Free the Slaves (FTS), a leading global organization dedicated to ending modern slavery, is recruiting a Research Program Intern to support its expanding research initiatives.
This remote, part-time internship will begin in January 2026 and welcomes applicants from all regions of the world. Although the position is unpaid, it offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to evidence-based anti-slavery work and to gain hands-on experience in global human rights research.
About Free the Slaves
Founded in 2000, Free the Slaves is recognized internationally for its pioneering efforts to eradicate modern slavery. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and programmes spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean, FTS works to:
- Liberate individuals living in slavery or high-risk conditions
- Strengthen community resilience against trafficking and exploitation
- Support local partners to build national capacity to prevent slavery
- Advocate for policy change that protects vulnerable populations
- Ensure accountability through rigorous assessment and responsible use of donor funds
The organisation maintains a strong commitment to integrity, rigorous research, and global collaboration.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Senior Program Manager for Research, the Research Program Intern will assist in advancing FTS’s research priorities across multiple regions. The role requires a proactive, organised, and intellectually curious individual with a strong commitment to human rights and the mission of ending modern slavery.
Key Responsibilities
The intern will contribute to a range of programme and research tasks, including:
Support for the Research Network
- Assist in expanding FTS’s newly established global Research Network
- Help organise Network-related activities such as webinars, workshops, and training sessions
- Contribute to fundraising activities that support the Network’s growth and long-term sustainability
Academic Partnerships and Events
- Support the Free the Slaves/University of Hull Winter and Summer School
- Contact invited speakers
- Help develop and refine curriculum materials
- Coordinate logistics and planning for academic sessions
Research Assistance Across Regions
- Provide research support to FTS offices in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East
- Conduct literature reviews, analyse data, and support the production of written materials, as needed
- Assist with drafting research briefs, reports, or project documents
General Programme Support
- Participate in other tasks within the Research Program depending on organisational needs
- Collaborate with team members across time zones and cultural contexts
Candidate Qualifications
Ideal candidates will bring academic training, strong communication skills, and an interest in global human rights issues. Applicants should:
- Be recent university graduates or currently enrolled graduate students in:
- Law
- Public Policy
- International Relations or Affairs
- International Development
- Human Rights
- Or another relevant field
- Demonstrate fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Show strong organisational skills, reliability, and self-motivation
- Be able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a global team
- Demonstrate sensitivity to cross-cultural collaboration and diverse professional environments
- Have a background or evident interest in human rights or anti-trafficking work, which is highly desirable
What This Internship Offers
Although unpaid, the internship provides valuable opportunities, including:
- Experience working with a respected international human rights organisation
- Exposure to cutting-edge research on modern slavery and human trafficking
- Collaboration with experts, advocates, and scholars across the globe
- Direct involvement in high-impact research initiatives and academic programmes
- Skill development in research, communication, project support, and global teamwork
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their materials by December 15, 2025. Please email the following documents to research@freetheslaves.net with the subject line “Research Internship”:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your skills align with the qualifications
- Resume detailing relevant education and experience
Free the Slaves is an equal-opportunity organisation. Applicants are considered without discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Survivors of modern slavery and trafficking are strongly encouraged to apply.
This internship offers a meaningful chance to contribute to one of the world’s most respected anti-slavery organisations while gaining direct experience in global human rights research.
