Volunteer Technology and Innovation Manager to Stop Ecosystem Destruction in Cameroon while Building Economic Empowerment for Impoverished Communities with Ecological Balance Cameroon

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 opportunityAbout The Affiliated Organization Ecological Balance Cameroon was founded in 2016 to respond to the alarming destruction of natural ecosystems in Cameroon, particularly forests, due to unsustainable land use practices and deforestation. Our founder witnessed firsthand how rural communities which are deeply dependent on nature, were left out of conservation decisions and struggled with poverty, forcing them into unsustainable practices. This inspired the creation of an organization that bridges biodiversity conservation and community livelihood development, ensuring that protecting nature also improves human well-being. We Help Local, Nature-dependent Communities Especially Women And Youth, Living Around Cameroon’s Rich Biodiversity Hotspots. These Communities Often Lack Economic Alternatives, Face Poverty And Bear The Greatest Impact Of Environmental Degradation & Climate Change. We Empower Communities Through

• Environmental Education & Awareness: we are dedicated to changing how local communities perceive and interact with nature, raising consciousness about the value of ecosystems and the benefits of sustainable practices.
• Nature-Based Livelihoods: Training and supporting community members to create sustainable businesses that depend on but do not destroy natural resources.
• Community-Led Conservation: Engaging locals as custodians of nature, protecting, conserving and restoring degraded ecosystems and implementing biodiversity conservation projects with their active participation.

Our Work Matters Because It Addresses Two Interconnected Crises

• Biodiversity Loss: Cameroon is part of the Congo Basin, one of the most important ecological regions on Earth, yet its forests are disappearing at an alarming rate.
• Poverty & Inequality: When people lack viable livelihoods, they are compelled to exploit natural resources unsustainably. By linking conservation to economic empowerment, we create intrinsic motivation for communities to protect nature, breaking the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation. Ultimately, our work safeguards critical ecosystems while improving the lives of those who depend on them the most.

For more information, please visit https://ecologicalbalancecameroon.org/ Job Description Position: Technology and Innovation Manager Location: Remote Duration: 6–12 months (with possibility of extension) Reporting to: Executive Director Background Ecological Balance Cameroon (EBC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering biodiversity-rich communities to independently undertake actions that guarantee the long-term conservation of their adjacent ecosystems. We believe that protecting nature should go hand-in-hand with improving livelihoods. To enhance our impact and sustainability, we seek to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology to increase operational efficiency, boost fundraising, and amplify our visibility to global audiences. Goal: The goal of this role is to integrate AI and technology into EBC’s operations, programs, and fundraising strategy in order to:

• Improve efficiency in project management and reporting
• Enhance visibility and global reach through digital tools
• Strengthen fundraising efforts via AI-driven insights and automation
• Build data-driven decision-making systems for conservation and community programs

Key Responsibilities (Tasks) The volunteer will work closely with the Executive Director and Program Leads to:

• Digital Transformation & AI Integration:
• Assess organizational processes and identify areas for AI-driven optimization (e.g., donor engagement, impact reporting, data analytics).
• Develop and implement AI-based tools for proposal writing, project tracking and monitoring & evaluation.
• Train staff on AI applications relevant to conservation, fundraising and community engagement.
• Visibility & Outreach
• Design and execute digital marketing strategies (social media, SEO, email campaigns) using AI-driven insights.
• Create engaging multimedia content showcasing EBC’s impact stories to attract donors and partners.
• Automate social media scheduling and reporting using AI tools.
• Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
• Integrate AI-powered donor prospecting tools to identify and prioritize potential funders.
• Support the development of data-driven fundraising campaigns with predictive analytics.
• Assist in crafting grant proposals and impact narratives using AI-assisted writing tools.
• Data & Impact Management
• Set up data collection and analysis systems for projects (e.g., regenerative agriculture, Irvingia Initiative).
• Visualize impact data for donors and public reporting using AI dashboards.
• Ensure data security and ethical AI use across the organization.

Why Is Your Work Important? The Integration Of AI And Digital Technology Will Revolutionize EBC’s Ability To Scale Impact. By Leveraging AI

• Visibility → We will reach more donors and partners globally.
• Efficiency → Automating routine tasks will free staff time for community impact work.
• Fundraising → AI-driven analytics will improve donor targeting and increase revenue streams.
• Impact Measurement → Real-time data will enable smarter decision-making and transparency for funders.

Ultimately, your work in this role will position EBC as a tech-driven conservation leader in Africa, attracting more funding and accelerating our mission of community-led biodiversity conservation. Please let us know today if you can join our team! Volunteer Logistics Estimated hours required per week: 10-15 The estimated duration of the project is: 6-12 months This position is Virtual (Remote) Language Requirements English Desired Skills And Experience Deliverables

• Digital Transformation Strategy with AI integration roadmap.
• At least 3 AI-based systems/tools implemented (e.g., proposal automation, donor prospecting tool, social media automation).
• Training sessions for staff on AI and digital tools.
• Increased online visibility (e.g., 50% growth in social media engagement, improved SEO ranking).
• Fundraising outcomes (e.g., 2–3 AI-optimized campaigns launched, new donor leads identified).
• Impact dashboard showcasing organizational achievements using data visualization.

Skills/Qualifications

• Background in Technology, AI, Data Science, Digital Marketing, or related field.
• Experience with AI tools (ChatGPT, Bard, fundraising analytics tools, social media automation).
• Strong understanding of non-profit fundraising strategies.
• Skills in data visualization, social media management, and content creation.
• Passion for conservation, sustainability, and community development.