• Full time, Fixed term position until March 2028
• Exciting opportunity to join the Modern Slavery Unit, supporting the University’s commitment to respect human rights and address modern slavery
• Strategic and hands-on policy role with a focus on modern slavery due diligence and human rights risks in the higher education sector
• Base Salary $146,197 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is Australia’s first University and one of the world’s leading comprehensive research and teaching universities. We are a values-driven institution with a commitment to education for all and positive impact on and leadership in the communities we serve.

Modern slavery is a serious violation of an individual’s dignity and human rights. Exploitative practices, including human trafficking, slavery, servitude, forced labour, debt bondage and forced marriage, are all considered modern slavery and are serious crimes under Australian law. The University is committed to respecting human rights and recognises modern slavery is never acceptable in any of its forms.

The University has established the Modern Slavery Unit in response to reporting obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018. The dedicated expert unit within the Office of the Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor is responsible for providing a University-wide strategic approach for addressing modern slavery and other human rights risks across the University core functions including research, education, investments, donations and collaborations and supply chain.

The Modern Slavery Unit is also responsible for driving collaboration across government, business and civil society to build the knowledge base and tools needed to generate transformative change.

Our 2021 Modern Slavery Statement provides a detailed account of our sector leading approach to identifying and addressing modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains, and the vision to make a meaningful contribution to eradicating modern slavery.

Reporting to the Director, Modern Slavery Unit within the Office of the Provost, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and informing the strategic direction of the University’s approach to addressing modern slavery and human rights risks within the University’s Modern Slavery value chain.

As the Human Rights Due Diligence Manager your key responsibilities will be:

• provide expert advice on human rights and modern slavery, supporting University-wide due diligence through project planning, risk assessments, program implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
• resolve complex modern slavery matters by offering evidence-based advice to the Director and other stakeholders, exercising independent judgment to achieve strategic goals
• strengthen the University’s strategic response to human rights risks across core functions such as research, education, donations, and supply chains
• lead the development and review of high-quality communications, resources, training materials, tools, publications, and compliance reporting related to modern slavery risk management
• partner with key stakeholders across operations, supply chains, research, and education to develop and implement strategies for policy dissemination, staff and student engagement, and compliance
• build staff capability across the University to identify, mitigate, and manage modern slavery risks
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and methodologies for risk identification and assessment

About you

• expert knowledge and experience in identifying and addressing modern slavery risks and other human rights risks in complex organisations
• experience in modern slavery due diligence and business and human rights methodologies and risk analysis skills with demonstrated ability to apply them to the higher education sector or complex organisations
• excellent program management skills, including experience in developing and managing modern slavery initiatives across multiple functions in a complex organisational setting
• excellent relationship building and influencing skills together with high level of tact, diplomacy and discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters that may arise as part of normal daily work
• excellent inclusive stakeholder management skills including the ability to partner with a diversified stakeholder base across the higher education sector, civil society, business and government
• outstanding and compelling communication skills, including experience presenting to all levels, including senior internal and external stakeholders, and preparing high quality written reports, briefs, papers and slide decks.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via University of Sydney Career Site.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kale Claffey, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected] using the subject line: Human Rights Due Diligence Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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