Application Guide

How to Apply for China Research and Strategic Coordination Associate

at Leave it in the Ground Initiative (LINGO)

🏢 About Leave it in the Ground Initiative (LINGO)

LINGO is a nimble, high-impact organization focused on keeping fossil fuels in the ground to combat climate change. As a small team, you'll have significant ownership over China-related strategy and research, directly influencing global advocacy efforts. Working remotely, you'll collaborate with passionate colleagues dedicated to accelerating the transition away from coal, oil, and gas.

About This Role

This part-time role is the linchpin for LINGO's China engagement, combining strategic coordination (managing the Director's schedule and tracking goals) with in-depth research and analysis of Chinese policy and industry developments. You'll produce concise briefings that inform high-level advocacy, making you a critical bridge between on-the-ground intelligence and organizational action.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by scanning Chinese news and policy updates, then draft a short briefing for the Director on a new coal project. Midday, you'll manage the Director's calendar and prep materials for an upcoming meeting. After lunch, you'll research a specific topic (e.g., China's overseas coal finance) and compile findings into a structured memo, all while communicating in English with the global team.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Leave it in the Ground Initiative (LINGO) Is Looking For

  • A Mandarin-English bilingual with professional fluency in both languages, comfortable switching between them for research, writing, and oral communication.
  • A self-starter who thrives on independent work, can quickly master new topics (e.g., China's energy policy, coal finance), and produces accurate, well-organized outputs with minimal supervision.
  • Someone with meticulous attention to detail, whether tracking a complex schedule or synthesizing nuanced policy documents into clear briefings.
  • A strong time manager who can juggle administrative coordination with research deadlines in a remote, part-time setting.

📝 Tips for Applying to Leave it in the Ground Initiative (LINGO)

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1. Demonstrate your Mandarin proficiency by including examples of your written work (e.g., a memo in Chinese) or describing how you've used Mandarin in a professional context.

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2. Show you understand LINGO's mission: mention specific Chinese fossil fuel projects or policies (e.g., Belt and Road coal investments, China's 2060 carbon neutrality goal) and how you'd track them.

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3. Highlight your ability to produce structured, concise briefings: attach a sample one-page memo on a China energy topic to your application.

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4. Emphasize your organizational skills: briefly describe a system you've used to manage a leader's schedule or multiple tasks effectively.

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5. Tailor your resume to list Mandarin language skills prominently and include any China-focused research or policy experience.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for climate action and alignment with LINGO's mission to keep fossil fuels in the ground.", 'Your bilingual ability and comfort working in both Mandarin and English, with concrete examples of using each.', 'Your research skills and ability to synthesize complex Chinese policy developments into actionable insights.', 'Your self-management and organizational skills, especially in a remote, part-time setting.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read LINGO's website and recent reports to understand their advocacy campaigns and China-specific work.
  • → Review China's latest climate pledges (e.g., 14th Five-Year Plan, updated NDC) and ongoing coal power expansion.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key Chinese state-owned enterprises and financial institutions involved in fossil fuel projects.
  • → Look into LINGO's partners and allies in the China climate space (e.g., Greenpeace East Asia, CREA).
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you stay updated on China's energy and climate policy changes?
2 Describe a time you managed multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
3 How would you structure a brief on a sudden policy shift (e.g., China's new five-year plan energy targets)?
4 What's your approach to tracking a Director's tasks and ensuring deadlines are met?
5 How do you handle ambiguity in research? Give an example of how you'd research an unfamiliar topic.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter; this role requires specific knowledge of China's energy landscape.
  • Avoid overstating your Mandarin proficiency if you're not truly fluent; the role demands real professional use.
  • Don't underestimate the coordination aspect; failing to show organizational skills can hurt your application.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

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Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Leave it in the Ground Initiative (LINGO)!

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