Job Title: European Digital Safety Policy Fellow
Organization: Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI)
Location: UK or EU (Hybrid: remote with in-person opportunities)
Position Type: Fellowship (Part-time)
Grant Award: $5,000 per semester (equivalent in ￡or €)
Program Dates: January – June, 2026
Overview
The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) is a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to making the online world safer for children and their families. FOSI approaches its online safety work through enlightened public policy, industry best practices, and its digital parenting initiative.
The European Digital Safety Policy Fellow will support FOSI’s growing presence in the United Kingdom and Europe, with a particular focus on policy development and stakeholder engagement. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to FOSI’s European-based policy initiatives, strengthen tracking and information sharing, develop strategic policy resources, and shape strategies that enhance online safety for children and families.
A possible component of this fellowship may involve collaboration with the South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL), one of the UK’s leading online safety charities and a long-time FOSI partner.
Fellowship Goals
- Expand FOSI’s engagement in European digital safety and policy discussions.
- Track policy developments and create policy briefs and resources to inform government and industry.
- Assist FOSI’s European Policy Consultant in expanding FOSI’s work and visibility in Europe, including FOSI’s 2026 European Forum on 9 June.
- Support FOSI’s UK and EU Policy Consultant to deepen FOSI’s partnership with key partners to expand joint projects and initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Development, Tracking & Analysis
- Collaborate with FOSI’s Policy Team to develop UK and EU-focused policy positions and initiatives.
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- Track and analyze legislative and regulatory developments in digital safety.
- Work with the FOSI policy team to draft policy briefs and research memos on online safety priorities, including children’s rights, the balance of safety and privacy, and digital education.
- Contribute to FOSI’s European policy roadmap aligned with FOSI’s global strategy.
- Work with the FOSI policy team to prepare updates and briefings for FOSI’s Policy Team including identifying trends and opportunities for FOSI to engage in international debates.
- Produce briefs and resources for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Assist FOSI’s European Policy Consultant in building relationships with government officials, policymakers, regulators, and advocacy groups.
- Represent FOSI at events and forums, online and in person.
- Help coordinate FOSI-led roundtables, webinars, or workshops with stakeholders, if needed.
Special Projects
- Support FOSI’s events, including our European Forum in Brussels on 9 June, 2026, ensuring alignment with FOSI’s global policy objectives.
- Assist in joint SWGfL–FOSI projects (e.g., the Unboxing project, online safety resources, digital literacy campaigns).
Qualifications
- Graduate student in Public Policy, Law, International Relations, Political Science, or Education.
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills with a policy or digital safety focus.
- Demonstrated interest in online safety, digital rights, or children’s policy.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of European online safety regulation and initiatives (e.g., Online Safety Act, Digital Services Act, Age Appropriate Design Code).
- Familiarity with child protection, digital citizenship, or education policy.
- Prior experience working with NGOs, government, or international organizations.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a CV, a cover letter detailing their interest in the fellowship and relevant experience, and a writing sample that demonstrates their research and analytical skills to fosi@fosi.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a candidate is selected.
The fellowship program starts in January, 2026. The grant award to the fellow is $5,000 USD equivalent in Pounds or Euros. Depending on where the Fellow is based, there are opportunities for in-person and remote work. That could include in-person work with FOSI’s European Policy Consultant, such as occasional days in London or Brussels. FOSI understands that not all students have class schedules that allow them the same in-person schedules or travel possibilities. We ask students who are interested in this fellowship to apply, and we will work around class schedules.