AI, Sustainability & Community Research Volunteer

About the Role

Hecho por Nosotros (HxN) is seeking a Research Volunteer to contribute to an international research initiative at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, sustainability, and local communities. The project combines academic research, engagement with communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and the systematic analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.

The role is particularly suited to candidates with research experience and a strong academic background, who are interested in understanding how AI intersects with sustainability challenges and the realities of local communities. The Volunteer may contribute across three key stages of the research process: literature review, community discussions and data collection, and analysis of interviews and surveys.

The key responsibilities of this position are as follows: The Volunteer will contribute to the literature review by identifying, reviewing, and synthesizing relevant academic literature, research reports, and other reliable sources related to Artificial Intelligence, sustainability, technology, local communities, and related social and environmental issues. The role will support the organization and documentation of sources and the preparation of academic research materials using appropriate academic referencing and citation styles. The Volunteer may also participate in discussions and research activities with local communities, supporting the preparation, documentation, and systematization of interviews, surveys, and community discussions. The Volunteer will contribute to the analysis of research results, including the organization, coding, interpretation, and synthesis of qualitative data from interviews and discussions, as well as the analysis of survey results where relevant. The role will help identify recurring themes, patterns, perspectives, differences, and relevant findings, translating research evidence into clear analytical outputs. The Volunteer may also contribute to research papers, reports, presentations, and other academic or institutional publications resulting from the project.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Background in Social Sciences, International Development, Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Research, Academic Writing or a related field.
• Previous research experience, particularly experience involving qualitative or quantitative research.
• Strong academic writing skills and experience producing research papers, reports, literature reviews, or other academic publications.
• Knowledge of academic referencing and citation styles, with the ability to accurately manage and document sources.
• Experience conducting, documenting, coding, or analyzing interviews, focus groups, surveys, or other forms of primary research data.
• Training or experience in qualitative data analysis, thematic analysis, content analysis, statistical analysis, or related research methodologies.
• Ability to identify themes, patterns, relationships, and relevant findings from interviews and survey results.
• Interest in Artificial Intelligence and its relationship with sustainability, communities, and social or environmental challenges.
• Experience working with or researching local, indigenous, rural, or other community contexts is an asset.
• Ability to work carefully with sensitive qualitative information and represent participants' perspectives accurately and respectfully.
• Fluent English 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.