Working in child protection and want to deepen your expertise in data-driven research? Childlight’s Global Data Fellow Programme offers a year of mentorship, global networking, and a fully funded trip to Edinburgh.

Childlight, a global child safety institute hosted at the University of Edinburgh, has opened applications for its Global Data Fellow (GDF) Programme a 12-month fellowship for mid-level practitioners and researchers working to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) through data and evidence.

Quick Overview

Organization: Childlight, Global Child Safety Institute
Programme: Global Data Fellow (GDF) Programme, 2027 cohort
Duration: 12 months, calendar year
Format: Blend of virtual learning and one in-person residency
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Outcome Notification: By September 2026

What Is Childlight?

Childlight takes a data-driven, evidence-based approach to understanding the true prevalence and nature of CSEA globally. Based at the University of Edinburgh, with an additional East Asia and Pacific Hub at the University of New South Wales, Childlight uses this evidence base to catalyse transformational, sustainable change working to protect more children worldwide from exploitation and abuse.

What Is the Global Data Fellow Programme?

The GDF programme brings together mid-career professionals working to strengthen child protection through data and evidence. It’s designed to deepen CSEA expertise, foster cross-sector collaboration, and support high-impact research. As one past fellow, Sandra Hernandez of the Philippines’ National Institute of Health, put it: the programme opened up new possibilities in CSEA research, letting her learn directly from other researchers and adapt new data approaches to her own setting.

Fellows gain access to expert networks, advanced resources, and tailored learning opportunities that help them:

Address complex challenges in CSEA research and data
Collaborate on high-impact, cross-sector initiatives
Translate data into actionable insights that improve child safety worldwide

Who Should Apply?

Essential criteria:

Working in child protection, from diverse disciplines and sectors
Passionate about child protection, eager to learn, collaborate, and develop CSEA research
Working in an area of strategic interest to Childlight
Fluent in English

Desirable criteria — Childlight strongly encourages applicants with:

Regional insight into the social, political, cultural, and institutional contexts of Sub-Saharan Africa
Public health background — epidemiology, population health, burden of disease, or commercial determinants
Data expertise using frontline datasets from education, justice, social services, policing, healthcare, or helplines
Connection to youth-serving, survivor-led, or grassroots organisations
Proficiency in French, Portuguese, Swahili, Arabic, or other languages relevant to Sub-Saharan Africa

What Does the Year Actually Look Like?

Edinburgh residency: An in-person training at the University of Edinburgh, February/March
Thematic workshops: Online sessions addressing critical CSEA data issues
Research symposium: A chance to present your work to the Childlight network
Publishing opportunities: Contribute to high-impact publications with global visibility
Global network: Connect with a diverse community of child protection professionals and academics
Exclusive insights: Early access to emerging Childlight research and briefings
Ambassadors network: Stay connected to Childlight beyond the fellowship year

Estimated time commitment is 2–4 hours per month, outside of the week-long residency.

Is This Position Paid?

The standard GDF role is unpaid, structured as a collaboration between Childlight, the fellow, and their home organisation it does not create an employment relationship with the University of Edinburgh. Organisational consent is required to participate.

Childlight does provide financial support for a capped number of fellows to attend the Edinburgh residency, covering:

Round-trip travel to Edinburgh, UK
Accommodation during the residency
Daily meals during the residency

If additional financial support is needed, selected candidates can discuss arrangements with the programme team.

What Do Fellows Commit To?

GDFs agree to collaborate on Childlight research and publications, contribute to events and knowledge exchange, represent Childlight’s mission, handle data ethically, and promptly report any safeguarding risks per Childlight’s procedures.

How to Apply

Complete the official online application form ahead of the deadline. Applications are screened against the essential and desirable criteria, with shortlisted candidates invited to an informal discussion with the GDF Programme Manager.

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

Upon selection, applicants must obtain home organisation consent, pass due diligence checks, and provide signatures on a programme invitation letter.

Final Thoughts

For mid-career child protection professionals ready to deepen their data expertise and join a genuinely global network fighting CSEA, Childlight’s Global Data Fellow Programme offers structured mentorship, publishing opportunities, and a fully supported residency in Edinburgh.

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

VISIT OFFICIAL PAGE HERE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.

Colleges & Universities

Childlight’s Global Data Fellow Programme: A Year-Long Path for Researchers Fighting Child Exploitation With Data: Apply 31 July 2026 ·Long Path for Researchers Fighting Child Exploitation With Data: Apply 31 July 2026