About us

As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

It supports companies to do business responsibly by:

· Aligning their strategies and operations with Ten Principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

· Take strategic actions to advance societal goals – such as the Sustainable Development Goals – with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

The UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA) mobilises Australia’s leading businesses to create a sustainable future and find opportunities to impact our world – for good, working alongside more than 350 Australian signatories of the UN Global Compact.

The Opportunity The UNGCNA is seeking a committed, proactive and people-oriented professional to lead two of our core communities of practice and take ownership of other offerings as a Manager in our Programs team.

Reporting to the Head of Programs, you will play a critical role in end-to-end delivery of our Modern Slavery Community of Practice (MSCoP) and our Sustainability Reporting Community of Practice (SRCoP). These communities of practice provide a unique, cross-sector platform that supports sustainability professionals to engage in practical peer learning – sharing practices, approaches and insights with one another – to connect with relevant external expertise and to engage with key developments in the policy landscape. You will also have opportunities to contribute to and lead other offerings that support UNGCNA participants to do align their strategies and operations with the Ten Principles and advance societal goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Working within a small, dynamic team, this opportunity is ideally suited to someone who thrives in a lean and agile environment, can quickly build and strengthen relationships across a diverse stakeholder landscape, and enjoys bringing people together through dialogue and exchange to advance responsible and sustainable business practices. You will take ownership of – and bring real leadership to – established communities of practice and new initiatives alike, responding to the evolving external landscape and participant needs and priorities.

About You

You bring technical expertise and confidence supporting companies to strengthen their approach to sustainability reporting and modern slavery risk management, appreciate the value of practical peer learning and exchange in trusting spaces, and are energised by the idea of designing and facilitating these opportunities – using your expertise to support our participants to move faster by working together.

Ideally you will bring:

- Demonstrated experience supporting companies to develop and strengthen their approach to voluntary and mandatory sustainability reporting, including familiarity with reporting frameworks and guidance (e.g. AASB S1 and S2 (or IFRS S1 and S2), TCFD, TNFD, GRI Sustainability Standards).
- Demonstrated experience supporting companies to develop and strengthen their approach to contemporary slavery risk management and reporting, including familiarity with relevant standards (Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights).
- Real enthusiasm for working closely with sustainability professionals – building and managing relationships,



supporting groups to work together and facilitating discussions.
- A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused mindset, plus a willingness to take a hands-on approach to planning and delivery as part of a small, hybrid team.
- Australian citizenship, permanent residency or current working rights in Australia.

The following will be highly regarded:

- Broader technical expertise across the Ten Principles – in particular, on environment, climate change and nature, and business and human rights.
- Strong existing technical and process facilitation skills (e.g. stewarding a community of practice, moderating a peer learning session or roundtable, speaking on a panel).
- Experience engaging with developments in the policy landscape – for example, through advocacy.
- Experience delivering events, thought leadership programs or stakeholder engagement initiatives.
- Experience managing people and supporting their professional development.
- A relevant tertiary qualification.

Core competencies that are expected:

- Project delivery: proven ability to manage complex projects from concept to completion, to pick up an in-flight program of work quickly, manage competing prioritise and adapt your approach in response to developments in the internal or external landscape.
- Communication: exceptional written and verbal communication skills, confidence speaking to an audience both in-person or online, and native or professional fluency in English.
- Research and analysis: strong research and analytical skills, with sound professional and technical judgment.
- Digital and technological literacy: comfort with core Microsoft 365 tools, familiarity and confidence working with platforms such as Zoom and Teams, building confidence using AI-enabled tools.
- Innovation and continuous improvement: a commitment to continuous learning, iteration, improvement and innovation – we’re looking for someone who will bring a critical eye and fresh ideas.

The Role

Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program delivery

- Design, manage and facilitate the UNGCNA’s leading Modern Slavery Community of Practice (MSCoP) and Sustainability Reporting Community of Practice (SRCoP), building trusting relationships with members of the MSCoP and SRCoP.
- Provide technical expertise (particularly on sustainability reporting and modern slavery) to support the development and delivery of the UNGCNA’s strategy and activities, including by identifying new opportunities for potential programmatic offerings and partnerships.
- Work alongside colleagues in the programs team to deliver other programmatic offerings aligned to the UNGCNA’s and the UN Global Compact’s strategy. For example, contributing to planning and delivery of the UNGCNA’s flagship event, Uniting Business Live Australia.

Cross-sector engagement and leadership

- Work alongside colleagues in the programs team to support the UNGCNA’s engagement with relevant government consultations and other policy developments.




- Lead or support the UNGCNA’s relationship with key external stakeholders, such as AASB, Treasury, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Office of the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
- Develop and deliver publications and other materials that position the UNGCNA as a credible ‘lighthouse’ organisation in the responsible and sustainable business landscape.
- Provide timely insights on relevant public policy trends in Australia and key global markets to enable the UNGCNA to engage in policy debates that strengthen private sector engagement on sustainability reporting and modern slavery.

Team administration and other

- Build networks across corporate Australia on key domestic and global issues related to responsible and sustainable business and the Ten Principles.
- Work alongside the Marketing and Communications team to develop appropriate online content (i.e. newsletter and website copy) to enhance awareness of the UNGCNA’s activities.
- Management responsibilities related to the Programs Coordinator and interns.
- General administrative duties as required.

What We Offer You

· Culture grounded in people who are passionate about and committed to what they do.

· Competitive not-for-profit salary with 12.5% superannuation, anticipated annual salary (based on 1.0FTE) of $100,000, commensurate with experience.

· We are committed to a flexible work environment and will consider part time options (e.g. 0.8 FTE / 4 days per week).

· Hybrid working with a preference for two ‘connect days’/week in our Carlton-based office with flex on this requirement for the right candidate.

· Paid parental leave.

· Exposure to a range of industries and sectors that are committed to building a more sustainable future, as well as government actors, non-profits, financial institutions and other industry groups.

· Opportunity to work for the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

How to apply

Please apply here on LinkedIn, as one pdf file:

● A current resume/CV.

● A brief cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in this role and what you’ll bring to it.

Applications close: Monday 30 November 2026

Our commitment to representation and inclusion

Human rights are central to our purpose. Our people hold different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, and all share a passion for a better world. For us, representation encompasses not only includes race, culture, and gender identity, but also age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion, and many other parts of one’s identity. UNGCNA encourages applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other individuals from under-represented groups.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every requirement. If you’re excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every criterion. While some requirements are essential for success in this role, we value diverse perspectives and recognise that talent, potential and capability come in many forms.

We are also committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to participate in the application or interview stage, please state that in your cover letter.

📌 Programs Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 UN Global Compact Network Australia
📍 Melbourne