Youth Activist (Voluntary)

Plan International’s Youth Activists are a force to be reckoned with. You will receive intensive training in gender justice, advocacy and campaigning, research, stakeholder and government relations, media and communications, and then go out into the world and tackle inequality head on. Our work in 2024 will have a strong focus on gender justice and climate justice.

They are fearless, powerful and feminist.

As a Youth Activist, you may have the chance to be involved in:

• Advocacy and campaign planning
• Media appearances
• Research
• Influencing decision makers
• Social media and communications
• Supporting youth activism globally
• Contributing to Plan International Australia’s policy agenda

What does this involve?

Youth Activists bring their passion, skills and lived experiences to the issues Plan International Australia advocates for.

The YAS provides a platform for young people to learn more about global issues surrounding climate and gender justice, and presents a space where they can build their capacity and advocate and campaign with young people all over the world. The purpose of YAS is to give participants the chance to drive real change that is informed by their voices and solutions.

Who are we?

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years, and are now active in more than 80 countries.

What it’s really like?

• Time commitment: The Youth Activist Series is a 12-month commitment. We expect you to attend 80% of the workshops, to maximise your skills development and ensure that you are ready to fight for gender justice.
• We expect that you will actively partake in activities and events throughout the year and respond to ad-hoc opportunities as they come up. Some months will be busier than others (particularly February/March, April, June, September and October).
• Training weekend: The Youth Activist Series training weekend is compulsory and will take place in person in Melbourne, with tentative dates for either 24-25 February or 2-3 March 2024.
• Fortnightly catch-ups – We do a fortnightly online catch up throughout the year.
• Workshops: There will be a number of workshops providing additional training, updates on our work and to involve you in planning, co-design of and execution of projects. We will always try to let you know at least 2 weeks in advance of the date, and find a time that best suits participants.

Who are you?

You need to be:

• 16 – 24 years old and passionate about gender justice and climate justice
• Able to attend regular virtual workshops and meet-ups (optional)
• If you are under 18 years of age, you will need to seek permission from your parent or guardian to participate in the program.

Hours, pay and start date

We are hiring for voluntary arrangements. We are looking for someone to start in early 2024.

What’s Next?

Read the full Position Description (PD) and see whether you think the role is right for you.

If you’re interested, click ‘Apply Now’ and upload your cover letter and resume. Include in your cover letter how your skills align with the criteria as set out in the PD.

Once we’ve got these, if you advance to the next stage, you will be contacted and invited to an interview, either online or face-to-face at the office.

You can learn more about our program here.

Please note: When you apply, please feel safe to tell us the pronouns you use if you’re comfortable doing so, as well as any adjustments you may need throughout your interview and employment.

Our commitment

We make hiring decisions based on your skills, passion and experience – this experience extends outside the workplace, and includes lived experience. Even if you don’t wholly fit the criteria, we still want to hear from you! At PIA, we believe in looking for perspectives and abilities that new team members can bring and add to our culture.

We are dedicated to working with people from all sectors of the community. We strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as a child-safe organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. As part of the screening process, candidates will be required to complete a satisfactory National police Check, sign our Safeguarding Children and Young People policy and code of conduct, and where necessary complete a Working with Children Check.

Join Plan International Australia and help create justice for children and equality for girls.