Volunteer Pedagogical Specialist – Childhood Education & Ancestral Knowledge 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 Pedagogical Specialist with a focus on Childhood Education to support the development of educational frameworks, learning resources, and storytelling approaches that connect ancestral knowledge, cultural heritage, sustainability, and childhood education. The role focuses on translating complex cultural and environmental topics—including ancestral stories, indigenous knowledge, traditional crafts, textile heritage, and sustainable practices—into engaging and age-appropriate educational content. The Specialist will contribute pedagogical expertise to help create learning experiences that make ancestral knowledge accessible to children, educators, and educational communities while promoting cultural appreciation, creativity, and social and environmental awareness. The key responsibilities of this position are as follows:
The Specialist will contribute to the design of pedagogical frameworks, learning methodologies, and educational resources connecting ancestral intelligence, cultural heritage, sustainability, and childhood education. The role will involve adapting HxN’s research on indigenous knowledge, ancestral stories, traditional crafts, textiles, and cultural practices into accessible and age-appropriate content for children and educators. The Specialist will provide guidance on child development, developmental appropriateness, play-based learning, social-emotional learning, storytelling, and creative pedagogy, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop educational materials and learning experiences. The role may also support educational initiatives, workshops, publications, and knowledge-sharing activities for schools, educators, communities, and international networks.
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 Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, Pedagogy, Educational Sciences, Educational Innovation, Psychology, or a related field. Experience designing educational programs, learning materials, child-centered content, or educational methodologies is highly valued. Knowledge of child development, developmental milestones, play-based learning, creative pedagogy, or social-emotional learning. Strong interest in indigenous knowledge, ancestral intelligence, cultural heritage, traditional crafts, textiles, sustainability, or intercultural education. Ability to translate complex cultural, environmental, or social topics into engaging and age-appropriate educational content. Experience with storytelling, creative learning methodologies, educational communication, or participatory learning is an asset. Strong research, writing, communication, and critical-thinking skills. Sensitivity to cultural diversity and ability to approach indigenous and ancestral knowledge respectfully and contextually. Fluent English is required; Spanish is an asset.