About Us

Driven by a passion for solving the climate crisis, The Sunrise Project is a team of experienced change-makers with a mission to scale social movements to drive the global transition beyond fossil fuels. With programs and staff in Australia, and affiliated programs and staff in Europe and the US, we have developed a unique model of grant-making and campaigning that supports networks of organizations to drive powerful change toward our mission. We have a dynamic and nimble organizational culture. We’re serious about supporting our people to thrive as we tackle the urgent climate challenge.

We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives will help us build stronger strategies, teams, and movements. We take the broadest possible view of diversity and encourage First Nations people, people of color, people living outside of cities, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply. We are continually working on becoming a better workplace for everyone. You can read our commitment to this work here.

About the program

With the climate crisis looming, energy markets are in a transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Chinese investment and finance are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the global energy sector. They have huge potential for hastening the transition, especially in developing countries, to create a sustainable energy system. 

The Sunrise Project supports efforts to convince Chinese financial institutions, companies, and regulators to shift their investments away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy in line with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

About the Role

The strategist works as part of a team to strengthen networks of NGOs and other partners to collaboratively work towards unleashing the transformative potential of Chinese energy finance. 

The role analyses the role Chinese financiers, investors, insurers, and regulators play in financing projects whilst monitoring China’s policy trends and financial flows. The role works with international colleagues and partners to shift Chinese regulators, banks, investors, insurers, central banks, and bonds away from fossil fuels and advise how to influence Chinese investors and financiers.

We support networks of organisations to work together to achieve outcomes that would not be possible by individual organisations acting alone. We expect all roles at Sunrise to actively support the capacity building of these networks and partner organisations.

About you

You are passionate about climate change and want to make a real difference in the defining issue of our time. You have a track record of affecting real-world change, be it as a campaigner or in a similar role. You’re a big-picture strategic thinker but are firmly grounded in your ability to make things happen in the real world. You’re a natural collaborator and a good team player. You have a good understanding of China’s political culture and are familiar with the workings of international civil society networks as well. Ideally, you will have worked on issues surrounding Chinese foreign investment in the past.

We welcome diversity, and candidates with a background/expertise outside the non-profit sectors are welcomed.

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with the Senior Strategist of the East Asia Energy Program to:

• Co-develop and implement practical strategies to promote Chinese finance in the overseas renewable energy industry and mainland China’s financial decarbonization, under collaboration with networks of NGOs and other partners;

• Analyze the developments in China’s energy and climate finance, interpret policies and data;

• Provide research, advice, and other support to advocates around the world to engage with Chinese stakeholders, including companies, financial institutions, and policymakers, in unleashing greener energy investments;

• Support and convene effective communication, coordination, and collaboration among experts and advocates in China and recipient countries of Chinese renewable energy investment;

• Support other programs’ strategies related to Chinese actors. 

• Aligns own work and OKR’s with Sunrise’s mission and values.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Junior to mid-level professional experience working in China finance and/or energy;

• Excellent collaboration and facilitation skills, including the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders;

• Excellent analytical and research skills, subject expertise in Chinese development/energy finance a plus;

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, including networking and teamworking skills;

• Excellent understanding of China’s political culture and geopolitics;

• Fluency in both written and spoken Chinese and English, with strong interpersonal skills.;

• A passion for taking action on climate change and a deep commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Job Requirements

• This is a remote role outside mainland China. You must have full working rights for the country in which you will be working. The Sunrise Project is unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas.

• Employment background checks may be required.

• Attend local in-person partner activities.

• Intermittent travel with advanced notice may be required.

How Sunrise supports its staff:

• Hours Full-time = 40 hpw (flexible working)

• Remuneration: Depending on experience (including unpaid and other experiences) and capacity to take on responsibility

  • CAD 67,539-76,775 if hired in Canada

  • EUR 64,216-75,993 if hired in Germany

  • GBP 52,997-61,829 if hired in the UK

  • USD 91,357-103,526 if hired in the US plus benefits (see below).

  • If the successful candidate is outside of the listed countries, the salary will be adjusted based on local market equivalencies.

For Candidates in the United States: The Sunrise Project Inc. (Sunrise Inc.) is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. We have the following in place to help us achieve that:

• 401(k) & employer match

• 100% employer paid health, vision and dental coverage

• Five weeks of vacation leave

For candidates outside of the United States. The successful candidate will be hired via a Professional Employment Organisation (PEO) on behalf of the Sunrise Project, so conditions of employment may vary.  

• Statutory benefits and entitlements of the country in which you are employed.

• Sunrise may provide additional benefits, where in-country entitlements are less than our standard package, where applicable.

Additionally ~ For all staff in all countries

• Life Leave (up to 40 days p.a. for significant personal reasons)

• Flexible Working Policy

• Paid Parental Leave that is gender-neutral & inclusive of all types of families, incl. Parental Return To Work & Keeping In Touch Program

• Public Holidays + Cultural Leave

• Employee Assistance Program

• VIDA - An AI tool to support your health and wellbeing.

• A range of generous Allowances:

• Workspace Benefits incl: Macbook & accessories, initial $2,000 for home workspace and IT equipment + $800 every 2 years + up to $75/mth phone/data/internet.

• Shared office support

• Regular all-org and team meetings & retreats

• Learning & Development Program incl. a professional development budget for you

• Coaching & manager support with regular 1:1 meetings

• Annual performance & development reviews with 360 feedback

• A co-developed work plan to ensure clarity on your role & key responsibilities

• We provide our staff with a voice on issues that concern them via consultation, e.g. JEDI caucuses, working groups, slack channels, surveys and meetings.

How to apply

We recognize that racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, classism and other forms of discrimination creates structural barriers that impact opportunities to formal education and experience. When assessing candidates we look at more than the jobs you've been paid to do but the range of ways you've picked up skills and knowledge throughout your life. This is why we assess candidates on how well they respond to application questions and don’t require a cover letter.