National Project Coordinator

Introduction

The ILO is implementing a Japan-funded project supporting Cambodia’s response to large-scale return migration through employment services, skills pathways and referral systems. The project will establish and operate three new Migrant Worker Resource Centres (MRCs) and strengthen job matching, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and sector-based skills pathways, particularly in garment and labour-intensive sectors. The National Project Officer will be responsible for day-to-day coordination and operational delivery of the project.

Reporting lines

This position reports to the Deputy Director of the DWT/CO-Bangkok. The incumbent will receive technical guidance from the Skills and Employability Specialist, the Migration Specialist, and other relevant technical specialists of the ILO’s Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific (DWT/CO-Bangkok) in Bangkok. The incumbent will also work closely with and proactively coordinate with the ILO’s National Coordinator and other teams within the Joint Programme Office in Phnom Penh. In addition, the incumbent is expected to liaise with the ILO/Japan Partnership Programme in Bangkok, Thailand.

Description of Duties

1. Coordinate daily implementation of project activities supporting returning workers through employment services, skills training, and referral support, ensuring work plans, timelines, and budgets are followed.
2. Establish three new migrant resource centres (MRCs) in Oddor Meanchey, Pursat, and Preah Vihear, overseeing site preparation, office setup, furniture, equipment, and readiness to deliver counselling and employment services. 
3. Liaise with contractors, suppliers, and local authorities to supervise office renovation, installation of equipment, and resolution of practical issues related to facilities and operations.
4. Ensure project implementation follows donor requirements, including attention to procurement specifications, equipment standards, software installation, and visibility of donor support.
5. Engage regularly with government agencies, employers’ organizations, workers’ organizations, and training institutions to coordinate employment pathways and support services for returning workers.
6. Support the organization of job fairs, outreach events, and information sessions that connect jobseekers with employers and available training opportunities.
7. Coordinate skills assessments and short training courses with vocational institutions and employers, helping returning migrant workers gain recognition of prior skills and access to suitable employment opportunities.
8. Monitor service delivery, job placements, and training participation, and compile accurate data and progress updates for internal and donor reporting.
9. Prepare reports, briefs, and background documents on project progress, challenges, and lessons learned, contributing to knowledge sharing and programme improvement.
10. Assist with budget tracking, procurement follow-up, and administrative processes, ensuring activities comply with organizational financial and operational procedures.

Required qualifications

Education

First-level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies, labour migration, skills development, or a relevant field. An advanced degree in studies on those areas would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least two years of professional experience at the national level in the area of project management, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and/or experience managing or coordinating capital expenditure components of development projects (e.g., fit-out, refurbishment, coordination of contractors and suppliers) would be an advantage.

Technical requirements: Good knowledge of some or all of the following would be an advantage: Labour migration and reintegration issues in Cambodia, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and pre-employment skills training, Garment sector and other key labour-intensive sectors, and the Cambodian employment and skills ecosystem.

Languages

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Khmer and English.

Competencies

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures, and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Cambodia
• Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to manage multiple operational streams
• Good reporting and analytical ability
• Ability to work independently under deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, web-browsers and database applications. 
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
• Good donor relation management skills, especially with the Japanese government
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment, and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.