Senior Project Officer
Position Circumstances
- Career Category: Business Administration, Advocacy, Rural development, Capacity development
- Schedule:Full-time
- Salary: $800 - $1000
Project: "Citizen-Led Local Inclusive Planning & Services (CLIPS)"
Contract type: The successful candidate will undergo a three-month probationary period. Upon satisfactory performance, API may offer a Fixed Duration Contract (FDC) for 2 years.
Location: Phnom Penh and frequently traveling to targeted provinces
Report to: Head of Program (HOP)
The Senior Project Officer will lead the implementation of the CLIPS project, a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation in Cambodia's public financial management (PFM) systems. This role involves leading and coordinating national-level project implementation, supervising subnational implementation, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and driving strategic advocacy and engagement with civil society, government stakeholders, and development partners.
The Senior Project Officer will lead and supervise a team of four Project Officers and provide technical guidance, performance oversight, and quality assurance in implementing the following activities:
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Outcome 1: Capacity and Participation
- Lead the development, review, and mapping of the existing tools and training material.
- Develop content and quality of printing and distribution of manuals, training materials, and leaflets related to Cambodia's public financial management (PFM).
- Lead Training Needs Assessments and oversee the updating of community profiles.
- Conduct a series of capacity-building trainings for community-based organizations (CBOs), citizen leaders, and community representatives through a hybrid approach combining face-to-face sessions and an e-learning platform on PFM.
- Provide ongoing coaching, technical assistance, technological tools, and logistical support to trained Sub-National Administrations (SNAs) to enable them to effectively apply their knowledge and skills in their respective roles and implement civic engagement and governance activities.
- Support SNAs in conducting SNA budget analysis.
- Work with the league of sub-national councilors to advocate for greater fiscal autonomy.
- Awareness Raising on Citizen Rights and Public Service Delivery Monitoring: Conduct awareness-raising activities on citizen rights, the use of mobile and digital One Window Service (OWSO) services, and local budget information.
- Orientation on Digital Tools and Platforms for Civic Engagement on the use of government and NGO digital tools and platforms, including the API Citizens Budget App, MoI Commune/Sangkat Budget App, API–PIDOR OWSO platform, and MoI OWSO system.
- Outcome 2: Accountability and Oversight
- Promote and facilitate inclusive participation in local planning processes under the Commune Investment Program (CIP) and Commune Development Plan (CDP).
- Facilitate citizen participation in local governance platforms, including council meetings, public forums, and sub-committees.
- Lead citizen monitoring initiatives on One Window Service delivery and public procurement processes.
- Lead the development of a civic engagement curriculum on Public Financial Management (PFM) and fiscal decentralisation (MoI Circular 007) for high school students.
- Lead and facilitate training for students and teachers on civic engagement in PFM and fiscal decentralisation.
- Provide coaching and technical guidance to student- and teacher-led civic initiatives.
- Mobilise target groups to monitor public procurement processes and conduct District Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys.
- Outcome 3: Institutionalisation and Sustainability
- Lead the review of civic engagement guidelines under PFM and Fiscal Decentralisation in accordance with MoI Circular 007.
- Organise and facilitate Council–Citizen Learning Forums on local budgeting and public expenditure.
- Coordinate implementation of the revised civic engagement guidelines between Commune Councils, District Councils, and citizens.
- Resource and Logistics Management
- Coordinate logistical arrangements for workshops, public forums, and field activities, including travel, venue setup, and procurement of materials.
- Support financial tracking and reporting related to project activities, ensuring compliance with budget allocations and donor guidelines.
- Partnership and Collaboration
- Maintain strong working relationships with communities, CBOs, local authorities, development partners to foster collaboration and sustainability.
- Represent the project in relevant forums, working groups, and coordination meetings.
Benefits:
- 13th-month salary
- Provident fund
- Seniority/Severance payment
- NSSF (health, personal accident, pension)
- Private company insurance (health, life, and personal accident insurance)
- Staff capacity building
Expected Profile of Candidates
Languages:
- English - Fluent
- Khmer - Fluent
Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in Public Administration, Project Management, Development Studies, or related field
Work History:
- Project management, preferably in governance, PFM, Policy advocacy, or civil society strengthening for 5 years as a minimum
Skills & Knowledge:
General & Technical Skills
- Proven experience managing multi-partner, donor-funded projects, including planning, budgeting, stakeholder coordination, and reporting.
- Strong understanding of Cambodia's governance and PFM context.
- Familiarity with digital tools for citizen engagement and budget tracking.
- Proficiency in standard software packages, e.g., Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365.
Soft Skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Leadership and team coordination
- Financial and risk management
- Advocacy and policy influence
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Cultural and gender sensitivity.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work well in a team
