Economic Researcher

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Economic Researcher, Cambodia
Sector: Investment and Trade, Infrastructure, Agriculture
Position Type: Part-Time
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-term
Position Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
 
Cambodia-Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) or CAPRED Facility, is Australia’s flagship bilateral economic development program in Cambodia, focusing on economic recovery and resilience over the next five years, with possibility of three more-year extension.  The Facility supports Cambodia in implementing a range of necessary economic interventions and reforms to maintain and support the country’s economic transition.  These interventions and reforms are primarily aimed at encouraging more productive and inclusive public and private investment that promotes a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy (RISE).
 
CAPRED interventions fall under three technical components namely (i) Agriculture and Agro-processing; Trade, (ii) Investment and Enterprise Development and (iii) Infrastructure Development; and with other cross-cutting sectoral areas such as (1) Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI); (2) Climate Resilient initiatives, and (3) the Policy Hub.  GEDSI is at the heart of all that CAPRED does.
 
CAPRED (the Policy Hub) is seeking to recruit an economic researcher to work on data visualization, economic analysis and evidence-based advice for the development and implementation of CAPRED’s policies and programs.  The selected candidate will be working in close collaboration with CAPRED’s technical component/cross-cutting sectoral teams, Cambodian Government counterparts, Development Partners and other CAPRED stakeholders.
 
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION       
 
The main scope of work of the position is to conduct evidence-based research on economic and policy development, prepare policy and economic briefs or reports, perform tasks related to data visualization, and translate outcomes into research-based policy analyses/recommendations. The role will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the workstreams of the Policy Hub and CAPRED programs as requested, to support policy dialogue with the Cambodian Government counterparts and CAPRED's relevant stakeholders.

The role is open to Cambodian nationals/residents ONLY.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Policy Hub through using the information, data, and insights generated by CAPRED technical domains/cross-cutting sectors, and combining this with macro level data to generate policy and market briefs.
• Perform tasks related to data visualisation that inform policy/economic/technical briefs by using data visualisation and Excel-based tools.
• Produce monthly thematic paper (about 2-4 page briefing) on current economic/policy issues (with topics to be discussed and agreed by the CAPRED management team).
• Support evidence-based research, literature reviews, economic analysis, and policy development/implementation as required.
• Engage with the RGC policymakers, Private Sector, Cambodian policy/research institutes, civil society and DPs to support inclusive policy dialogue/consultation around CAPRED/Policy Hub priority areas (that support inclusive, resilient and sustainable economic development).
• Prepare a short weekly summary of key domestic/international articles from reputable media outlets on topics relating to policy/economics/socioeconomics/trade.
• Prepare summaries of newly released policies, strategies, frameworks, etc as requested. Provide updates on newly released reports, studies and research by key development partners, think tanks, research institutes (e.g., WB economic forecast updates of Cambodia, IMF report of Cambodia and other research/published reports from research institutes/think tanks…etc.).
• Compile relevant data and research on policy, trade, and investment trends of Cambodia and other relevant countries as requested.
• Support the Policy Hub and its implementation programs with the RGC to ensure that it is well-implemented, and leading to significant, inclusive economy-wide benefits.
• Other relevant tasks as assigned by the CAPRED Management.

Stakeholder relationship

• Build, promote and maintain collaborative relationships with the RGC counterpart, Development Partners, Private Sector, and other relevant stakeholders/civil society to ensure fruitful cooperation with CAPRED program activities.
• Develop partnerships with the RGC and stakeholders to help support CAPRED program activities through utilizing technical expertise of CAPRED.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A university degree or equivalent in economics, statistics, data science or related fields. A degree from an international educational institute (e.g. Australia Award recipient) is highly desirable
• Three to five years of relevant work experience in data visualization and analysis/research.
• Demonstrate skills in developing and maintaining complicated excel-based applications and user-friendly data visualization and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Excel functions, formulas, (pivot tables), charts, graphs, and other features for data manipulation, calculation, presentation and reporting.
• Knowledgeable about various sources, and standards of socio-economic data and statistics at national, regional or global levels.
• Able to communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team under tight deadlines and changing priorities.
• Applicants must be based in Cambodia
• Open to Cambodian residents/nationals only

Compliance

• The selected consultant is required to comply with Cambodia and DFAT’s polices including climate/environmental and safeguards policies and also CAPRED operations rules and guidelines.
• The selected consultant will be required to comply with Cowater and DFAT Code of Conducts, Legal Guidelines and Policies including the PSEAH policies, Fraud and Corruption Control Policies (e.g., requiring all staff and engaged partners to report suspected fraud and corrupt behaviour), and considerations of the Value for Money for the works.

Other information

• Remuneration of the selected candidate will be based on his/her qualifications, experience, and performance.
• The position will commence as a one-year consulting contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance.
• This position will commence as soon as possible.

APPLICATION PROCESS
 
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 8 October 2023/as soon as possible.
 
Please send your cover letter and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees with your expected daily rate (for consultants) to recruitment@capred.org mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line “Economic Researcher”.
 
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 US
 
Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company founded in 1985. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and with corporate hubs in Montreal, Canada, Brussels, Belgium, and London UK. 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.
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.