The search is on for a new Youth Convener to champion the cause of young people in the Highlands.
The Highland Youth Convener is a sounding board for youth issues in the Highlands and has a direct line into policy makers and decision takers.
The Youth Convener is a unique role in that the post holder is a member of The Highland Council’s Education Committee, with full voting powers and also works with the High Life Highland Youth Services Team in developing Highland Youth Parliament and other initiatives that increase youth involvement in decisions that affect them.
Head of Adult Learning and Youth Work for High Life Highland Mark Richardson said: “Young people have the right to a voice to highlight what they need and to shape the services in their lives.
“The Youth Convener role provides a significant platform for that to happen. Over a 12 month period it is a superb opportunity for someone to provide a full-time face, voice and connection for young people and link to services for them across the Highland area.”
A key requirement of the role is an awareness of issues affecting young people and an ability to represent their views. Good communication skills are required, as is the ability to work with and relate to a wide range of people, particularly third sector and statutory organisations which have a strong stake in the lives and outcomes of vulnerable marginalised young people and their families.
Young people involved in the Highland Youth Parliament have highlighted their priority issues, including mental health concerns due to COVID, isolation and academic stress, the effects of exam challenges due to the pandemic and employment concerns.
The closing date for applications is Thursday, May 12 and interviews will take place in two stages in June.
Applicants will be asked to write or email in no more than 500 words on ‘how you would ensure young people’s views are voiced to The Highland Council and Community Planning Partners’, with a CV, and two referees.
Applications can also be submitted as video or audio, equivalent to 500 words
For more information, visit www.highlifehighland.org/recruitment
