Volunteer Andean Textile Qualitative Research & Information Management Specialist with Animana & Hecho por nosotros

This is an opportunity to work with an Ashoka Fellow Ashoka Fellows are leading social entrepreneurs that have been taken through a rigorous selection process, testing the quality of their ideas and character, to become part of the Ashoka Fellowship and Network. Ashoka Fellows take on the challenges of building innovative system change ideas to make and spread social impact in a world wrought with challenges. They refuse to let the ‘impossible’ stand in their way to creating a better world. This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity About The Affiliated Organization The textile and creative industries touch every layer of society, yet remain among the world’s most polluting and exploitative sectors. Hecho por Nosotros (HxN) exists to transform this reality. Founded by Adriana Marina, PhD in Economics and Ashoka Fellow, HxN is a UN ECOSOC-accredited NGO with 17 years of experience advancing a fair, regenerative, and inclusive creative economy—one where indigenous knowledge is protected, artisans are recognized as innovators, and technology strengthens communities. Together with our sister organization animaná, a certified B Corp social enterprise and ethical fashion brand, we have connected 8,500+ artisans, 20,000+ natural fiber producers, and 80+ organizations across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Our work sits at the intersection of fashion, culture, technology, and systemic change, with an international presence through the United Nations, Ashoka, AI for Good, Erasmus+, UNEP, and Stanford. At the heart of our work is the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Ancestral Intelligence—using innovation to preserve knowledge, strengthen communities, and transform global value chains. We are not simply an NGO. We are a platform, a fellowship, and a movement – made by us, for all of us. @hechoxnosotros | @animanaonline For more information, please visit https://www.hechoxnosotros.org/ Job Description Hecho por Nosotros (HxN) is looking for an Andean Textile Qualitative Research & Information Management Specialist to support research on Andean textile traditions, ancestral knowledge, cultural identity, and contemporary textile practices. The role combines qualitative research, documentary analysis, interviews, and information systematization, with a focus on documenting and understanding the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of Andean textiles. The Specialist will work with academic sources, historical documents, artisan testimonies, and other relevant materials to organize and analyze diverse forms of knowledge and contribute to research outputs that support the preservation and dissemination of Andean textile heritage. The key responsibilities of this position are as follows: The Specialist will conduct and support qualitative research on Andean textile traditions, techniques, symbolism, cultural meanings, ancestral knowledge, and their historical and contemporary development, particularly across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. The role will involve conducting interviews and collecting testimonies from artisans, researchers, cultural practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders; developing research instruments; reviewing academic, historical, ethnographic, and institutional sources; systematically organizing and documenting qualitative information; identifying relevant themes, patterns, and connections across different sources; and contributing to the analysis and interpretation of research findings. The Specialist will also support the development of research papers, reports, publications, presentations, and other knowledge products related to Andean textiles, cultural heritage, and ancestral knowledge. After completing an initial 6-month volunteer period, participants may request a certificate acknowledging their collaboration with Hecho por Nosotros (HxN) and animaná, including the area in which they contributed and the tasks and responsibilities carried out during their experience with the organization. Let us know today if you'd like to join us! Volunteer Logistics Estimated hours required per week: 10–15 hours/week The estimated duration of the project is: 6-12 months This position is Virtual (Remote) Language Requirements English Desired Skills And Experience Bachelor’s degree, graduate student, or equivalent experience in Anthropology, Sociology, History, Humanities, Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, Community Development, Education, or a related field. Experience in qualitative research, ethnographic research, documentary research, oral history, or community-based research is highly valued. Knowledge or strong interest in Andean cultures, textile traditions, indigenous and ancestral knowledge, cultural heritage, or Latin American history. Experience conducting interviews, fieldwork, oral histories, or qualitative data collection is an asset. Strong ability to search, evaluate, organize, and synthesize academic, historical, ethnographic, and documentary sources. Strong analytical and interpretative skills, with the ability to connect testimonies and documentary evidence with broader historical, cultural, and social contexts. Excellent communication and active listening skills, particularly when engaging with artisans, communities, researchers, and other knowledge holders. Strong academic and research writing skills. High attention to detail and ability to systematically organize extensive qualitative information. Fluent English is required; Spanish is an asset.