Volunteer International Standards, Certification & Traceability 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 International Standards, Certification & Traceability Specialist to support the development of more transparent, traceable, and responsible value chains across the textile and creative industries. The role focuses on international standards, certification systems, transparency, traceability, responsible sourcing, and the integration of small-scale artisans and producers into formal and global value chains. The Specialist will research and analyze relevant standards and certification schemes, assess their applicability to different value chains and organizations, and contribute to strategies that help artisans, communities, and small producers meet evolving international requirements while preserving their knowledge, practices, and economic participation. The key responsibilities of this position are as follows: The Specialist will research and monitor international standards, certification schemes, sustainability frameworks, traceability systems, and due diligence requirements relevant to textiles, natural fibers, responsible production, and sustainable value chains. The role will involve mapping and comparing standards, certifications, and compliance requirements; analyzing their applicability to different types of producers and organizations; and identifying opportunities and challenges associated with their implementation. The Specialist will also contribute to strategies for strengthening transparency and traceability across value chains, including the documentation of sourcing, production, processing, and commercialization processes. The role may also contribute to research, reports, guidelines, tools, and capacity-building materials related to standards, certification, traceability, and responsible value-chain development. 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 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 experience in Sustainability, International Development, Supply Chain Management, Textile Studies, Business, Economics, Environmental Studies, Law, Social Sciences, or a related field. Familiarity with international certification schemes, sustainability standards, or frameworks related to environmental and social performance is highly valued. Experience working with international standards, sustainability certifications, compliance frameworks, or responsible sourcing systems is highly valued. Knowledge of textile, fashion, natural fiber, agricultural, or other sustainable value chains is an asset. Understanding of transparency, traceability, supply-chain due diligence, responsible sourcing, and sustainability reporting. Knowledge of requirements affecting small producers, artisans, indigenous communities, cooperatives, or other small-scale value-chain actors. Ability to translate technical standards and requirements into clear and practical information for diverse stakeholders. Fluent English is required; Spanish is an asset.