The UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador program gives young people aged 16-24 the opportunity to speak up for children’s rights and what matters to Australia’s young people. Recruited from across the country, participants will be extensively trained in leadership, advocacy, and media and communications, empowering them to engage effectively with other young people, leaders and decision makers.

​

UNICEF Australia is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2026-2027 Young Ambassador program! This is your chance to speak up for a fair Australia that protects and supports every child and young person. Don’t miss out – applications close 22 February.

​

Each year, Young Ambassadors hear from children and young people in their communities and then raise the issues that matter most to them with our nation’s key decision-makers. Successful candidates will have a passion for speaking about issues that affect children and young people, have skills and lived experience they can bring to the program, and enjoy working in both a team-based and independent capacity.

​

UNICEF Australia’s Young Ambassadors play an impactful national role. Over the last year, this has included speaking at major events like Climate Action Week, the Digital Childhoods Summit, COP30, UN Youth Australia conferences, sporting events, the National Tech Summit, the Child Rights Symposium and at schools. 

​

As a Young Ambassador, you will work with 10 other Young Ambassadors from across Australia in this 18 month volunteer role. This role provides extensive training in leadership, advocacy, media and communications, empowering you to engage effectively with leaders and decision makers. The time commitment is around 10-15 hours per month, with increased involvement during key campaign periods, events or for travel. 

​

If you're ready to join a team of dedicated young leaders and speak up for a fairer Australia, apply now to become a UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador. Let's work together to create a brighter future for every child! 

We are looking for young people who 

1. Are 16-24 years old. You need to be 16 years old by 28 February 2026. If you turn 25 in 2027, you are still eligible to apply.
2. Living in Australia for the duration of the program.
3. Have a passion for hearing from children and young people across Australia. 
4. Enjoy working both independently and as part of a team, and are committed to continually building new skills and learning from peers. 
5. Are commitment to social justice and making positive changes for children and young people. 
6. Lived and living experience on issues impacting on young people. 
7. Can attend the Young Ambassador Induction Week in Sydney (all costs covered by UNICEF Australia) that will be starting the week of 13 July, from 13 – 17 July 2026. Noting that there may be travel time on the 13th and 18th of July. 
8. Have the capacity to volunteer 10-15 hours a month. 
9. Ability to obtain or have a cleared WWCC if you are over 18. 
10. 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 

​

Applications for this position close Sunday 22 February 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT.