Leadership opportunities

Leaders for Change

Leaders for Change is World Vision New Zealand's premier student leadership programme, bringing together passionate year 12-13 students from across Aotearoa who want to make a positive difference in the lives of the world's most vulnerable children. 

Throughout the programme, you'll grow as a leader, connect with like-minded students, develop practical leadership skills through the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, gain a deeper understanding of global issues, and be equipped to serve. 

Youth Ambassador

We are seeking four passionate young adults to join World Vision as full-time Youth Ambassadors in 2027 (March – September). These paid roles, 2 based in Auckland, 1 in Wellington and 1 in Christchurch will see you influencing youth to create change by participating in the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge. 

Your role will see you share your heart for social justice in schools and youth groups across Aotearoa – inspiring and mobilising young people to action. This role offers opportunities to experience working within the largest international humanitarian organisation in New Zealand, witnessing the power of WVNZ’s work on a life-changing international trip, and to frequently travel across your region telling powerful stories.

Advocacy Ambassador

We are seeking passionate young people to join the World Vision Advocacy Ambassador team in 2027. Your role will be focused on advocating for legislative change in Aotearoa for example to pass Modern Slavery legislation, or work on a campaign to create dignified migration pathways for our Pacific neighbours seeking to secure their futures away from climate change threats. A volunteer role, for 4 hours a week based wherever you are, you can hold it alongside work or studies! You will be joining a community of young adults to create and deliver advocacy actions from February to November. Young people are always at the forefront of social change, and World Vision is doing all we can to enable it. 

Leaders for Change

Key skills and experience required

• Be a Year 12 or 13 student in 2027
• Have the support of a key teacher at your school. They will be your reference.
• Be able to attend the Leaders for Change Summit in January school holidays and Term 1 & 2 programme online.
• Are committed to leading your school's World Vision 40 Hour Challenge.
• Have a passion for creating positive change for the world's most vulnerable children.
• Demonstrate leadership potential through initiative, service, or involvement in school, community, cultural, sporting, or extracurricular activities.
• You'll also need to be able to vibe with our identity, values and mission and be passionate about helping us to achieve it

Youth Ambassador

Key skills and experience required

• Recent experience (2025 or 2026) mobilising people to take social action (for example leading the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge in either your school/church)
• Strong verbal communication skills with an ability to influence youth audiences including public speaking
• Strong written communication skills and familiarity with programmes in Microsoft Office
• Ability to travel often, independently, across your base region
• Willingness to be featured in media and public promotional materials
• Must have clean criminal record (Police check completed by WVNZ) and ability to work in New Zealand
• Must have full drivers' licence by contract start date or on negotiation
• You'll also need to be able to vibe with our identity, values and mission and be passionate about helping us to achieve it
• Willingness to have all necessary vaccinations for potential international travel

Advocacy Ambassador

Key skills and experience required

• Willing to use your time and talents to benefit others
• Passionate about social justice and change
• Focused and committed to participating in all meetings and actions
• Willingness to engage friends, whānau and networks in advocacy actions
• Recently left high school (2025 or 2026)
• Must have clean criminal record (Police check completed by WVNZ)
• Ability to self-fund travel to WLG, AKL & CHCH for 3 national Hui
• You'll also need to be able to vibe with our identity, values and mission and be passionate about helping us to achieve it