Application Guide
How to Apply for Asia Regional Lead
at Inclusive Development International
๐ข About Inclusive Development International
Inclusive Development International (IDI) is a non-profit that directly supports frontline communities fighting corporate human rights abuses. Unlike many advocacy groups, IDI uses a 'Follow the Money' approach, targeting the financiers behind harmful projects, making it a unique and impactful place to work for those passionate about corporate accountability.
About This Role
As Asia Regional Lead, you will oversee IDI's program across Asia, supervising a small team and coordinating with local partners to support communities affected by extractive and energy projects. Your work will directly help communities defend their rights by leveraging financial advocacy, making this a hands-on, strategic role with tangible impact.
๐ก A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a video call with a local partner in Indonesia to discuss a new case, followed by reviewing a financial analysis of a mining project's investors. You'd then check in with your team on advocacy deadlines, and later draft a strategy memo for an upcoming campaign against a coal plant in Vietnam.
๐ Application Tools
๐ฏ Who Inclusive Development International Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of experience in human rights, environmental justice, or corporate accountability, with a focus on the Asia region.
- Demonstrates strong supervisory skills, including managing small teams and fostering collaboration with local partners in Asia.
- Possesses deep knowledge of the extractives and energy sectors, including key companies, financiers, and advocacy strategies.
- Is familiar with the 'Follow the Money' approach and has experience using financial research or advocacy to hold corporations accountable.
๐ Tips for Applying to Inclusive Development International
Highlight any experience with financial advocacy or 'Follow the Money' tactics, such as tracking investments or engaging with banks.
Emphasize specific examples of working with local partners in Asia, including how you navigated cultural or language barriers.
Tailor your resume to show direct involvement with extractives or energy sector cases, mentioning specific companies or projects.
In your cover letter, connect your personal motivation to IDI's mission of supporting communities, not just corporate accountability in general.
Research IDI's current Asia program and mention a specific case or campaign you admire to show genuine interest.
โ๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your commitment to community-led advocacy and human rights, with examples of how you've supported affected communities.", 'Your supervisory and team management experience, especially in cross-cultural settings with local partners.', "Your knowledge of the extractives/energy sector and how you've used advocacy to influence corporate behavior.", "Your understanding of the 'Follow the Money' approach and how you would apply it in the Asia region."]
Generate Cover Letter โ๐ Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- โ Review IDI's recent reports and case studies on extractives and energy projects in Asia, especially those involving 'Follow the Money' tactics.
- โ Look into IDI's partner organizations in Asia to understand the local context and how IDI collaborates with them.
- โ Familiarize yourself with key financiers of extractive projects in the region (e.g., Asian Development Bank, commercial banks) and IDI's campaigns against them.
- โ Read about current human rights issues in the extractives sector in countries like Myanmar, Indonesia, or the Philippines to prepare for case-specific discussions.
๐ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid being too general about human rights; focus on corporate accountability and community support specifically.
- Don't overlook the supervisory aspectโfailing to provide concrete examples of team management will weaken your application.
- Avoid a lack of specific knowledge about Asia; broad statements without country-specific context will seem unprepared.
๐ Application Timeline
โฐ Deadline: May 28, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Inclusive Development International!