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.
Thank you for your interest in the UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador program. Unfortunately, applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed.
We have now begun accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the July 2026 – December 2027 Young Ambassador program. Please follow the link below if you wish to be contacted when the 2026 UNICEF Young Ambassador applications open. Please do not add a resume or cover letter. Only your contact details will be required to register your interest at this stage.
The Young Ambassador Program
UNICEF Young Ambassadors hear from children and young people in their communities and then raise issues with our nation’s key decision-makers. They also support other broad areas of UNICEF Australia’s work as spokespeople at conferences, events and in media. The program offers extensive training in leadership, advocacy, media and communications, empowering the Young Ambassadors to engage effectively with, other young people, leaders and decision makers. UNICEF Australia's Young Ambassadors have made great contributions to children's rights and advocacy. Their active participation in decision-making and advocacy has not only amplified the voices of children and young people but also influenced actions and policies for their betterment. The program continues to empower young leaders to make a tangible impact on society, ensuring that the rights and needs of children are at the forefront of national discourse.
Your day will include
As a UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador, you will have the opportunity to speak up for children’s rights and what matters to Australia’s young people. You will work closely other Young Ambassadors across Australia, the UNICEF Australia Child and Youth Engagement Team and the Domestic Policy and Advocacy Team. The time commitment is 8-10 hours per month, with the potential for increased involvement during key campaign periods, and availability to attend an in-person Induction Week with UNICEF in Sydney in July 2026.
We are looking for young people who
- Are 16-24 years old and living in Australia for the duration of the program
- Have a passion for hearing from children and young people across Australia
- Enjoy working in a team-based capacity and independently
- Support social justice for marginalised children and young people
- Have a commitment to making positive changes for children and young people across Australia
- Have a commitment to learning new skills and learning from peers
- Lived and living experience on issues impacting on young people (including Digital Wellbeing, Climate Change, and First Nations)
- Ability to obtain or have a cleared WWCC
- Ability to obtain or have a cleared National Police Record Check
Personal attributes required for this position
- Commitment to the Rights of the Child and demonstrated alignment with UNICEF Australia’s vision, mission, and values
- Collaborative team player
- Adaptable and flexible with a positive can-do attitude
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders
- Completes tasks within set timeframes
UNICEF Australia values
Child Focus: We remember why we are here
Accountability: We are accountable for our impact and actions on others
Integrity: We do the right thing, even when no one is watching
Innovation: We love initiatives and new ideas
Collaboration: We work together for children
Trust: We deliver on our promises
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 Police Check 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.
