Youth Engagement Coordinator - Young Farmers Programme

Youth Engagement Coordinator (0.4 FTE) - Young Farmers Programme

Spitalfields City Farm is a free-entry, urban oasis located a stone’s throw from the City of London that offers a unique and creative natural environment for all to enjoy. We are based in Tower Hamlets, an inner London borough located in the east of London that struggles with poverty and issues of inequality.

Our vision is to create a space for all, that empowers people to make positive change to their lives, our community, and the planet. 

About the role: 

In your role as the Youth Engagement Coordinator you will be responsible for all aspects of our Young Farmers programme, alongside designing and delivering a programme of activities for young people during the school holidays. This is a varied and creative role for someone who is passionate about supporting young people to reach their full potential. Equal parts practical, administrative and pastoral – It’s important that the sessions are youth led, reflective and supportive - giving young people opportunities to solve problems, take on new challenges and learn new skills. You will also be responsible for inducting new Young Farmers, monitoring attendance and measuring outcomes as well as establishing boundaries and challenging any inappropriate behaviour. The successful candidate will have experience of Youth Work in a community setting, a proven track record of delivering funded programmes; meeting delivery targets and reporting to funders.

About the Spitalfields City Farm Young Farmers programme: 

Our Young Farmers programme is an opportunity for young people ages 10 -17 to get involved in the farm. Underpinned by volunteering, weekly sessions also include a variety of outdoor learning activities that range from cooking, nature conservation, arts & crafts, bushcraft, woodwork and much more. We currently have 17 young people spread over 2 sessions in the morning and afternoon, although we have capacity for up to 20 young people.

Key responsibilities: 

We believe young people are at the core of community and creating sustainable and diverse spaces that continue to serve local people. We are committed to providing meaningful opportunities and you will have the skills and experience to develop and deliver a varied and holistic programme, designed to equip young people with skills for life.

The following tasks and responsibilities are intended to be a guide to the range and level of work expected of the Youth Engagement Coordinator.

• Develop, plan and deliver the Young Farmers programme 
• Work with the Education Manager to develop, plan and deliver holiday activities for young people over 12 years old. 
• Build knowledge and understanding of local youth provisions
• Develop ways for young people to become involved in the wider activities and operations at the farm (young trustees, work experience etc)
• Facilitating 1:1 and group mentoring
• Promote the role of nature connection in supporting young people's education, personal development and well-being. 
• Monitoring outcomes and measuring impact
• Ensure adherence to the farm’s safeguarding and health and safety policies and procedures, including writing and reviewing risk assessments for all Young Farmers activities. 
• All administration relevant to youth programmes 
• Supporting the general operation of the farm when necessary

Other information: 

Outdoor work: This role requires the post holder to work outside in all seasons of the year. Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold) is required. 

At Spitalfields City Farm we work to cultivate an inclusive work environment where the staff team is representative of the wider community we support. We are aware of the lack of representation of marginalised communities in the green and outdoor sectors and would particularly welcome applicants from these groups.

Application information:

The deadline to apply is Monday 22nd July 2024.

Please send a CV or cover letter to rachel@spitalfieldscityfarm.org. Your CV should be no more than 2 A4 pages and your cover note should be no longer than 500 words.