While this does sound a bit obnoxious asking someone to "work" for no pay, considering the ask, this isn't a strange does it might sound. It's quite likely that

While this does sound a bit obnoxious asking someone to "work" for no pay, considering the ask, this isn't a strange does it might sound. It's quite likely that position like this can't be monetized in other ways, as all government positions seem to be able to do. So if you are independently wealthy and able to move yourself into a policy influencing position like this, that can be a net benefit even without a salary.