Threats against fact-checkers, from legal intimidation to online harassment and cyberattacks, are increasing across Europe. To respond, the EFCSN-coordinated FACTEUR project is building a Protection Scheme that will provide fact-checkers with coordinated access to legal, psychological, and cybersecurity support.
To ensure the Protection Scheme operates with the highest standards of integrity and effectiveness, FACTEUR is now establishing an independent Advisory Board (AB). We are looking for experienced professionals from different fields willing to contribute their expertise on a voluntary basis.
The role
Advisory Board members will provide independent strategic oversight and expert guidance on key decisions related to the Protection Scheme. Specifically, AB members will:
- Review and assess decision-making processes established by the FACTEUR Consortium before their finalisation, offering constructive feedback and recommendations
- Ensure that governance structures and procedures align with best practices and project objectives
- Respond to ad hoc questions that may arise during the evaluation of requests submitted to the Protection Scheme
Expected commitment
FACTEUR runs for 30 months (March 2026 – August 2028). The Advisory Board role involves a light but meaningful time commitment:
- Initial phase: Contributing to the drafting of decision-making mechanisms (3-6 hours, July-August 2026)
- Ongoing reviews: Participating in bi-annual sample-based reviews of the Protection Scheme’s operation through August 2028
- Ad hoc input: Responding to occasional questions during the evaluation of applications
Who should apply?
We welcome expressions of interest from professionals with demonstrated expertise in areas relevant to the Protection Scheme, including but not limited to:
- Legal expertise: particularly in strategic litigation, SLAPPs, or press freedom law
- Psychological support: experience working with professionals facing harassment or sustained online abuse
- Cybersecurity: knowledge of digital threats, platform security, and protection measures for civil society actors
- Journalist safety: experience in protection programmes, relocation support, or assistance to media workers operating under threat
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and the ability to provide independent, objective, and well-reasoned opinions are essential.
Important note
This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Advisory Board members operate independently from the FACTEUR Consortium to ensure the impartiality of their recommendations.
How to express interest
If you are interested in joining the Advisory Board or would like to recommend a candidate, please send the following to [email protected]:
- CV (or equivalent professional summary)
- Contact details (email and phone number)
For any questions about the role, please reach out to the same address.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
