Child and Youth Engagement Officer Woking, Surrey, UK

We are currently seeking to recruit a Child and Youth Engagement Officer.

About the Role

Plan works for and with children. Child participation is a key strategic focus for our organization through our Child Centered Community Development (CCCD) framework. The concept of youth engagement in Plan involves both meaningful participation and good internal governance. Central to the concept of CCCD is that children participate in decisions that impact on their lives. This role will lead on establishing the legitimate participation of young people in and their opportunity and ability to influence Plan’s governance processes. Plan is currently reviewing our internal governance structures and how children and youths in Plan are able to influence Plan’s internal governance. Dimensions of Role: Budget responsibility: Euro 200,000 to establish and run the Youth Assembly This role has a global presence working with all of Plan’s Offices and in particular with the Youth trustees established at 5 of our national offices. Responsible of the development of the Youth regional program support team Reporting regularly to the Director on the development of the Youth Assembly and all risks associated with the programming of the November inaugural meeting. Support networks of youth and the relevant parts of IH in overall child and youth engagement in Plan with a special focus on work on children and youth in Plan’s internal decision-making and the current work in the Members Assembly leading up to an envisioned Youth Assembly in November 2012. Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position: A successful Youth Assembly (YA) takes place in November 2012 with outputs addressing youth engagement in Plan’s governance Design and implement an accessible election process for the Youth Assembly Proactively promote the opportunity for young people to stand as candidates for the Youth assembly using appropriate mediums eg social media etc Support, monitor and evaluate the democratic election of youths to participate in the Global Youth Assembly. Organise the Youth Assembly identifying and addressing all risk including those associated with young people travelling to attend. Technically support the CO’s/ROs/NO’s/PU’s with the preparatory work for the Global Youth Assembly A learning document is produced engaging young people around the world to take forward the recommendations of the YA Coordinate the follow-up activities from the Youth Assembly including reporting back, evaluation and writing the report Drafting a policy/action plan which includes recommendations made by the YA to Senior management on the way forward on engaging young people Design and disseminate supporting guidelines, tool-kits and resources are developed to scale-up globally. Lead an internal awareness-raising campaign on Youth participation Coordinate the cooperation between the Nomination and Governance Committee (NGC) and the Youth Steering Group All Global initiatives (child protection, advocacy, strategic review, etc.) have involved children and youth in the decision making processes Support to children and youths to engage with managers and staff involved in internal governance Support research, documentation and publications on youth engagement Establish a simple framework for Monitoring and Evaluating the involvement of children and youths in decision-making throughout Plan Dealing with Problems: Translating business speak into language children and youth understand and can engage with Isolating priorities/challenges and identifying practical, sustainable ways to address them. Engaging managers to ensure they meet the need for youth participation in internal governance Ensuring accessibility for youths who wish to be involved Setting up and running a high profile large scale conference with young delegates forma cross the world Risk assessing and putting in place controls for child protection issues Communications and Working Relationships: Internal Head of Global Safeguarding The Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns team around global advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns The legal team and Senior management staff The Member’s Assembly, through the Nominating and Governance Committee to ensure that global initiatives and strategies have involved children and youth in decision making roles Existing formal or inform youth groups/networks and Technical advisors specializing in youth engagement, child participation and protection External All NO’s and their child or youth advisory boards including their youth trustees to support meaningful and high-quality child participation Regional offices in their internal governance work Relevant governmental agencies, UN agencies, INGOs, youth engagement networks and child rights organizations Events organizers Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives: Knowledge Advanced practical understanding of safeguarding and child rights, current issues and best practice A deep understanding of child protection issues in youth engagement Advanced practical knowledge of working directly with children and youth in participatory ways Excellent knowledge of group dynamics and power structures Understand how to facilitate and support children in a non-discriminatory way Knowledge of thematic area of participation Track record of building strong professional relationships Social media knowledge and appreciation Proven experience of planning, executing and evaluating high-quality child participation in adult-led events Practical and theoretical knowledge of managing organizational change, in particular related to bringing in participatory approaches with children/youth necessary Proficiency in English equivalent to native speaker. Proficiency in French and/or Spanish highly desirable. Being well-acquainted with Plan’s governance structures is an asset. Behaviours Able to create rapport with young people Non judgmental Team player Supports empowerment of children Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour Consistent in approach to work and decision-making Leads organizational change while cooperating with children and staff Provides vision and direction Promotes innovation and learning Consistent in approach to work and decision-making Have a high degree of self-awareness and is well aware of his/her impact on others and behaves accordingly Sees contribution of children in his/her own part of the organisation as well as throughout Plan Involves children and youth in setting and achieving goals Skills Able to translate bureaucratic language in to language young people can relate to Able to work in a participatory and motivating way with youth, Plan Staff and Plan Senior Management Strong conceptual and strategic thinking skills Strong team building and motivational skills Able to build networks and manage /influence across borders Project management or large scale events management Negotiation skills Able to build internal and external networks and engage others Confident public speaker with media skills (e.g. ability to undertake media interviews) Location: This post is based at Plan International Headquarters in Woking, Surrey. Type of role: Permanent Reports to: Director of Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns Grade: 4 Salary: Circa £38,500 Closing date: Friday 29th June, 2012

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.

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Child and Youth Engagement Officer

Woking, Surrey, UK