Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Strategist (Asia)
at The Sunrise Project
🏢 About The Sunrise Project
The Sunrise Project is a global network of independent organizations that combines strategic grant-making with campaigning to scale social movements driving the energy transition beyond fossil fuels. What sets it apart is its unique model of funding and coordinating campaigns across borders, acting as a catalyst for systemic change rather than a traditional NGO. Working here means being part of a nimble, high-impact team that leverages collective action to shift financial markets.
About This Role
This role focuses on developing and implementing strategies to shift finance away from LNG and fossil fuel expansion in Asia, targeting key leverage points across public and private finance. As a Senior Strategist, you'll build relationships with climate movement allies, convene network collaboration, and manage grants to partner organizations. Your work will directly contribute to holding financial institutions accountable and accelerating the energy transition in one of the world's most critical regions.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve a morning call with partner organizations in Southeast Asia to align on campaign tactics, followed by analyzing a recent financial report from a major bank to identify new leverage points. Afternoon could include drafting a strategy memo for the Sunrise network and preparing a presentation for a public webinar on LNG finance, ending with a check-in with the global team on grant-making decisions.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Sunrise Project Is Looking For
- An experienced campaign strategist with a proven track record of achieving real-world outcomes in climate or social justice campaigns, particularly in Asia.
- Strong understanding of financial markets, financial institutions, and finance policy, with the ability to identify leverage points in public and private finance.
- Demonstrated experience in climate, renewable energy, ESG, or sustainability, with specific knowledge of LNG and fossil fuel finance in Asia.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with civil society organizations across diverse Asian contexts.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Sunrise Project
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific campaign wins that involved financial leverage points, such as influencing bank policies or divestment campaigns.
Demonstrate your understanding of the Asian financial landscape by mentioning key institutions (e.g., Asian Development Bank, Chinese state-owned banks) and recent LNG deals in the region.
Showcase your experience working in coalitions or networks, as the role emphasizes collaboration and scaling campaigns through partner organizations.
Use concrete examples of how you've held financial institutions accountable, such as shareholder activism, public pressure campaigns, or policy advocacy.
Mention any familiarity with The Sunrise Project's existing campaigns or partners, like 350.org or BankTrack, to show you've done your homework.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your strategic campaign experience and how it translates to shifting finance, not just raising awareness.', 'Highlight your specific knowledge of Asian energy markets, especially LNG expansion and the role of financial institutions in the region.', "Demonstrate commitment to social justice and the energy transition, aligning with Sunrise's values of movement-building and equity.", 'Show your ability to work across cultures and time zones, with examples of successful collaboration with Asian CSOs.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review The Sunrise Project's current campaigns and annual reports to understand their strategic priorities and recent wins.
- → Research major LNG projects in Asia (e.g., in Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh) and the financial institutions backing them.
- → Familiarize yourself with key Asian climate networks and allies, such as the Asia Climate Transition Initiative or local NGOs in target countries.
- → Understand the latest trends in ESG and sustainable finance in Asia, including policies like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and their impact on Asian markets.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on environmental campaigning without linking it to financial leverage; this role is about shifting finance, not just awareness.
- Avoid generic statements about 'passion for climate' without demonstrating specific knowledge of Asian energy finance and LNG.
- Don't overlook the collaborative nature of the role; avoid examples that highlight individual heroism without showing how you worked with others.
📅 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:
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 The Sunrise Project!