Volunteer Fashion System Change Lab 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 a Fashion System Change Lab Specialist to contribute to research and initiatives aimed at transforming the fashion industry through systemic, regenerative, and inclusive approaches. The Fashion System Change Lab is a research-driven initiative focused on understanding and transforming the structures, practices, and relationships that shape the fashion system. While sustainability discussions often focus on fast fashion, the Lab also examines the luxury fashion sector as a powerful lever for systemic change, exploring how its influence, resources, innovation, and cultural reach can contribute to regenerative sustainability, biodiversity restoration, social equity, and economic prosperity. Responsibilities The role involves researching emerging trends, industry practices, business models, policies, technologies, and value-chain dynamics that can contribute to a more sustainable and circular fashion system. The Specialist will contribute to research, publications, events, strategic initiatives, and knowledge-development activities, connecting global discussions with HxN’s work on natural fibers, artisans, regenerative value chains, circularity, technology, and cultural knowledge. This is an opportunity for someone interested in fashion as a system rather than simply as an industry—someone who wants to understand how environmental, social, economic, cultural, technological, and political factors interact and how different actors can collaborate to generate meaningful systemic change. The key responsibilities of this position are as follows: The Specialist will conduct research on systemic challenges and emerging opportunities within the fashion industry, with particular attention to luxury fashion, sustainability, circularity, regenerative models, responsible production and consumption, and inclusive value chains. The role will support the development of research briefs, reports, articles, presentations, and other knowledge products, while monitoring relevant industry trends, academic research, policies, initiatives, and international debates. The Specialist will contribute to the identification and analysis of innovative business models, technologies, materials, and collaborative approaches that can accelerate systemic transformation. 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. Please let us know today if you can 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 professional experience in Fashion, Sustainable Fashion, Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Social Sciences, International Development, Economics, Business, Design, Cultural Studies, or a related field. Strong interest in systemic change, sustainable fashion, circular economy, regenerative development, or social and environmental innovation. Knowledge of the fashion or textile industry, particularly luxury fashion, value chains, materials, production systems, or consumption patterns. Understanding of circularity, regenerative practices, responsible sourcing, traceability, biodiversity, ethical production, or sustainable business models is an asset. Experience in research, academic writing, policy analysis, industry analysis, journalism, consulting, or the development of reports and knowledge products is highly valued. Interest in international organizations, public policy, advocacy, or multi-stakeholder initiatives is an asset. Fluent English is required; Spanish is an asset.