Country Representative (Cambodia)

  • Mid-level
  • Posted on 3 July 2007
  • Cambodia
  • Closing on 23 April 2007

Job Description

Job Title: Country Representative, Cambodia Region/Unit: International Programs Supervisor: Regional Director for Asia Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Program Description: AFSC work in Cambodia began with delegation visits and emergency relief in 1979. In the 1980’s it evolved into major projects in animal health, physical rehabilitation and small scale irrigation, working primarily with Provincial officials. In the mid-1990s, with the changes resulting from the UN sponsored transition to the present government, the arrival of many more international non-governmental organizations [NGOs] and the extremely rapid creation of hundreds of local NGOs, the AFSC reoriented its overall program profile to focus on underserved areas. In 1997, AFSC piloted the Integrated Sustainable Livelihoods Program in Sre Ambel District, Koh Kong Province. The ISL program has been influential in supporting community based natural resource management of fishery and forestry resources. As the area has become more open to outside investors through infrastructure improvements, competition over resources has increased and community groups that have organized are facing many new conflicts and challenges. The current phase of the program seeks to strengthen communities’ ability to respond to resource conflicts in the area in non-violent and effective ways, through networking with other communities that share resources, building a stronger understanding of and commitment to sustainable community use of resources, and promoting community initiatives.

AFSC has also been a long term supporter of work for peace and reconciliation in Cambodia. In addition to support for various programs and initiatives over the years, AFSC fostered a local organization – Khmer Ahimsa [Khmer Non-Violence] which works with communities in Koh Kong province to reinvigorate and restore traditional community mechanisms for conflict resolution and communal support. Since 2003, AFSC has piloted an additional work with local Cambodian organizations to address issues of nationalism and identity. This work was prompted by the anti-Thai riots in Phnom Penh in January 2003 and other incidents of violence and intimidation targeted at ethnic Vietnamese living in Cambodia, sparked by politicians’ use of nationalist rhetoric during election campaigns.

The Cambodia program staff support and participate in regional exchanges and program activities. The Cambodia Country Representative will support these exchanges and also participate in exploration of new regional partnerships in Burma/Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Summary of Responsibilities The Country Representative is responsible for the overall management and program direction, legal obligations, reporting, and stewardship of all AFSC resources. The Representative serves as official representative of the AFSC; manages contacts in Cambodia with government ministries, UN agencies, and local and international NGOs; supervises staff. Within the AFSC norm of collaborative decision making and mutual support, the Representative will function as part of a team, together with the Regional Director based in Phnom Penh and Philadelphia-based staff.

Responsibilities: 1. Strategic Planning: Plan, develop and provide overall management and coordination for AFSC’s program in Cambodia, working collaboratively with local staff and partners, and in close consultation with the Asia Regional Director and program staff in Philadelphia. Review Cambodia programmatic work in light of AFSC regional and global strategic directions and suggest a strategy for realignment where necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of AFSC’s work. Participate in regional strategic planning activities and other joint planning and program review meetings as required.

2. Program Management: Monitor ISL Program implementation of the new phase of work and assist the staff with appropriate responses to the rapidly changing situation in their program area. Seek out opportunities to develop new partnerships and collaborative approaches to address nationalist hatreds and strengthen the ability of committed leaders and groups to work towards a culture of peace. Build linkages with individuals and institutions in Cambodia and as needed in other countries in the region and internationally that build on and enhance the AFSC’s work on peace in the region.

3. Administration and Supervision: Supervise the Cambodian administrative staff and oversee the management of personnel matters through appropriate internal structures and procedures. Maintain budget control and ensure that sound financial and accounting procedures are followed at the program and country office level. Ensure that all staff are familiar with and work towards the long-term vision of AFSC and incorporate the organization’s values and principles in their work.

4. Program and Financial Reporting: prepare annual and semi-annual program and financial reports, maintain budget control, and provide timely information on changes in the national context or program location that affect program implementation. The country director works in consultation with and is responsible to the Regional Director for Asia in Philadelphia for the overall progress and direction of the work in Cambodia.

5. Relations with Cambodian Authorities: Represent AFSC Cambodia with the Cambodian government and serve as liaison with government ministries relevant to the AFSC projects in Cambodia; negotiate project and program agreements as appropriate and submit appropriate reports. Work with partner organizations, government officials, and other international NGO colleagues to facilitate greater linkages, cooperation, and achievement of program goals.

6. Relations with Funding Sources: Primary contact with donor agencies outside of Cambodia is the responsibility of the Philadelphia-based fundraiser for international programs. Field staff, however, are frequently asked to coordinate visits to Cambodia by representatives of donor agencies. The country director is responsible for seeing that information is gathered and reports are prepared to support applications for funds and to report on the use of funds to the donor agencies and that accounts are kept in a way that permits ready identification of the use of funds from specific sources. The country director will also keep donor representatives informed of key developments or events in Cambodia as they are related to or affect AFSC work.

7. Representing AFSC: In all areas of interaction, articulate AFSC’s basic philosophic and religious commitments as appropriate, including the organization’s commitment to nonviolence.

Qualifications: 1. Commitment to Quaker values, testimonies and process. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including nonviolence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual. 2. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff. 3. Masters degree in related field. 4. Six or more years experience in international positions, planning and managing humanitarian assistance, recovery and development programs in developing countries. Experience in management of country programs, strategic thinking, fundraising, grant writing, program planning and implementation. 5. Demonstrated administrative ability, including experience with staff supervision, financial management, narrative and financial reporting, and budgeting. 6. Understanding of macroeconomic and political developments in the world and the ability to interpret their impact within the context of regional issues and concerns. Interest in, respect for, and some knowledge of the cultures of Southeast Asia. Living and working experience in Cambodia desirable. 7. Demonstrated analytical and communications skills; fluency in spoken and written English; willingness and ability to learn basic Khmer. 8. Experience with peacebuilding, conflict transformation programs, and nonviolent approaches to problem solving highly desirable. 9. Ability to work independently in an unstructured setting and program, yet within a framework of long-distance communication, consultation, and decision making. 10. Ability to cope in situations of high risk and in compliance with security measures, to work under pressure, and to organize time effectively. 11. Computer skills (PC/Windows), particularly in word processing, spreadsheet and database applications (MS Office), and e-mail.

Period of Appointment: This appointment is for a period not to exceed five years.

Compensation: In lieu of a fixed salary, AFSC provides a maintenance package which includes in-field, ongoing, vacation, savings, and new personnel allowances. Benefits include life insurance and health and dental coverage. Work related travel costs are covered. Details are available.

To Apply: Send a Letter of Interest and Resume/CV. Email is preferred. Send resumes/CV’s to: . FAX: 215-241-7248. Mail: AFSC, HR, 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102-1479.

All applications are due by Monday, April 23, 2007.

The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

AFSC is a smoke-free workplace.

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