Volunteer Academic Researchers, Writers & Editors on Circular Creative Economies in the Age of AI with Animana & Hecho por nosotros

About the Affiliated Organization

Hecho por Nosotros (HxN) is part of the Ashoka Fellowship, a network of leading social entrepreneurs who create systemic change. For over 16 years, founder Adriana Marina—PhD in Economics and Ashoka Fellow—has built a vision for a creative economy where indigenous knowledge is protected, artisans are recognized as innovators, and technology strengthens communities. HxN operates as a living platform for shared knowledge, uniting over 8,500 artisans, 20,000 natural fiber producers, 50 medium-sized firms, 80 organizations, universities, and governments across Latin America to build fair, traceable, and regenerative value chains.

The creative economy—spanning fashion, media, design, and cultural heritage—remains a powerful yet underutilized tool for addressing inequality, cultural erasure, and environmental collapse. HxN works at this intersection, bridging ancestral and artificial intelligence to shape a future where communities drive economic transformation rather than serve it. With institutional relationships, a permanent UN presence, and the animaná ethical commerce platform, HxN is positioned to accelerate this shift by connecting global changemakers.

About the Role

Hecho por Nosotros (HxN) is seeking volunteer Academic Researchers, Writers, and Editors to support research, publications, and knowledge-generation initiatives focused on sustainability, circular economy, creative economies, indigenous knowledge, social innovation, and regenerative development. This unpaid, remote opportunity aims to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and impact of HxN’s research and knowledge products, which contribute to international advocacy, policy discussions, educational initiatives, and collaborations with universities, governments, and multilateral institutions.

Responsibilities

• Review and edit academic papers, research reports, and policy briefs.
• Conduct literature reviews and verify references and citations.
• Provide feedback on research methodologies and argumentation.
• Assist in preparing publications for academic journals and international forums.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transform research findings into accessible and impactful knowledge products.

Volunteers will ensure the academic rigor, credibility, and effectiveness of HxN’s research, supporting evidence-based solutions and international dialogue on sustainability and creative economies.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree, PhD, PhD candidacy, graduate student, or equivalent experience in Economics, International Relations, Sociology, Political Science, Sustainable Development, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• Experience in academic research, scientific writing, publication, peer review, or editorial processes.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Familiarity with academic citation systems (APA, Chicago, Harvard, etc.).
• Excellent written communication skills.

Skills

• Professional proficiency in English (required).
• Spanish (an asset).

Volunteer Logistics

• Commitment: 10–15 hours per week (up to 30 hours for some tasks).
• Initial duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension up to 12 months).
• Remote/virtual opportunity.
• Certification: After completing the initial 6-month period, volunteers may request a certificate acknowledging their collaboration with HxN and animaná, detailing their contributions and responsibilities.