Human Rights Specialist - Chicago, IL

Illinois Ag; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM is seeking a Human Rights Specialist in Chicago, IL to lead the implementation of the company’s human rights and responsible sourcing commitments across global operations and supply chains. You will own the Human Rights Policy and drive improvements through due diligence, risk assessments and audits while collaborating with Procurement, Sustainability, Legal and Compliance.

You will develop action plans, monitor progress, deliver internal training, and engage with NGOs and industry groups to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Rights, International Development, Business, Law, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in human rights, responsible sourcing, ESG, sustainability, or supply chain compliance.
• Experience managing supplier social audits, particularly SMETA.
• Strong knowledge of UN Guiding Principles, OECD Due Diligence Guidance and ILO Core Conventions.
• Excellent project management, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to travel 15-20% in North America and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the company’s human rights and responsible sourcing commitments.
• Own and maintain the Human Rights Policy and align with standards and legislation.
• Develop internal action plans and monitor progress against objectives.
• Coordinate supplier due diligence, risk assessments and audits (SMETA and others).
• Review audit findings and oversee remediation through to closure.
• Deliver internal training on human rights, modern slavery and supplier expectations.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Sustainability, Legal and Compliance across functions.
• Engage NGOs and multi-stakeholder initiatives to strengthen the program.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Travel 15-20%

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Rights, International Development, Business, Law, or a related field

Job description

Job DescriptionHuman 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 (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) 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 non-governmental organizations (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 a background check.

REF:112354BR#

IncludingYouDiversity, 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