Are you passionate about youth voice, social justice, and transforming food systems? We are looking for a creative, collaborative and motivated Youth Participation Coordinator to lead an exciting new pilot project exploring how young people can meaningfully shape local food systems and influence decision-making.

We want to work alongside young people aged 16–30, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, to co-create a more inclusive and equitable food future across the UK.

About the role

You will:

• Develop and coordinate a youth engagement strategy
• Build relationships with organisations working with young people and food
• Facilitate participatory workshops and events with young people, food organisations and other collaborators
• Help establish and co-develop a youth forum
• Support young people to influence policy, strategy and project development
• Create safe, inclusive and trauma-informed participation spaces
• Produce reports, case studies, blogs and communications materials
• Contribute to future project development and fundraising

This is a unique opportunity to shape a new area of work within a nationally recognised organisation committed to healthy, sustainable and fair food systems.

We’re looking for someone who has:

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

What we offer

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Contributory 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 is a disability inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Apply

These are the steps you need to take to apply:

1. Please download and read the full job description and person specification (below)
2. Please read our guidance on how to get a job interview at Food Matters (below). People who will be invited to interview will have successfully addressed all the points on the downloadable person specification.
3. Complete an application form (below), and send it to info@foodmatters.org before 10am on Tuesday 16th June

Key application documents:

Job Description and Person Specification

How to get a job interview at Food Matters

Food Matters Application Form

Interviews will be held at Community Base, Brighton on Thurs 25th June.

For recruitment adjustments or accessibility support, contact:
Helen Starr-Keddle – helensk@foodmatters.org | 01273 234781