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Consultancy Terms of Reference

Interim Country Coordinator, Cambodia

(Consultant)

USAID Clean Power Asia Program (based in Cambodia)

Abt Associates, a global leader in technical assistance, program implementation and international development, seeks qualified individuals to fulfill the Consultancy Position of Interim Country Coordinator, Cambodia for the USAID Clean Power Asia program.  This consultancy is less than part-time (approximately 5-10 days per month) and is based in Phnom Penh for a period beginning as soon as possible and lasting no longer than three months (backfilling for the current CC). The consultant will report to the USAID Clean Power Asia Chief of Party.  Preference is for Cambodian nationals resident in Cambodia. No allowances or relocation will be paid. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The purpose of USAID Clean Power Asia is to accelerate the regional transition to high performing, low carbon power sector. The Activity will assist the governments of the Lower Mekong and other developing countries in Asia in energy planning and help establish effective policy, regulatory, and technical environment for low-emissions growth in the power sector, while simultaneously attracting public- and private-sector investment in Renewable Energy (RE) development. USAID Clean Power Asia is focused on the following resources: solar, wind, small hydro (<15 MW), and biomass residues.

The program will initially focus on the four Lower Mekong countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam, and will include activities on the ASEAN regional level.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

USAID Clean Power Asia Country has a Coordinator (CC) in Cambodia who is responsible for coordinating program implementation in Cambodia, under the supervision of the COP/DCOP and working closely with technical leads. The CC is the primary source of information on activities related to the program in-country, and reports regularly to program management on developments that are related to and impact the program. The CC is actively engaged with stakeholders in country—including government and private sector—as well as technical staff and short term consultants that are in country for specific work assignments.  During the absence of the CC for a period of time, expected to be from mid-May to mid-July, USAID Clean Power Asia is seeking a temporary Coordinator to perform these duties. Specific activities may include:

• Serve as a liaison between the USAID Clean Power Asia team in Bangkok on activities related to donor coordination, meeting planning, policy development, and engagement with government stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with other team members and partners in the development of donor coordination and communication mechanisms.
• Assist in sourcing data for planning and policy-making, for tools in use by the respective governments or supported by USAID Clean Power Asia, including LEAP and the Geospatial toolkit of the US National Renewable Energy Lab.
• Analyze donor and development partner activities and find ways to better harmonize those activities.
• Meet with government officials to assess needs and plan appropriate activities. Assist technical Task Leads and short-term advisors in setting up meetings, briefing them prior to meetings, accompanying them to meetings, keeping notes of meetings, and planning follow-up.
• Keep abreast of private sector plans and progress related to investing in grid-connected renewable energy per the focus of this project (e.g. solar, wind, small hydro and biomass with agricultural residues).
• Work with Abt technical Task Leads, government officials and other stakeholders to identify potential participants in country-specific stakeholder meetings as well as participation and presentation at ASEAN regional meetings under this program. Work with Abt staff to facilitate their participation in these events (including invitations and follow-up).
• Maintain and expand strong working relationships and coordination with partner organizations, project stakeholders, and counterparts at other international organizations.
• Participate in program monitoring, evaluating, and periodic progress reporting, providing support to the M&E Manager and the Communications Manager, as needed.
• Identify the need and potential opportunities for additional technical support to help advance the overall project objectives.
• Promote coordination with other donor programs.
• Organize and manage operations and administration of training events and workshops.

• Establish networks with strategic institutions and effectively communicate with stakeholders in government, non-government, academic and private sectors.
• Contribute project management and logistical support for travel and workshop coordination
• Produce written material for reports

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required

• A Bachelor’s level degree in Energy or Environmental Planning or Management, International Development, Sustainable Development, engineering or other field related to this position
• At least five years of experience in international development approaches relevant to this position, including engaging with policy makers and the private sector
• Demonstrated ability to identify relevant collaboration partners in  Cambodia and effectively communicate with both government and non-government stakeholders

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred Qualifications/Selection Criteria:

• A Master’s level degree in Energy or Environmental Planning or Management, International Development, Sustainable Development, engineering or other field related to this position
• Demonstrated ability to identify relevant collaboration partners in  Cambodia and effectively communicate with both government and non-government stakeholders
• Proven record of productive engagement with national level government institutions, NGOs, and private and public actors in the energy/renewable energy sector in  Cambodia
• Knowledge of the political, social, cultural, environmental and development context of  Cambodia as it relates to renewable energy and the Lower Mekong Region in general
• Project management experience including coordinating travel and workshop logistics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in Khmer

Competencies:

• Content knowledge: Knowledge of the renewable energy sector preferred
• Management & coordination: Ability to design and coordinate user engagement activities, understanding of a project cycle Networking & stakeholder management: Ability to establish networks with strategic institutions, and effectively communicate with stakeholders
• Impact & results orientation: Proactive approach
• Social/team competency: Ability to work smoothly and effectively long distance with others in the team to establish constructive ideas or solutions that meet the team objective
• Flexibility: Ability to easily adapt to changing contexts, technologies and approaches when necessary; make improvements in own work area
• Report Writing: Ability to contribute to the preparation and consolidation of reports

Other desired qualities:

• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize work and time independently with little supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds
• Strong desire to learn, undertake new challenges
• Must be a creative problem-solver who takes initiative
• Self-directed, dynamic, attention to details, independent with excellent organizational skills.
• Willingness and availability to travel periodically.

Interested candidates may express their interest by emailing cparecruitment@abtassoc.com

referencing “CC Cambodia” in the subject line.

Candidates will be evaluated on a rolling basis. To be considered, your email MUST INCLUDE the following information:

1. A written expression of interest summarizing your qualifications for the scope of work.
2. CV clearly indicating work/consulting history and either daily consulting rate or annual compensation for each consultancy/position, stated in currency of payment.
3. Preference will be given for candidates who are CCNs (cooperating country nationals, i.e. whose nationality and residence is Cambodia).

Additional Documentation

If a candidate is selected for an interview, the following documents will be required (while not required in application, you may choose to submit these with your application package:

1. US Federal Form 1420 (EBD) https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-1420-17
2. Proof of Education/Degree attained (transcript or diploma)
3. Proof of annual salary or daily consulting rate as stated in the EBD (acceptable forms include employment agreement, pay stubs, employer verification letter).

Due to the volume of anticipated applicants, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Interviews will be scheduled as warranted and may be conducted in person or via electronic means.

Abt Associates is doing business as Abt Associates Thailand, registered with the Thailand Department of Commerce.  Abt Associates is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce.