BACKGROUND: 

Established by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat in 2015, Grow Asia is a non-profit platform that builds regional and country partnerships to broker market-driven solutions for sustainable food systems in Southeast Asia. We do this by convening global and regional stakeholders from public, private, and civil society organizations around macro-level issues such as responsible agricultural investing, agri-food innovation, women’s economic empowerment, and climate resilience and adaptation. We also facilitate the development of more inclusive and sustainable value chains through our partnership brokering activities, best practice sharing, and the co-creation of an ecosystem that supports pre-competitive collaborations.

 

The Grow Asia network comprises our regional office in Singapore and five country chapters in Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Viet Nam. The network collectively engages 600+ partner organizations and supports 44 Working Groups that are reaching over two million rural agri-businesses across Southeast Asia.

 

In 2020, Grow Asia was accredited as an Entity Associated with ASEAN. This accreditation recognizes the important role Grow Asia plays in the region, particularly in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems in our region.

 

The Cambodia Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (CPSA) is the country chapter of Grow Asia in Cambodia. CPSA was launched in May 2016 in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), with support from the Ministry of Commerce (MoC). CPSA is an inclusive platform for networking and best practice exchange, the promotion of sectoral and market system transformation, and the development of agricultural value chains that are better equipped to support profitable, scalable smallholder enterprises. Since its inception, CPSA has grown to a network of 124 partners working across four Working Groups to address critical sectoral challenges in Cambodia.

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THE ROLE:

The Country Director is responsible for the overall operations of CPSA. The position holder will act as a positive leader, who builds and maintains CPSA’s reputation and its relationships with key stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector, government (especially Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, General Directorate of Agriculture, Department of Agro-industry, and the Ministry of Commerce), development partners, and civil society organizations. 

 

Grow Asia is seeking an entrepreneurial thinker and problem solver, who thrives in a highly collaborative environment. This post will suit a purpose-driven leader who could see opportunities and challenges from multiple perspectives and enjoys bringing people together. The successful candidate will be well-networked in the agriculture sector in Cambodia, with a track record of building impactful partnerships.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to:

• Strategy and planning: developing CPSA’s annual and long-term strategies in collaboration with Grow Asia, CPSA’s advisory council, and members.

• Financial management: Design and manage a comprehensive resource mobilization plan and lead the engagement with donors and CPSA members (i.e., membership fees, sponsorship and workstream funding), manage CPSA’s annual workplan and budget, and oversee the maintenance of CPSA’s accounts in close collaboration with Grow Asia’s Finance team. 

• Resource mobilization: contributing to Grow Asia’s fundraising strategies and increase the resource capacity of the Network.

• Stakeholder engagement: building and ensuring trust, alignment, and collaboration between CPSA’s partners towards a unified vision. This will entail engaging private sector partners of all management levels; government officials, departments, and ministries (especially MAFF, GDA, DAI, and MOC); potential donors, development partners, civil society organizations; farmer organizations, and other stakeholders relevant to agriculture value chains in Cambodia. The Country Director will also drive engagement with new partners who can strengthen the network’s activities and support the inclusive development of Cambodia’s agriculture sector.

• Program design and management: leading the effective management of the CPSA Secretariat, which includes overseeing and empowering a lean but highly effective team, developing operating budgets, and ensuring programs are aligned with CPSA’s mission. 

• Working Group support: facilitating the development of Working Group strategies and action plans with clearly defined objectives, work plans and roles and responsibilities of partners. Continually assess the structure, governance, and overall effectiveness of the Working Groups. When appropriate, oversee the recruitment and management of specialist consultants to support the Working Groups.

• Performance measurement: coordinating, with the CPSA Programs Lead, the collection of performance measurement data, including socio-economic and environmental data, from the Working Groups and programs, guided by Grow Asia’s performance measurement frameworks and M&E deadlines.

• Knowledge exchange: playing a leading role in the Grow Asia network, ensuring effective knowledge and information building, and sharing through strategic data collection and the convening of knowledge sharing events both within Cambodia and in regional and global fora.

• Communications: overseeing the development of communication material to highlight the accomplishments of the CPSA network and build reputational impact. This includes developing CPSA branding materials and guidelines, brochures, marketing kits, video, website, and reports.

• Representation: representing CPSA and Grow Asia in key national and international events/meetings.

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THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as social sciences, international development, economics, law, or public administration. An advanced degree is preferred.

• At least 7 to 10 years of professional experience with demonstrated expertise in network-building, relationship management and facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships in the agriculture sector. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both Khmer and English; Experience in public speaking is a plus.

• Strong interpersonal and management skills, with the ability to effectively interface at all levels of seniority both internally and with our partners in the public, private and civil society space.

• Exceptional ability to translate across fields, communicate complex ideas, and influence decision making.

• High levels of understanding needed of legislative and regulatory processes in Cambodia.

• Excellent organization skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.

• Able to communicate to diverse audiences and an ability to maintain diplomatic cross-cultural communications.

• Computer literate with experience using Microsoft Office in English and Khmer.

• High level of integrity and commitment to socio-economic development and food systems transformation.

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Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Travel requirement: Up to 10%, mainly within Cambodia or Southeast Asia

Start date: Immediate

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WHAT’S ON OFFER:

In addition to a competitive salary, this role provides a unique opportunity to (1) develop capabilities and broaden skill set in an organization that supports continuous growth, (2) work with a highly motivated, collaborative, efficient and compassionate team that also values autonomy, (3) be part of a dynamic, well-respected and credible entity in Southeast Asia, (4) connect with the World Economic Forum and its Food Action Alliance and Food Innovation Hubs, and (5) contribute to social, economic, and environmental progress in Southeast Asia and beyond.

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HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified applicants are invited to send your resume and cover letter to careers@growasia.org by Friday 29 September 2023. We ask that you kindly include your name and the position you are applying for in the subject line (e.g., “Application: Country Director, CPSA – Your Name”).

 

Due to the volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

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As a multi-stakeholder platform, we believe all voices matter, and we actively seek to bring them to the table. Aligned with this ethos, Grow Asia is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or gender identity.