About us

Young Sea Changers Scotland (YSCS) is a Scottish charity (SC052142) on a mission to equip young people, aged 16-25, with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to speak up on marine policy issues affecting them, their communities, and their environment. Our vision is for young people in Scotland, regardless of background or experience, to be empowered to have their voices heard on how our seas are managed.

The work of our organisation is overseen by a board of committed Trustees and run by an Executive Director who shares a passion for youth empowerment and ocean conservation.

Job purpose

As our new Youth Advocacy Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring young people’s voices are heard in policymaking for Scotland’s seas. You will be responsible for coordinating activities and initiatives that connect young advocates with policymakers and other marine stakeholders, thereby increasing young people’s engagement and impact on marine conservation issues.

A central aspect of this role is the development and promotion of the Youth Manifesto for Scotland’s Seas, which captures the perspectives, concerns, and aspirations of young people regarding Scotland's marine environment ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections in 2026.

We are looking for a confident and motivated individual with policy advocacy experience. You will work closely with the YSCS team as well as in close collaboration with our partners to deliver the key responsibilities below.

Equality & diversity

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. People of colour, disabled people, and young people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour, disabled, a young person, or someone coming from a lower socio-economic background, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

Why work with us

● Make a meaningful impact for young people to feel confidence to speak up on issues they care about

● Gain valuable experiences in a new, mission-driven organisation

● Join a team of people who share a passion for our marine environment and recognise the power of youth advocacy

What we offer

● A matched pension contribution of 5%

● A 4-day work week with a flexible working pattern

● 22.5 days of paid holiday (pro-rata)

● We also close between Christmas and New Year as extra time off

● A small training stipend

● A work laptop & support for other equipment costs