Join Orygen's Youth in Governance Program
WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?
Orygen is seeking six young people to join its Youth in Governance program as Youth Advisors to Orygen’s Board and Board subcommittees. This is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn about governance of a youth mental organisation and to help shape our organisation's work to improve the mental health of young people.
Youth Advisors contribute to Orygen’s highest level of decision‑making; bringing lived experience and youth perspectives into governance discussions that shape strategy, clinical oversight, people and culture, and organisational risk. These roles sit within Orygen’s formal governance structures and support the Board to carry out its purpose and responsibilities.
Youth Advisor appointments are for a three‑year term, with meetings held both online and in-person at Orygen’s Parkville headquarters. You will receive training and ongoing support from a Board member throughout the process and will be connected to other Youth Advisors.
A total of six Youth Advisors will be appointed, with two advisors per governance committee, across:
- Orygen's Board
- Clinical Governance committee
- People and Remuneration committee
What's involved?
Youth Advisors are expected to prepare in advance of each meeting and participate thoughtfully and consistently. The program includes structured training and support to make sure young people can contribute confidently at a governance level and make the most of this opportunity.
The role includes:
- Attending governance training and coaching sessions
- Reading Board or subcommittee papers in advance
- Meeting regularly with a Board Director, Chair or delegate for preparation and mentoring
- Attending scheduled Board or subcommittee meetings (approximately 4-6 per year)
- Sharing perspectives constructively during meetings and discussions
Youth Advisors are not Board Directors and do not hold full legal responsibilities of a director. However, you will be actively involved in decision-making discussions and will be considered a valued and integral part of the Board or committee.
Youth Advisors receive paid honorariums for meetings, with additional payment for longer meetings or preparation time where required. Approved travel costs are reimbursed.
Who should apply?
This opportunity is for young people who are interested in contributing and learning about governance and systems level decision-making (e.g. thinking about the impact of decisions to large groups of young people, staff, managers and other organisations) and who meet the criteria outlined in the Youth Advisor Candidate Profile.
You are encouraged to apply if you meet the following critera:
- Aged 18–30 years at the time of appointment
- Live in Australia
- Have lived or living experience of mental ill‑health, either personally or through family, caring or community experience
- Interested in governance, leadership, organisational risk, people and culture, or clinical systems
- Interested in contributing to discussions at a strategic or systemic level
- Willing to commit to preparation, participation and learning
- Can commit to a three‑year term
- You are not a current client or employee of Orygen, and are not enrolled in any Orygen training or courses
- You have the unrestricted right to live and work in Australia
Previous Board or governance experience is not required. Training, mentoring, and ongoing support are core components of the program.
We strongly encourage applications from young people from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
- LGBTQIA+ young people
- Young people from multicultural backgrounds
- Family members or carers of young people with mental health challenges
- Young people with disability or chronic health conditions
- Young people living in regional, rural or remote areas
Applicants are expected to read the full Youth Advisor Candidate Profile before applying.
how to apply
To apply:
- Read the Youth Advisor Candidate Profile, particularly the position key responsibilities and experience/skills criteria.
- Complete the Youth Advisor in Governance application form.
- Submit your application by 11:59PM Tuesday 19th May 2026 AEST.
A note on the use of AI: Please keep in mind we will be assessing responses for authenticity and your capacity for critical thinking as future leaders.
What Happens Next?
After applications close on midnight Tuesday 19th May 2026 AEST, shortlisted applicants may be invited to take part in interviews.
The interview process will happen in two stages:
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Stage one focuses on recruitment and suitability for the Youth in Governance program as a whole.
This stage explores applicants’ interest in governance, understanding of the program, and readiness to participate, while also providing an opportunity to learn more about the Youth Advisor role and what participation involves.
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Stage two focuses on formal placement offers.
At this stage, shortlisted applicants may be considered for one of three specific governance bodies: the Board of Directors, the Clinical Governance Subcommittee, or the People and Remuneration Subcommittee. Placement decisions are made based on interests, experience, skills, and organisational needs.
We may ask for a personal referee and/or curriculum vitae.
Interviews may include members of Orygen’s Youth Participation team, Executive, Board or relevant subcommittee. Final decisions are made by Orygen’s Board.
If you have questions at any stage, contact 📧 [email protected].