Youth Participation Officer at Food Matters

We are very excited to be launching a new pilot project exploring how young people can meaningfully shape local food systems and influence decision-making, and we are looking for a creatively-minded and collaborative coordinator to help lead this work.

This role will work alongside young people aged 16–30, with a focus on those from underrepresented and marginalised background. Together, you'll co-create more inclusive and equitable food systems locally and across the UK, by focussing on how to include young people's voices in decision making.

We looking for a creatively-minded and collaborative coordinator who is passionate about bringing young people's voices into the food justice movement to help lead this work.

In this role, you will:
-Develop and coordinate a youth engagement strategy
-Build partnerships with organisations working with young people and food
-Facilitate workshops and collaborative events
-Help establish and co-develop a youth forum
-Support young people to influence policy and decision-making
-Create safe, inclusive and trauma-informed participation spaces
-Produce reports, case studies and communications materials

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

-At least 2 years’ experience working directly with young people
-Experience supporting young people to influence decisions or policy
-Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills
-A commitment to equity, inclusion and participation
-Excellent organisational and project coordination abilities

What we offer:
-Flexible and hybrid working
-Pension scheme with up to 5% matched contributions
-25 days annual leave FTE plus bank holidays (pro rata)
-Additional leave between Christmas and New Year
-A supportive and inclusive working environment

Food Matters welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is a disability inclusive employer.

📩 Apply by 10am on Tuesday 16 June

Interviews will be held in Brighton on Thursday 25 June.

For the full Job Description, Person Specification and application details, visit: https://www.foodmatters.org/about/vacancies/