collaboratively, and apply trauma-informed practices instinctively. They should also be adept at wrangling cross-functional teams around a shared vision, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background in social work, community development, child psychology, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have formal training or certifications in human-centered design and co-design methodologies, as well as experience in child rights advocacy and participation.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in child and youth participation, ideally with a background in co-design practices. Experience working with diverse groups of children and young people, particularly in a leadership or facilitation role, is essential. Familiarity with the challenges faced by children and young people in Australia, including those from marginalized communities, is highly desirable.

Languages:
While no specific languages are mandated, proficiency in English is essential. Additional languages that reflect the diversity of the Australian population would be considered an asset, particularly those spoken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time (0.8 FTE) and is offered on a maximum term basis for 6 months, with the possibility of extension. The role is designed to be flexible, allowing the successful candidate to work from home or from one of the organization's state offices. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and individuals from diverse backgrounds. 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.