Volunteer Legal Research Associate Lead with Animana

Volunteer Legal Research Associate Lead with Animana & Hecho por nosotros Join to apply for the Volunteer Legal Research Associate Lead with Animana & Hecho por nosotros role at Hecho Por Nosotros. This is an opportunity to work with an Ashoka Fellow. Ashoka Fellows are leading social entrepreneurs who have been selected through a rigorous process to become part of the Ashoka Fellowship and Network. They build innovative system‑change ideas to create social impact and refuse to let the ‘impossible’ stand in their way to creating a better world. This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity. About the Affiliated Organization Hecho por Nosotros (HxN) is a non‑governmental organization with consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). HxN drives systemic change by harnessing the power of the creative economy to transform society and create a more sustainable future. Our mission is to provide access and resources for the next generation to experience the interconnectedness between individuals, the world, nature, and business, while fostering systemic change within the framework of the creative economy. We collaborate with micro, small, and medium‑size enterprises (MSMEs), artisans, designers, online sellers, marketing experts, big brands, economic corporations, media, and more. We recognize the close ties between the creative economy and the world of arts, inspiring us with audacious and creative designs. Seeing how current business models often perpetuate human exploitation, modern slavery, and have significant environmental impact, we are seizing the opportunity to transform the contemporary creative industry toward a more sustainable and ethical one. Adriana Marina, Ashoka Fellow and founder of Hecho por Nosotros (Made By Us), together with the social enterprise Animaná, lead the charge in advocating for change. Together, we collaborate with over 80 organizations, including Ashoka, Globalizer, C&A Foundation, Ikea Entrepreneurship, Fabric of Change, UN, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNECE, IDB Network, the European Union, local governments, and universities across Latin America, Africa, and international organisations. We provide tools and opportunities to encourage companies to integrate sustainability principles, develop local value chains, and celebrate the history of raw materials. We analyse the impacts of globalization processes and empower consumers to make informed decisions. We firmly believe that young professionals and students are the future agents of change. Through our network, we aim to connect entrepreneurs, academics, craftsmen, students, citizens, NGOs, INGOs, countries, multilateral organisations, producers, cooperatives, and more. Our goal is to bring these stakeholders together to share information and perspectives, addressing the challenges and opportunities of building a sustainable creative industry. We collaborate with local agents to develop sustainable value chains, promote local natural fibres, and support communities. In line with our commitment to transparency and traceability, we are incorporating principles of blockchain and decentralized finance into our tools. Use this page for more information: www.hechoxnosotros.org Job Description You will lead a volunteer legal research workstream that supports an internal research team. The work focuses on legal and regulatory analysis, not direct legal advice. Topics include biodiversity law, cultural rights, climate impacts on communities, greenwashing, intellectual property, data protection, and responsible AI and ethics. Project goal: build a reliable knowledge base and practical research outputs that help the organization make informed decisions, reduce compliance risk, and design responsible initiatives. You will plan and manage the research agenda, set priorities, and deliver structured outputs that non‑legal teams can use. You will coordinate volunteers, review drafts, and maintain quality and consistency. Volunteer Logistics Estimated hours required per week: 15 - 20 Estimated duration of the project: 3-6 months This position is virtual (remote) Language Requirements English; Spanish Desired Skills and Experience Legal research and writing. Produce clear memos, issue briefs, and summaries with solid citations. Regulatory and policy analysis. Translate rules into practical implications for programs and operations. Cross‑topic knowledge. Understand at least a few of these areas and ramp up fast on the rest: biodiversity law, cultural rights, climate impacts on communities, greenwashing and consumer protection, intellectual property, data protection, AI governance and ethics. Comparative law mindset. Compare frameworks across countries and explain differences without overcomplicating. Strong source discipline. Find primary sources, validate them, and avoid weak references. Project management. Scope research, set priorities, assign tasks, and deliver on deadlines. Team leadership. Coach volunteers, review drafts, and keep quality consistent. Stakeholder communication. Run calls, align expectations, and present findings in simple language to non‑legal teams. Risk awareness. Flag when a topic moves from research to legal advice and keep the work on the right side of that line. Ethics and integrity. Handle sensitive topics carefully, especially privacy, community impacts, and AI fairness. Tools. Organise a research library, manage versions, and work comfortably with Google Workspace or Notion. Language. Strong written English. Spanish is a plus if the work includes Latin America. Senior Level Mid‑Senior Level #J-18808-Ljbffr