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Youth Director Recruitment
Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA), formerly Family Planning Alliance Australia (FPAA) seeks expressions of interest from candidates aged between 18 and 25 years old for appointment as an Independent Board Director of SRHA.
The Youth Director will bring a critical lived experience perspective to the Board of SRHA, and provide opportunities for engagement with young people, and support the Board to keep across youth trends and experiences in sexual and reproductive health and rights in Australia and the world. This role is supported by another Independent Youth Director, and the Board of SRHA to grow and develop their skills, knowledge and experience in not-for-profit strategy and governance.
This volunteer role comes with full Company Director responsibilities, and includes representation of Australia in the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) youth networks (YSNAP) etc
Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia works to uphold, strengthen and advance sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Process for application
Candidates interested in this opportunity are requested to:
1. Read the attached Independent Youth Director duty statement and associated information about Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia.
2. Write a brief statement (1-2 pages) introducing themselves and setting out how their experience and expertise addresses the competencies, capabilities and requirements of the position.
3. Submit the statement with a current CV by email to the contact below.
Process for appointment
· A shortlist based on candidate expressions of interest will be selected, candidates who best meet the criteria will be asked to have a videoconference interview with a panel of current SRHA board members.
· Upon selection, the preferred candidate will be asked to provide two references (e.g. from a community leader, teacher, mentor, youth worker, colleague or supervisor).
· The panel will make a recommendation to the full SRHA board on the preferred candidate, and appointment will be made by majority vote of the board.
· SRHA board reserves the right to not make an appointment if a suitable candidate is not identified through the application process.
Contact for further information:
Holley Skene
Deputy Chair, SRHA
E: secretariat@srha.org.au
Duty Statement
Role Title
Independent Youth Director: IPPF Representative
Purpose of SRHA
Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA) is a not-for-profit company with the following primary objects:
(a) promote reproductive and sexual health and rights through national and international policy and advocacy.
(b) promote safe, healthy and respectful relationships for all through health promotion and protection.
(c) promote such legislative, social and administrative reforms as may be relevant to the objects.
(d) do all things conducive to the above objects.
Composition of SRHA Board
The board of SRHA comprises eight directors appointed by SRHA’s primary members and up to three additional Independent Directors, two of which are under the age of 25 at time of appointment.
Individual directors must possess skills or knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- corporate governance
- reproductive and sexual health rights in the Australian and/or international context
- education/capacity development;
- finance;
- business development/marketing; and
- relevant sectoral experience.
In selecting suitable candidates for appointment to the board, consideration is given to the overall mix of skills represented on the board to ensure that there is an appropriate representation of expertise based on SRHA’s strategic objectives and business requirements.
Directors are expected to use their identified special skills to promote the good governance of SRHA.
Authority and Responsibility
The board is responsible for the effective governance of SRHA and for ensuring that the business of SRHA is properly managed in a manner that is consistent with the objects outlined above.
In the absence of an express delegation by the board, an individual director has no authority to enter into contracts or arrangements with third parties on SRHA’s behalf.
The board is responsible for the effective governance of SRHA and for ensuring that the business of SRHA is properly managed in a manner that is consistent with the objects outlined above.
In the absence of an express delegation by the board, an individual director has no authority to enter into contracts or arrangements with third parties on SRHA’s behalf.
Competencies
In addition to the particular skills identified in SRHA’s constitution, each director is expected to have, or be able to obtain, the following general competencies.
Competencies – role-related
- knowledge of a director’s responsibilities – includes an understanding of the role as well as the legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial responsibilities;
- constructive questioning and contributions – constructive questioning and suggestion and contribute to the effective decision-making of the board;
- understanding of reproductive and sexual health rights policy and advocacy;
- accounting and finance – the ability to read and comprehend SRHA’s accounts, financial material presented to the board, financial reporting requirements and some understanding of corporate finance;
- risk management;
- managing people and achieving change;
- industry knowledge – experience in similar organisations or sectors.
It is acknowledged that all directors do not have to have the same level of experience in each of the above areas. Directors are expected to actively pursue continuing professional development opportunities to further relevant skills.
Competencies – personal
- Integrity – fulfilling a director’s duties and responsibilities, acting ethically, appropriate independence, putting SRHA’s interests before personal interests;
- Collaborative yet curious and courageous – a director must be able to function as an effective team member but also must have the curiosity to ask questions and the courage to persist in robust, but respectful, discussion with management and fellow directors where necessary;
- Emotional intelligence – as well as self-awareness and self-management, a director needs to demonstrate empathy manifested through strong interpersonal skills. A director must work well in a group, listen well, be tactful yet able to communicate a cogent and candid viewpoint;
- Judgment and instinct – a director needs to demonstrate good business instinct and acumen and be able to assimilate and synthesise complex information;
An active contributor with genuine interest in SRHA and its purposes.
Key Accountabilities
- Update and inform the board, provide strategic insights on current developments in SRHR policy and advocacy in Australia and internationally, especially in relation to comprehensive sexuality and relationships education and innovative approaches to health promotion that advance SRHR.
- Strong commitment to and an understanding of the vision, values and strategic directions of SRHA
- Strong commitment to and active participation in the achievement of the agreed work plan of SRHA
Director Duties
Each director has a duty to act in good faith, for a proper purpose and in the best interests of SRHA as a whole. A director must act in the interests of all members and avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Breaches by a director may result in liability for damages under the common law. In addition the ACNC Act also codifies these duties and provides for substantial fines or disqualification from further acting as a director in respect of the following duties:
(a) duty to act in good faith in the best interests of SRHA and for a proper purpose;
(b) duty to exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence;
(c) duty not to make improper use of information; and
(d) duty not to make improper use of position.
Confidentiality
In addition to a director’s obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), ACNC Act and SRHA’s constitution, both during and following the period of a director’s appointment to SRHA board, a director must not disclose or use any confidential information of or relating to SRHA except in the performance of the director’s duties as director of SRHA.
Confidential information includes board deliberations, SRHA financial information, internal SRHA reports and details of transactions or prospective transactions involving SRHA, but does not include information available in the public domain.
Meetings
Generally SRHA board meets six times each year, either by video/teleconference or face-to-face. Where required additional meetings may be scheduled, which may be face-to-face or through the use of teleconferencing facilities.
A director is expected to spend as much time on SRHA work as is required to discharge his or her common law and statutory duties as a director. By way of a guide, a director should:
- ensure that all papers have been read before each board meeting. If additional information is sought, this request should be provided to the Company Secretary as soon as possible to ensure that SRHA’s management has sufficient time to make that information available before or at the meeting;
- respond as promptly as possible to requests for information or advice received from the Company Secretary;
- ensure that copies of board papers are maintained in a safe place or destroyed after a meeting;
- notify the Company Secretary if the director will be absent from a meeting, or is travelling for business or will be on leave for an extended period and not contactable via phone or email during that time;
- notify the Company Secretary of any change in contact details, including any change in residential address.
Board Performance Review
From time to time, the board may undertake a review of its board, including a review of the appropriateness of the current skill-mix of the board. Each director is expected to fully participate in any such review.
Key Stakeholder Relationships
CEO and Directors of SRHA
Person Specific
Key Capabilities/Technical Competencies (skills, knowledge, technical or specialist capabilities)
Eligibility · Under 25 years of age (mandatory) Qualifications · Pursuing or completed an undergraduate degree or qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. health, public health, education, policy, social sciences, youth work, community development) (desirable but not essential) Experience (minimum type and level of experience required to perform the role) · Relevant experience or demonstrated interest in SRHR policy and advocacy, including through volunteering, community organising or youth-led initiatives (desirable) Skills and Attributes · Collaborative approach to teamwork Values · Unequivocally pro-choice |
Youth Director Facts
Being a Director on the SRHA Board means you help guide the organisation’s big picture decisions. You’ll join other board members in making choices about strategy, priorities, funding, risk, and policy. It’s a big responsibility, but you’re not expected to know it all – support and training are available.
Your Key Legal Responsibilities
Here’s what you need to do as a Director:
- Act in good faith: Always do what’s best for SRHA, not yourself or someone else.
- Use your position properly: Don’t use your role to help a friend or get something unfair.
- Handle information carefully: Keep private board discussions confidential.
- Be careful and thoughtful: Read board papers, ask questions, and take your role seriously.
- Speak up: If something doesn’t feel right, say something – your opinion matters.
You’re Not Alone
This might feel like a lot, but you’re supported by the Chair, CEO, your fellow Youth Director, and our Company Secretary. You can also access training to learn more about boards and governance.
Top Tips for Success
- Ask questions – there’s no such thing as a silly one.
- Prepare before meetings – read papers and write down anything you’re unsure about.
- Be proud of your perspective – your youth voice is why you’re here.
- Use your support people – they’re here for you.