Human Rights Specialist - Chicago, IL

Archer Daniels Midland Company; Newman; On-site; AUD 114,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Archer Daniels Midland Company seeks a Human Rights Specialist to lead the implementation of the company's human rights and responsible sourcing commitments globally. You will own the Human Rights Policy, coordinate internal rollout, and drive improvements through due diligence, risk assessments, and audits across supply chains.

You will partner with Procurement, Sustainability, Legal, Compliance, and business teams to identify and mitigate human rights risks in line with regulatory requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with strong human rights focus.
• 5+ years delivering human rights, responsible sourcing, or ESG programs.
• Experience leading supplier social audits (SMETA) and remediation.
• Knowledge of UN Guiding Principles and OECD due diligence.
• Excellent program management and stakeholder skills.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead ADM's human rights policy implementation across global operations.
• Coordinate supplier due diligence, risk assessments, and audits.
• Drive continuous improvement in responsible sourcing programs.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Sustainability, Legal, Compliance, and business teams.
• Develop training on human rights and responsible recruitment.
• Monitor progress and report to leadership and external disclosures.
• Engage NGOs and multi-stakeholder initiatives to share best practices.

Skills

Human rights policy

Supplier due diligence

Risk assessment

Audit coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory understanding

Training development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Rights or related field

Tools

SMETA audits

Job description

Human Rights Specialist - Chicago, IL

The Human Rights Specialist is responsible for leading the implementation of ADM's human rights and responsible sourcing commitments across global operations and supply chains. The role owns the company’s Human Rights Policy, coordinates internal implementation, and drives continuous improvement through supplier due diligence, risk assessments, and responsible sourcing audits. Working closely with Procurement, Sustainability, Legal, Compliance, and business teams, the specialist ensures human rights risks are identified, mitigated, and managed in line with company commitments and evolving regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Human Rights Strategy & Governance

• Own and maintain ADM's Human Rights Policy, ensuring it remains aligned with international standards and emerging legislation.
• Develop and implement internal action plans to deliver against the company's human rights commitments.
• Monitor progress against human rights objectives and prepare reports for internal leadership and external sustainability disclosures.

Responsible Sourcing Program

• Partner with Procurement to deploy and continuously improve ADM's Responsible Sourcing Program.
• Conduct supplier human rights risk assessments and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• Assist procurement teams in managing supplier corrective action plans and improving supplier performance.

Supplier Audits & Due Diligence

• Coordinate and manage responsible sourcing audits, including SMETA and other recognized social compliance assessments.
• Review audit findings, identify systemic risks, and oversee remediation plans through to closure.
• Track audit performance metrics and identify trends for continuous improvement.

Internal Engagement & Training

• Develop and deliver internal training on human rights, modern slavery, responsible recruitment, and supplier expectations.
• Support cross-functional teams in embedding human rights considerations into sourcing decisions.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Build and maintain relationships with NGOs, non-profit organizations, industry associations, and multi-stakeholder initiatives to strengthen ADM's human rights program and stay informed on emerging risks and best practices.
• Represent ADM in external forums, industry working groups, and responsible sourcing initiatives to promote collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Rights, International Development, Business, Law, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in human rights, responsible sourcing, ethical trade, ESG, sustainability, or supply chain compliance.
• Experience managing supplier social audits, particularly SMETA, with knowledge of other audit frameworks considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of international human rights standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD Due Diligence Guidance and ILO Core Conventions.
• Excellent project management, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects across global supply chains.
• Ability to travel 15-20% in North America and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of responsible agricultural or commodity supply chains.
• Familiarity with regulations such as the EU CSDDD, EU Forced Labour Regulation, and similar human rights due diligence requirements.

ADM requires the successful completion of background check.

REF:112354BR

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

Benefits and Perks

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).

Additional benefits include:

• Paid time off including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.

Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.

Including You

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.

We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.