About the opportunity
Are you passionate about empowering children and young people in NI to lead civic action by developing themselves as empathic, problem-solving, innovative, collaborative and optimistic leaders of change who improve their lives and their communities?
Then join us.
eduSOIL CIC, is the nation-wide partner for Design for Change (DFC) programmes in Northern Ireland, and is part of a UN-recognised global movement empowering children and young people to design and lead solutions to real-world challenges affecting their lives and communities. https://www.dfcworld.org https://designforchangeni.com
Our work integrates wellbeing, creativity, youth voice and global citizenship through school and community based programmes.
This year, we are establishing a nation-wide team of onsite DFC NI Youth Mentors whose Key Commitments are as follows:
Time: A minimum of 20 hours total (delivered in 1.5hr – 2hr sessions). You create your own schedule tailored to your availability and the availability of the group you will mentor.
Training: Participate in online and onsite training in Belfast.
Timeline: Support your group to initiate and lead a project in their community between Feb - early Sept this year
See full list of tasks and responsibilities below
Through their volunteer engagement DFC NI Youth Mentors will also:
Participate in shared leadership, wellbeing practice and safeguarding processes
Grow their own leadership capacity within a respected global movement.
Build and maintain relationships with schools, universities, funders and strategic partners
Contribute to national visibility and storytelling through stories of change
Represent Northern Ireland within the global Design for Change network
The role combines strategic contribution with hands-on involvement in programme delivery, partnerships and mentoring.
The team of onsite DFC NI Youth Mentors will work alongside the team of online DFC NI Youth Mentors all of whom will be supported by the DFC NI Programme Director, Programme Coordinators and the Country Director. They will also be involved in a peer mentorship group with Programme Directors and Coordinators in South Africa and Sudan, contributing to shared learning and international, intercultural and intergenerational collaboration.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking committed, values-led individuals with experience across education, youth work, community development, arts, social enterprise or related sectors.
You should have:
At least 3 years’ professional experience in a related, relevant or complementary field/sector
Experience working with schools, young people, educators or community organisations either through professional roles or in a voluntary capacity.
Strong relationship-building and communication skills
Experience supporting or managing projects or programmes
Confidence mentoring young people and volunteers
An interest in wellbeing-informed leadership and reflective practice
You do not need prior experience with Design for Change, but you should be open to learning and working within an established global methodology. You also do not need to have a background in Education or the Community Sector, yet should have experience with young people, prior voluntary experience in any field and must have a commitment to connect with and collaborate with underserved communities.
We are particularly interested in applicants who:
Bring lived experience of migration, cultural transition or integration, including previously or currently being in the asylum system
Are multilingual
Have a creative arts practice in any medium
Have experience in arts, mindfulness, yoga or wellbeing practice alongside professional expertise
Are motivated by equity, youth voice and ethical leadership
Are eager to go beyond the minimum of 6 hours to mentor 1 group of children and young people and are willing to utilise our 1 week or 1 month curriculum to design a mentoring programme that enables the children and young people to get the best support.
Are open to supporting multiple groups over the course of the year.
This role suits someone who wants to actively contribute and who is excited by working at both local and international levels.
What difference will you make?
This role is critical to eduSOIL’s ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable youth leadership programmes across Northern Ireland.
By having a nationwide team of onsite DFC NI Youth Mentors, eduSOIL can:
Strengthen relationships with schools, universities and education stakeholders
Increase programme reach, consistency and quality across NI
Better support young people through mentoring and leadership
Deliver nation-wide programmes effectively and responsibly
Build a stronger pipeline of partners, funders and future leaders
Ensure NI voices and practice are represented within a global movement
The contributions of each and every DFC NI Youth Mentor directly supports young people to lead meaningful change while strengthening the long-term sustainability and visibility of the organisation.
Wellbeing & Training Support
All DFC NI Youth Mentors participate in eduSOIL’s wellbeing-informed leadership framework, including:
Weekly guided reflective practice (MEtime For Change)
Online training modules (Design For Change)
2 month abridged Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course
Ongoing peer leadership exchange
Safeguarding Policies
All work operates under eduSOIL safeguarding policies:
🔐 https://www.edusoil.com/safeguarding-policy-procedures.html
How can you apply?
Apply directly on this platform. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 2 days of applying. They will be invited to complete an online application form, provide contact details for two referees and be invited to attend an online interview with the Founder/CEO within 5 days of our reply.
The next stage involves background checks which will be carried out through Volunteer Now and consent sought for us to contact referees. This stage can take 1 - 2 weeks.
Agreement to participate in Mindfulness and safeguarding training, which are mandatory for this role must be provided prior contractual confirmation.
We aim to finalise placements on a first come first served basis, based on our organisational needs.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online conversation with the Founder & CEO.