Request for Proposals - Inclusive Employment for Productivity

Job Description

• KEY INFORMATION
  
  Job Title: Request for Proposals - Inclusive Employment for Productivity
  Sector: Private Sector, Accessibility Support
  Position Type: Full-Time
  Duration/Level of Effort: Long-Term
  Position Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
  
  SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
  
  The CAPRED Facility is Australia’s flagship bilateral economic development program in Cambodia, focusing on economic recovery and resilience until 2027, with a possible three-year extension. Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and implemented by Cowater International, CAPRED supports Cambodia in implementing a range of important economic reforms to support the country’s economic transition. These interventions and reforms aim to encourage more productive and inclusive public and private investment, promoting a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy (RISE).
  
  CAPRED interventions fall under three technical components: Agriculture; Trade, Investment and Enterprise Development and Infrastructure Development; and three Cross-Cutting components: Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI); Climate Resilience, and Policy support.
  
  SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
  
  The primary objective of this intervention is to generate credible, firm-level evidence that enables business leaders to assess whether accessibility-related workplace and HR adjustments represent a cost-effective investment in workforce productivity and performance. It is a productivity-focused, business-facing intervention that works directly with private-sector companies to pilot practical accessibility solutions, measure commercially relevant outcomes, and inform company investment decisions. For the purposes of this assignment, productivity metrics are expected to be practical, firm-relevant indicators such as output per worker, error or rework rates, task completion time, attendance, or supervisor-assessed performance. CAPRED does not expect experimental or quasi-experimental designs.
  
  This RFP is open to private sector firms, NGOs, including consortiums, who meet the selection criteria listed below to collaborate with CAPRED in designing and implementing an Inclusive Employment (IE) intervention that demonstrates how improving accessibility within existing workforces affects productivity, quality, and retention.
  This assignment is best suited to organisations with strong Cambodian private-sector engagement experience and a proven track record of working directly with companies on a range of initiatives, e.g., operational, workforce, productivity-related, etc. CAPRED is not seeking a purely research-led, advocacy-focused, or service-provider-only proposal. Successful applicants are expected to work hands-on with companies to co-design, implement, and measure practical productivity improvement
  
  The detailed Terms of Reference can be found here: https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-RFP26-061-Inclusive-Employment.pdf
  
  KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  
  Stage 1: Pre-Work
  Company Identification
• Pilot Company selection and Baseline AssessmentStage 2: Pilot
  
• Pilot Implementation
• Monitoring & Productivity Tracking
• Knowledge DisseminationStage 3: Scale Up
  
• Scale-Up of Implementation
• Evidence consolidation and national engagementJOB REQUIREMENTS
  
  Applications are open to all Cambodian, Australian or International-based firm or consortium, that meet the following criteria.
  
  Organisational Requirements:
  
• Possess strong, existing relationships with private-sector companies in Cambodia.
• Proven experience in working directly with businesses on operational, workforce, or productivity-related initiatives.
• Ability to deliver hands-on implementation rather than purely advisory or research services.
• Ability to create evidence-based strategic recommendations for campaign development.
• Able to commit resources for a minimum of 12 months.Other compliance requirements:
  
• Demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards.
• Display sensitivity and adaptability towards culture, gender, religion, racial, nation and age differences.
• Treat all people fairly without favouritism.
• Fulfilling obligations to GEDSI sensitivity and maintaining a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment.Strictly comply with DFAT Child Protection Code of Conduct and policy (https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/child-protection-policy.pdf).
  
  APPLICATION PROCESS
  
  The proposals including the Technical and Financial Response Form must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. (Phnom Penh time), 18 March 2026 by email to procurement@capred.org with “Inclusive Employment proposal” in the subject line. Any proposals submitted after this time and date will not be considered.
  
  CAPRED is available to answer questions or provide more details on the scope of work. Please email procurement@capred.org  with “Inclusive Employment proposal - Enquiry” in the subject line.
  
  Attachments:
  
• Technical Response Form - https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-RFP26-061-Technical-Response-Form.docx
• Financial Response Form - https://www.cowater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-RFP26-061-Financial-Response-Form.docx
  Cowater International strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human centered recruitment process. As part of our commitment to responsible hiring practices and compliance with evolving recruitment regulations, we may use AI assisted tools to support limited aspects of our talent acquisition workflow, such as reviewing or shortlisting applications. These tools are used only to enhance efficiency and consistency in our processes. All assessments, interviews, and final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruiting managers. Candidates may request additional information about the use of these tools or reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.
  
  Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
  We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
  

About the Organization

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017.

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