Youth Engagement Specialist

UNICEF is the world’s largest children’s charity working to protect vulnerable children, globally and here in Australia. Run entirely on voluntary donations, we work to improve the lives of every vulnerable child, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day our teams are on the ground in 190 countries working with local partners to deliver lifesaving help and create lasting change. From vaccinating children in war zones to providing early childhood education access in Indigenous communities, donations help us to protect every child, no matter what.

We are offering a full time, 5-month contract position, working in a flexible environment, built around the diversity of our team and their needs. A competitive salary commensurate with the not for profit sector is offered together with a broad range of wellbeing benefits.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a purpose-driven Youth Engagement Specialist to design and deliver engaging initiatives that strengthen youth participation and elevate young people’s voices, with a strong focus on climate and child rights priorities.

This role plays a key part in delivering youth engagement initiatives aligned with the Children’s Strategy and broader organisational priorities, including work supporting young people to engage with climate-related issues. It works closely with young people and youth-led organisations to build capacity and ensure their perspectives inform our work.

Your day will include

• Designing and delivering face-to-face and digital youth engagement initiatives, including those linked to climate and child rights priorities
• Facilitating consultations, meetings and events with young people in both online and in-person settings
• Coordinating youth engagement activities such as forums, conferences and workshops
• Building and maintaining relationships with youth-led organisations and partners
• Supporting the delivery of youth engagement projects and contributing to cross-team initiatives
• Preparing materials, communications and reports to support youth participation and projects

We would like you to have the following skills and experience

• Experience in youth engagement, including designing and facilitating consultations, events or programs
• Understanding of child rights or international development contexts
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, with experience engaging diverse audiences
• Ability to build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong written communication skills, including preparing materials and reports
• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience
• Familiarity with child safeguarding and protection standards

What will it feel like to work at UNICEF Australia

• An environment and culture built on the importance of teamwork, collaboration and shared purpose
• Sector leading salary packaging and a competitive salary commensurate with the NFP sector
• A flexible work environment with balance between home and office work, which puts the wellbeing of our staff at the centre of our decision making
• A positive and values-driven work culture which celebrates our achievements and recognises our teams
• A wellbeing package which includes such things as access to Birthday leave, EAP, nutrition, exercise, financial and legal support
• Commitment to our child-first philosophy with generous paid parental leave and offering
• The opportunity to support a global impactful cause and make a difference for every child

How To Apply

To apply for this fantastic opportunity please select "Apply" and submit the following documents in PDF format:

• Your Cover Letter, outlining your relevant experience and highlighting a summary of your strengths
• Your CV

For further information on this position, please be in touch with our People & Culture Team: ***email_hidden***.

We welcome you to contact us to discuss any requirements that will ensure you can participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Applications for this position close Thursday 25th June 2026.

All applicants are required to be legally entitled to work in Australia. UNICEF Australia has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation and adheres to strict safeguarding principles. All successful candidates will be required to undergo rigorous background checks (including National Criminal History Checks and Working with Children Check) and sign and abide by our Code of Conduct on Child Safeguarding & Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

UNICEF Australia is committed to ensure all our People, from any background, feel heard, considered, and able to contribute to their full potential. We are striving to build a truly inclusive workplace, one that our team feel they can bring their best self to work and is reflective of the wider community that we serve.