Volunteer Camelid, Natural Fibers & Cotton Value Chain Expert 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 www.hechoxnosotros.org Job Description About the Role Hecho por Nosotros (HxN) is looking for an expert with strong knowledge of camelid value chains, natural fibers, and cotton to contribute specialized knowledge to our research, projects, and initiatives focused on sustainable and regenerative textile systems. The role involves analyzing value chains from fiber production and sourcing through processing, transformation, commercialization, and market development, with particular attention to alpaca, llama, vicuña, and other camelid fibers, as well as natural fibers and cotton. The Specialist will contribute technical insights, research, and strategic recommendations to strengthen the sustainability, traceability, resilience, and fair integration of producers and communities within these value chains. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise in fibers and value chains with an understanding of sustainable development, rural communities, traditional knowledge, and the textile industry. The key responsibilities of the position are as follows: The Specialist will conduct research and analysis on camelid, natural fiber, and cotton value chains, identifying challenges, opportunities, actors, market dynamics, and potential pathways toward more sustainable and inclusive models. The role will contribute expert knowledge to HxN projects, reports, research initiatives, and strategic documents, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and supporting the identification of opportunities to strengthen producer and community participation across the value chain. 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; Spanish Desired Skills And Experience Bachelor’s degree, graduate student, or equivalent professional experience in Textile Engineering, Agronomy, Animal Science, Fiber Science, Sustainable Development, Supply Chain Management, Economics, International Development, or a related field. Demonstrated experience or specialized knowledge in camelid fibers, natural fibers, cotton, textile value chains, fiber production, processing, sourcing, or commercialization is highly valued. Knowledge of alpaca, llama, vicuña, or other Andean camelid systems is particularly relevant. Familiarity with sustainability, traceability, circularity, regenerative production, rural development, and community-based value chains is an asset. Strong research, analytical, communication, and writing skills are required. Fluent English and Spanish is required.