Lead Researcher & SME: Global Supply Chains (Remote)

McColm & Company; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 96,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

McColm & Company is seeking a Lead Researcher and SME for a remote strategic assessment on force labour and human trafficking in global supply chains. You will design methodology, manage data collection, and author core sections of the final report for a U.S.

Government client. You will coordinate with senior leaders, conduct stakeholder engagement, and apply trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches while advancing a phased, evidence-based analysis and actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• Master's or higher in public policy or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Expertise in responsible sourcing and forced labor risk mitigation.
• Experience leading mixed-methods research and instrument design.
• Experience conducting gov't or institutional client assessments.
• Strong analytical writing for senior decision-makers.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement across govt, private sector, and affected communities.
• Experience applying trauma-informed approaches in research.
• Experience benchmarking digital tools, governance and funding models.
• Proficiency with AI tools for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead methodological design, stakeholder mapping, interview and focus-group protocols.
• Design and lead data collection activities and surveys.
• Lead benchmarking and triangulation across data sources.
• Draft substantive sections of strategic assessment and gap analysis reports.
• Coordinate with government personnel and SME team for briefings.
• Manage remote work and phased workplan.

Skills

Advanced degree

Subject matter expertise

Mixed-methods leadership

Analytical writing

Stakeholder engagement

Trauma-informed research

AI data analysis tools

Education

Master's degree or higher

Tools

AI tools for data analysis

Survey design tools

Benchmarking tools

Job description

McColm & Company is seeking a Lead Researcher and SME for a remote strategic assessment on force labour and human trafficking in global supply chains. You will design methodology, manage data collection, and author core sections of the final report for a U.S.

Government client. You will coordinate with senior leaders, conduct stakeholder engagement, and apply trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches while advancing a phased, evidence-based analysis and actionable recommendations.