Passionate about children’s human rights? Want to use your expertise to make areal difference to the lives of children and young people?
Then we want you to join us to promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people in Scotland.
Overview of the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland
In 2003 the Scottish Parliament wanted to “make a real difference by creating an independent, high-profile and influential post” of Children and Young People’s Commissioner with a responsibility to promote and safeguard the rights of everyone under 18 in Scotland or up to 21 if the young person is in care or has care experience.
Children and young people don’t have the same economic or political power as adults. Adult systems aren’t designed around children’s needs and when things go wrong it’ smuch harder for them to get justice. They need a champion who is an independent personable to challenge those in power.
The role of Commissioner must do that, whilst bringing together different parts of the political and institutional systems and society in the best interests of the child. As well as being a champion for rights, a key part of the job is to work with people who make decisions that affect children and young people lives so that they deliver on their promises– for example within education, healthcare, housing and justice.
Decision-makers must understand their rights obligations and include and listen effectively to children and young people in order to do their jobs properly.
We are a dedicated team of 15 staff who bring a variety of skills and talents to help influence and drive progress within children’s human rights. As a team, we work to our shared values of bravery, independence, leadership, participation and respect so that we can be the fierce champions of rights that children and young people need us to be.
Role Summary:
This is a high-profile legal and policy role within the children’s human rights sector in Scotland. You will be a fierce champion to promote and protect children’s human rights. As part of the Strategy Team you will work proactively to identify and address human rights issues and use your skills, knowledge, networks and expertise to influence law, policy and practice.
You will put children and young people at the heart of our legal and policy work, in order to inform and shape the agenda in Scotland. You will develop positions based on sound human rights principles and communicate them using a wide range of tools including legal opinions, by producing speeches, reports, briefings, consultation responses, parliamentary evidence, and contributing content for online and social media content and external media statements.
Supporting the Head of Strategy, you will be responsible for providing legal and policy advice on human rights issues relating to children and young people in Scotland, and working with colleagues in Commissioner’s offices across the UK, Europe and internationally.
A Recruitment Pack is available for download below.
All applications by CV and covering letter are welcomed accepted by email to recruitment@cypcs.org.uk and must be submitted by 9am Monday 23rd August.
Interviews will take place on Monday 13th September and will be conducted remotely due to COVID-19.