[Hiring] Lead Researcher & SME - Forced Labor and Human Trafficking in Supply Chains @McColm and Company

Role Description

McColm seeks a subject matter expert to serve as the Lead Researcher and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a Strategic Assessment and Gap Analysis project related to forced labor and human trafficking in global supply chains. The Lead Researcher will serve as the methodological lead for this project and is the principal author of the study.

• Serve as lead researcher and methodological lead for the assessment, drafting the methodology and tool development, including stakeholder mapping, sampling strategy, interview and focus group protocols, survey instruments, and the analytic framework.
• Design and lead all data collection activities, including structured stakeholder interviews and focus groups, stakeholder surveys, document and policy review, and analysis of utilization data.
• Lead comparative benchmarking analysis.
• Triangulate qualitative and quantitative findings across data sources; identify operational, technical, policy, content, and capability gaps; and characterize evidence limitations and confidence levels with methodological transparency.
• Draft substantive sections of the Draft and Final Strategic Assessment and Gap Analysis Reports, including current-state, governance, and sustainability assessments; utilization and comparative value findings; benchmarking observations; gap, risk, and maturity analysis; and future-state operating, governance, and funding options.
• Coordinate closely with the Senior Project Director, a supporting Investigator/SME, and network consultant reviewers, and participate in periodic virtual meetings with government personnel and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or higher preferred) in public policy, international relations, human rights, law, economics, social science research, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in responsible sourcing, supply chain due diligence, forced labor risk mitigation, and/or anti-trafficking policy, including familiarity with federal anti-trafficking procurement requirements.
• Proven experience leading mixed-methods research or evaluations, including design of sampling strategies, interview and focus group protocols, and survey instruments, and triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Experience conducting program assessments, evaluations, gap analyses, or strategic reviews for U.S. Government clients or comparable institutional clients.
• Prior experience supporting U.S. Government clients through research.
• Strong analytical writing skills, with demonstrated ability to produce evidence-based reports and actionable recommendations for senior government decision-makers.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, including experience interviewing government, private sector, and lived experience stakeholders.
• Experience applying trauma-informed and survivor-centered approaches in the overall research approach and when engaging with lived experience expert reviewers and stakeholders.
• Experience with benchmarking or comparative analysis of digital tools or platforms, including governance, sustainability, and funding model assessment.
• Strong experience using AI tools for data analysis.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment and manage competing deadlines across a phased workplan.

Requirements

• This position is classed as a 1099 Independent Contractor.
• Compensation is offered according to job requirements, market dynamics, and experience/skills of the successful candidate. Contract and consultant roles are not eligible for benefits.

Benefits

• We are an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, gender identity or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.