Manager, Youth Engagement and Research (ICPD)

About the role

This role supports the School-to-Work Development Agency (SWDA) in deepening its understanding of youths' career aspirations and behaviours, and shaping initiatives that strengthen youths' engagement with career development and planning. It leads research, pilot programmes and the associated funding and grants management that informs policy and engagement strategies for school-to-work transitions and early careers.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on youths' perceptions, motivations, challenges and behaviours regarding work and career planning.
• Identify emerging trends in education, employment, values and identity among youths and their impact on school-to-work transitions.
• Synthesise research insights into actionable recommendations for programmes, partnerships and outreach.
• Support internal teams with youth-related insights and frameworks, and engage youth organisations, educators, community groups and ecosystem partners.
• Cultivate partnerships with youth organisations, education institutions and community stakeholders.
• Design and lead youth-centric pilot initiatives, including digital and in-person formats.
• Develop funding proposals, grant applications and programme budgets, and manage and monitor grants and programme funding in line with compliance and governance requirements.
• Track and evaluate initiative outcomes, and present findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, including senior management.

Required profile

• Relevant experience in youth engagement, market and consumer/user research, programme development, community development and/or grants and funding management.
• Familiarity with youth development trends, education-to-work transitions and socio-economic issues affecting young people.
• Experience working with or designing initiatives for students, graduates and early-career workers.

Required skills

• Qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, including survey design, interviews, focus groups and user testing.
• MS Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel; data visualisation or research tools are a plus.
• Project management, stakeholder and partnership development, and finance and grants management.

Successful candidates receive a contract initially, which may be extended or converted to a permanent tenure. Candidates are encouraged to create a Careers & Skills Passport account and include their public profile in their resume.