Hybrid project-based fixed term | SCHADS SACS Level 3
Online + Canberra | Australia-wide applications
The Opportunity
Help shape the next generation of young Australian leaders
Y Australia is recruiting Program Leaders for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, an immersive national civic education experience where young Australians aged 16–18 debate, collaborate and experience democracy in action.
This is a short-term, high-impact role offering meaningful leadership experience on a national stage.
As a Program Leader, you’ll mentor, guide and challenge a cohort of young people as they step into leadership, build confidence and find their voice.
The Organisation
The YMCA (‘the Y’) is the largest youth movement in the world, reaching 65 million people across more than 120 countries. In Australia, 12 member associations span over 680 communities, supported by 11,500+ staff and volunteers.
Y Australia is the national body that enables and amplifies this federation, leading national programs, advocacy and collaboration in support of young people across the country.
What you will do
• Lead and mentor a cohort of participants throughout the program
• Facilitate structured discussions, small group sessions and reflective activities
• Promote participant wellbeing, inclusion and psychological safety
• Fulfil supervision and duty-of-care responsibilities, including overnight and travel
• Engage actively in training, supervision and collaborative program delivery
The residential period involves extended working hours across the program days, including early mornings, late evenings and overnight supervision responsibilities in line with award provisions.
Commitment (Essential)
You must be available for:
• Online onboarding and preparation from late April
• In-person training in Canberra: 2–3 June 2026
• Residential program delivery in Canberra: 16–20 August 2026
• Possible additional travel days aligned to participant supervision
• Post-program debrief activities
About you
• Experience working directly with young people in structured environments (e.g. youth programs, education, camps or leadership programs)
• Confidence facilitating groups, workshops or structured activities
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Sound judgement and understanding of safeguarding and child-safe frameworks
• Reliability and the ability to work collaboratively within a national team
Highly Regarded:
• Previous involvement in Youth Parliament (participant, supervisor or taskforce)
• Knowledge of Australian civics and parliamentary systems
• First Aid or Mental Health First Aid certification
What You’ll Gain
• Meaningful leadership experience in a nationally recognised program
• Exposure to national civic processes
• Intensive team-based program delivery experience
• Contribute directly to youth voice and democratic engagement
Successful applicants must hold or obtain a valid Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check and National Police Check and have the legal right to work in Australia.
Apply Now: If you’re ready to combine purpose, intensity and impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications will close 5pm on Sunday 1 March 2026.
For enquiries or to request a Position Description, contact: peopleandculture@ycareers.org.au
A key part of our application process is our safeguarding screening. We are committed to empowering all children and young people to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. All candidates are appropriately screened to ensure the right people are in the right roles. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know – we’re here to support you.
