Technology Consultant – Children’s rights in the digital space

Introduction

Save the Children (SC) has a long history in programming and advocacy related to child rights and child protection. The organisation has a global reach through this work, engaging both at global and regional levels as well as with key stakeholders and national and local levels. The organisation pays special attention to include children in the planning and execution of its work. For Europe in particular, SC is working on wider issues related to child rights with digital technology and on education and developing digital skills for children, teachers, caregivers, and trusted adults, as well as on the protection of children from exploitation and abuse in online spaces.

In 2023, SC Europe started a project focused on child safety online. The project coordinates and supports European SC members’ advocacy on the proposed EU regulation which will be outlining rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse (CSA regulation) and on the wider topic of child online safety. The CSA regulation will have a profound impact on the lives of millions of children in the EU and potentially the wider region. Within the project, SC will also engage children and young people to better understand the CSA regulation and offer their views regarding children’s rights in the digital space contributing to global, EU and national efforts. The project additionally includes funding for engaging a Technology Consultant to inform relevant SC advocacy positions. The Technology Consultant will work with the Advocacy Advisor Children’s rights in the Digital Environment at SC Europe and the SC European working group that focuses on advocacy on child rights online.

Purpose of the consultancy – Objective

The purpose of the consultancy is to advise SC as needed on issues related to privacy, end-to-end encryption, detection technologies for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming, and artificial intelligence as it relates to child rights in general and to age verification technology. The purpose is to also support SC advocacy efforts on the technological aspects, particularly related to the EU CSA regulation.

Expected Inputs

• The Technology Consultant will support SC in creating advocacy messages on the EU CSA regulation and other topics related to child rights online by providing their technological expertise.
• The Technology Consultant will participate in working group meetings (minimum 3 meetings) and where needed, meet with the Advocacy Advisor Children’s rights in the Digital Environment alongside members of the working group.
• The Technology Consultant will work directly with the Advocacy Advisor Children’s rights in the Digital Environment. The Technology Consultant will be contracted by SC Europe.

Time frame and location

• The Consultancy is expected to take place during the beginning of Q2 2024, depending on the starting date.
• The Consultant can be based anywhere, as the work will be done online. Any meetings will be during CET working hours, mostly between 9 AM – 5 PM CET.

Required expertise and qualifications

• An advanced degree in Information Technology or Computer Sciences, Engineering or other related field
• At least 3 years experience working in digital Trust and Safety issues
• Extended knowledge base concerning end-to-end encryption, detection technologies for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming, artificial intelligence, age verification technology and data transfer between systems
• Experience related to or good knowledge of EU policy
• Good command of English, both written and spoken