Volunteer Gender & Social Inclusion 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/

About the Role

Hecho por Nosotros (HxN) is looking for a Gender & Social Inclusion Specialist to support research and initiatives focused on gender equality, women's empowerment, social inclusion, and equitable participation within sustainable and regenerative value chains. The role combines gender research, social analysis, community perspectives, and project development, with particular attention to the experiences and opportunities of women artisans, producers, entrepreneurs, and other underrepresented groups within the textile and creative industries. The Specialist will contribute to identifying gender-related barriers and opportunities and to developing approaches that promote greater inclusion, recognition, economic participation, and access to opportunities across value chains.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze gender dynamics, inequalities, participation, and barriers to inclusion within textile, creative, and sustainable value chains, with particular attention to women artisans, small-scale producers, indigenous communities, and other underrepresented groups.
• Research relevant academic literature, policies, frameworks, and international initiatives related to gender equality and social inclusion.
• Identify gender-specific challenges affecting access to markets, resources, decision-making, technology, finance, and leadership.
• Contribute to the development of research, reports, guidelines, and other knowledge products.
• Support the integration of gender and social inclusion perspectives into HxN projects and strategies.
• Contribute to initiatives that strengthen women's economic empowerment and visibility.
• Identify good practices, partnerships, and innovative approaches that can promote more equitable and inclusive value chains.

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 Gender Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Social Sciences, International Development, Human Rights, Sustainability, or a related field.
• Experience or strong interest in gender equality, women's empowerment, social inclusion, or intersectionality is highly valued.
• Knowledge of gender dynamics within textile, fashion, creative, agricultural, or artisanal value chains is an asset.
• Strong research, analytical, critical-thinking, and writing skills.
• Experience conducting qualitative or social research, interviews, literature reviews, or community-based research is highly valued.
• Knowledge of international gender frameworks, development agendas, human rights frameworks, or sustainability standards is an asset.
• Fluent English is required; Spanish is an asset.

Certificate

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.