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Description
As Awamaki looks to the future and how climate change will affect our Andean partner communities, we are seeking to work with our artisan partners to adapt how we develop products. Our partners handknit and weave on the backstrap loom. We aim to shift our product development to focus on using climate-resistant, waste or recycled materials in our new products. This position will support this goal, with a special focus on producing our first line of alpaca yarn dyed with traditional natural dyes.
In this role, you will:
- Coordinate natural dye research and experimentation alongside artisans and local experts to develop 2-3 consistent colorways of natural dyes for handspun alpaca yarn production
- Experiment with nontraditional materials and developing new knit, crochet, woven and sewn products alongside the artisans
- Learn about climate-threatened materials in the Andes and experiment with replacement materials
- With our team, develop ideas for new products that use climate-resistant materials, or help select from existing ideas
- Support product development with market research
- With the artisans, create and refine samples to test new items in our brick-and-mortar store in Peru, and also in our online store
- Research the sustainability and environmental impact of production and dye methods
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
An ideal candidate for this position would possess the following qualities:
- Significant experience working in design and production, especially sustainable and ethical design, or equivalent coursework or degree
- Experiment dyeing with natural dyes
- Spanish and English proficiency preferred
- Peruvian Carnet or DNI preferred
ABOUT AWAMAKI
- Awamaki is a community-driven social enterprise working in deep collaboration with Quechua artisans. Together we create grassroots programs to support and grow women-led cooperatives through heritage textiles, market access, and sustainable tourism.
Benefits
Awamaki will provide room and board in our volunteer house, plus stipend to help with other living costs. Awamaki will also provide orientation activities like the opportunity for an overnight in one of the weaving communities. We also offer airport pickup. We also offer a bonus upon completing six months to help with flights.
Level of Language Proficiency
The candidate must speak proficient English and Spanish. About 50% of the job is conducted in Spanish, while the other 50% in English.
Location
Apply to This Job
Please submit resume and answer application questions to tell us more about who you are and why you are interested in this position. Interviews will be held in both English and Spanish.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
