- Independent Statutory Officer
- Promote and advocate for the rights, interests and wellbeing of children and young people
- Key influential leadership role
The Position
A highly accomplished leader is sought for appointment to the position of Commissioner for Children and Young People, based in Adelaide.
The Commissioner is a statutory officer responsible for advocating for and promoting the rights, interests, and wellbeing of children and young people in South Australia. This role also works to improve the systems that most impact young people in the state.
Guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Commissioner collaborates with both government and community to ensure South Australia upholds its international obligations. The Commissioner has discretionary powers to conduct inquiries into matters concerning the rights, development, and wellbeing of children and young people. The position is accountable through the Minister for Education, Training and Skills as the Minister responsible for administration of the Children and Young People (Oversight and Advocacy Bodies) Act.
With an understanding of current issues and a genuine commitment to engaging with children and young people, the ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional ability to influence, negotiate and advocate on their behalf.
The preferred candidate will bring proven strategic leadership capability and skills to effectively manage an operation of 10-12 staff. With outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, the candidate will be confident working independently and possess extensive expertise in complex decision-making, analysis, and report writing.
This position is classified as SAES2 and offered on a 5-year fixed term contract.
The Organisation
The South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People is an independent role established under the Children and Young People (Oversight and Advocacy Bodies) Act 2016.
This was legislation introduced into the South Australian Parliament in response to the Child Protection Systems Royal Commission 2014. The purpose of the legislation was to create a statutory officer who has the powers and functions to promote and advocate for the rights, interests and wellbeing of all children and young people living in South Australia, and to help bring about improvements to the systems that impact them most.
The work of the Commissioner is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; the core international treaty established in 1989 to which Australia is a signatory. This important agreement sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all children around the world. The Commissioner works with government and the community to ensure South Australia enacts its international obligations under this Convention.
To apply – please click on ‘Apply Now’ using reference DEScyp0125 addressing your cover letter and resume to Sharyn Gowans of Future Leadership™, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.