Housing Innovation Learning Center (HIL-C) Coordinator
Position Circumstances
- Career Category: Engineer - Civil, Educate/Train/Teaching, Community Development
- Schedule:Full-time
- Salary: Negotiable
The HIL-C Coordinator will lead, coordinate, and grow operations of Habitat Cambodia’s newly built Housing Innovation Learning Center in Siem Reap with possible to expand to other HFHC’s program areas, funded through Empowering Communities for Resilience Through Safe Homes, Livelihood and Innovation project in Siem Reap. The job holder will play a vital role to lead, coordinate and grow the operations of Housing Innovation Learning Center.
She/he develops and showcases climate-resilient housing prototypes using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials (bamboo, compressed earth blocks, agricultural waste materials, recycled plastics, and recycled construction materials etc.); tests and certifies innovative housing products; trains local builders on sustainable and green techniques. Through Habitat Cambodia’s role as a convenor, the position promotes market access for climate-resilient, eco-friendly housing materials through research and innovation that lowers construction costs for low- and middle-income households.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- HIL Center Management, Partnership and Coordination (30%)
- Oversee the day-to-day operations and administration of a newly established Housing Innovation Learning Center (HIL-C).
- Ensure effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of HIL-C outputs and assigned projects.
- Coordinate resources, schedules, events, and center operations to achieve the center's objectives.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with:
- Construction material suppliers and manufacturers
- Universities and research institutions
- TVET schools and training centers
- SME building-material producers and manufacturers
- Industry associations and community groups
- Government agencies, especially the Construction Testing Laboratory
- Serve as the focal point for collaboration among public, private, and academic partners.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for visitors, delegations, and study tours to the HIL-C, showcasing demonstration housing models and innovations.
- Housing Research, Prototype and Demonstration (20%)
- Collaborate with the Construction Team (country, regional levels) to develop and roll out the demonstration of climate-resilient housing solutions.
- Support research activities related to innovative, affordable, and environmentally sustainable construction materials and technologies, with a focus on locally available and eco-friendly options such as bamboo, compressed earth blocks (CEB), agricultural waste materials (e.g., rice husk and fibers), recycled plastics, and recycled construction materials.
- Promote the use of locally sourced and eco-friendly building materials.
- Organize demonstration activities to promote the adoption of innovative housing products and construction techniques.
- Liaise with the government construction testing laboratory and relevant stakeholders for product testing and certification, including coordinating the testing of new construction materials and products between SME manufacturers, MLMUPC's Construction Testing Laboratory, and other available testing labs in Cambodia.
- Facilitate testing processes for innovative building materials and housing products.
- Document and share lessons learned and best practices from pilot projects for a scale-up.
- Construction Market, Advocacy and Knowledge Sharing (20%)
- Support Habitat Cambodia's efforts to expand the market for climate-resilient and eco-friendly housing materials.
- Engage stakeholders to increase awareness and adoption of innovative housing solutions.
- Advocate for cost-effective construction technologies that benefit low- and middle-income households.
- Provide advisory and coordination support to partners on housing innovation initiatives.
- Facilitate technical discussions, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving among relevant stakeholders.
- Share best practices, research results, and policy recommendations from the HIL-C with government agencies, universities, NGOs, and the private sector.
- Provide evidence and innovation inputs to support national housing policies and large-scale affordable housing programs.
- Training and Capacity Building (20%)
- Prepare training materials and resources for conducting the training programs for local builders, skilled labors, and contractors who are involved in the local construction process.
- Ensure an equity in selecting the participants in training programs and provide an evaluation report upon completion of each of the training.
- Collaborate with universities and TVET institutions to share trainer resources, training materials, and strengthen technical knowledge and skills development.
- Promote sustainable, eco-friendly, and climate-resilient construction practices and knowledge-sharing in the training sessions.
- Ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and certification requirements.
- Other responsibilities - 10%
- Represent HIL-C in meetings, workshops, exhibitions, and construction industry forums.
- Keep up to date with knowledge on housing research, eco-friendly building, and construction regulations in Cambodia.
- Coordinate and support other departments as and when required.
- Carry out other tasks as designated by the supervisor.
Expected Profile of Candidates
Languages:
- Khmer - Good
- English - Good
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, or Architecture, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Development, or related field
Skills & Knowledge:
General & Technical Skills
- Professional certifications related to green building, sustainable construction, project management, research, or housing development are desirable.
- Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder projects involving private sector companies, government institutions, academic organizations, and development partners.
- Experience managing projects, training programs, or technical demonstration initiatives.
- Experience working with construction materials suppliers, climate-resilient housing techniques, or green building solutions.
- Experience organizing workshops, training sessions, exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing events.
- Experience in research, testing, certification, or quality assurance of building materials is an advantage.
- Prior experience working with training institutions, NGOs, or construction research and innovation projects is preferred.
- Familiarity with social housing, affordable housing, and low-cost housing solutions.
- Understanding of Cambodia's housing and construction sector, policies, and regulations is an advantage.
- Ability to provide guidance and facilitate partners and staff, through knowledge and experience in the technical area.
- Good written and verbal communication in English and Khmer languages.
- Computer skills with expertise in Office 365 applications.
