International Standards, Certification & Traceability Specialist Volunteer

About the Role

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.

Desired Skills & 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.

Comments

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.