About us

Driven by a passion to solve 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 affiliated programs and staff in the United States, Europe and Asia, we have developed a unique model of grant making and campaigning that supports networks of organisations to drive powerful change towards our mission.

We have a dynamic and nimble organisational 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/Indigenous people, people of colour, 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.  Find out more here.

About the role

Working closely with the General Counsel and Company Secretary, the Legal Counsel and Assistant Company Secretary plays a pivotal role in providing legal advice to the organisation, supporting the smooth operation of the Board's and Committees’ activities, and ensuring the organisation's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The role also involves working with other entities collaborating as The Sunrise Project (including The Sunrise Project Inc and The Sunrise Project International Stichting) on risk management and compliance projects.  

The role requires a nuanced understanding of organisational issues and needs to be able to provide viable and tangible solutions to problems, so close collaboration with the executive and program teams is critical.

About you

You are eager to leverage your legal expertise for a greater purpose. With a solid foundation in general commercial law, contract drafting and negotiation, governance, and the finer points of corporate or not-for-profit law, you're not just searching for a temporary job- you're on the lookout for a mission. You like to work autonomously yet you also know the importance of seeking collaboration and support when needed.

You're a clear communicator, highly organised, and enthusiastic about applying your legal know-how to a diverse range of topics. Joining our team means you're ready to grow and help others do the same, all while contributing your legal skills towards our collective mission of safeguarding our planet.

Key responsibilities

• Legal Advice:

  • Provides timely and accurate legal advice on a wide range of matters, including but not limited to contracts (including grant agreements, technology contracts and supply and service agreements), regulatory compliance,  employment law, electoral law, defamation and commercial litigation including advising on litigation risks, charity law,  and general commercial law.

  • Initiates  and contributes to legal projects and initiatives.

• Policy and Procedure Development:

  • Helps to develop, maintain and review internal policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Board Support and Governance:

  • Supports the General Counsel and Company Secretary in matters related to corporate governance and Board and Committee meetings, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, drafting resolutions and coordinating Board and Committee members and materials.

  • Maintains meticulous records of Board and Committee activities and decisions, ensuring secure storage and accessibility.

• Risk Management and Compliance:

  • Supports risk management activities by identifying potential risks and proposing effective mitigation strategies.

  • Assists with regulatory filings, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and timely submissions.

  • Develops and delivers training sessions and materials to staff on legal issues relevant to the organisation.

• General support on network or entity risk management and compliance projects, or ad hoc projects that may arise. 

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Law, with qualification and admission to practise in Australia.

• At least 2-3 years of post-admission experience in a similar role, preferably in-house within a not-for-profit organisation.

• Demonstrated experience in commercial law and governance..

• Working knowledge of not-for-profit,charity law, and regulatory requirements for charities operating in Australia.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well in a team environment.

• Capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency in office management software and technology.

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

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• Experience working in a company secretariat role.

Job requirements

• You must have full working rights for the country in which you are working.  The Sunrise Project will not sponsor applicants for employment visas. 

• Employment background checks will be required.

• Intermittent travel with advanced notice may be required.

How Sunrise supports its staff

The Sunrise Project 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, noting pro rata will apply for part time staff and/or temporarily appointed-fixed term staff:

• Superannuation 12.5% & salary sacrifice for superannuation

• Birthday leave (if it’s your birthday, you get a day off)

• Solidarity and community leave 1 week p.a

• Cultural leave (floating & additional public holidays)

• Gifted leave (over Christmas and New Year)

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

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

• Flexible Working Policy

• Employee Assistance Program

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

• Generous allowances for:

• 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 for this job

We recognise 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.