Manager, Research

About Us

Walk Free is an international human rights group working to accelerate the end of all forms of modern slavery. Walk Free is the creator of the Global Slavery Index, the world's most comprehensive data set on modern slavery. We use this data to mobilise powerful forces for change against these human rights abuses. We work with governments and regulators, businesses and investors, and faith and community leaders to drive systems change and we partner directly with frontline organisations to impact the lives of those vulnerable to modern slavery. We work with survivors to build the movement to end modern slavery, recognising that lived experience is expertise and they are central to identifying lasting solutions.

Walk Free is part of the Minderoo Foundation, which is working to forge a fair future by challenging inequalities and advocating for meaningful change.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Research, we are looking for a dynamic professional with established skills in research related to human rights, international development, social science or a related field.

This exciting role in the Walk Free team will involve developing and leading research on the scale, nature, and responses to modern slavery around the world and translating evidence into advocacy targeting government, the private sector, investors, and faith leaders.

This is a full-time, Perth-based position offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This role will require you to:

• Provide supervision and technical direction to Walk Free projects, direct reports, and other team members.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research into the scale, nature, and legislative and policy responses to modern slavery, in specific regions or thematic areas.  
• Draft high-quality research and advocacy outputs tailored to a variety of audiences. 
• Develop and lead projects in line with strategy and track and manage project budgets.
• Support implementation of the Walk Free strategy.
• Project manage projects, including engaging with external stakeholders.
• Represent Walk Free at various forums.

About You

The successful candidate will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse and interpret data, and provide clear insights and recommendations based on evidence. We are seeking a candidate with proven experience in conducting research as well as experience managing a team in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:

• Postgraduate level degree in social sciences, economics, demography or health and 8+ years of experience in social science research or related fields.
• Exceptional people management and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in applying statistical concepts and in conducting statistical analyses in Stata or R.
• Demonstrated knowledge of related issues and understanding of the complexity and challenges inherent in addressing modern slavery and/or promoting human rights.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, reconciling diverse viewpoints, and communicate effectively across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, honed through experience writing research outputs to a high standard.
• Excellent organisational skills, including project management.
• Experience working in international and cross-cultural contexts would be an asset.
• Proficiency in a language other than English is highly desirable.

Next Steps

Please attach your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how you meet the above criteria. In addition, include links to one or two pieces of written work in English, published or unpublished, where you were the primary contributor. Applications without a cover letter and writing samples will not be considered.

Applications close: Friday 6 February 2026.

Please note we reserve the right to close applications early should a suitable candidate be identified.

Minderoo Foundation embraces Equal Opportunity and promotes diversity. We actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.