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Seeking National and/or International Consultant

Diagnostic Assessment of Knowledge Users in Cambodia and A Study on Mega-Trends in Public Policy

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region addresses five overarching goals—strengthen governance, empower women, expand economic opportunity, increase environmental resilience, and promote regional cooperation.

The Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and The Asia Foundation (TAF) are collaborating on a three-year program Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia to strengthen the capacity of Cambodian knowledge sector institutions to undertake quality research that informs public policy analysis and dialogue in Cambodia.

The goal of the current Ponlok Chomnes program is to strengthen the capacity of knowledge sector institutions to broaden their networks and undertake quality research that informs public policy analysis and dialogue in Cambodia. This goal will be realized through four mutually reinforcing program objectives:

Objective 1: Increase understanding of Cambodia’s knowledge sector;

Objective 2: Strengthen the capacity and networking of established knowledge sector institutions;

Objective 3: Support diverse emerging knowledge sector actors to promote inclusive policymaking; and

Objective 4: Promote thoughtful and inclusive policy dialogue and analysis.

The Asia Foundation (TAF) Cambodia is recruiting national or international consultants to conduct a series of diagnostic assessments of knowledge users in Cambodia and a study on mega-trends in public policy.

The diagnostic assessment will comprise of three interlinked elements as described below:

• Knowledge Users in Cambodia This assessment will aim to bridge the information gap between the lack of systematic analysis available of Cambodian policymaking cycles and processes; the formal and informal institutions that shape policies, the norms and values that inform those; and the regulatory frameworks that guide them, an analysis of those would be of benefit to all knowledge sector actors. It will also seek to unpack the policy decision process, including how policy advice is sourced and leveraged; and provide an analysis of what the existing strengths and weaknesses are of the policy system in Cambodia. The study will also conduct a mapping of formal knowledge institutions across Asia and their utility and benefits, to lay the foundation towards ultimately setting up a similar association in the Cambodian context.
• A study on mega-trends in public policy to serve as a benchmark for how the program can help deepen analysis and discussion of near- and long-term policy issues. This analysis is driven by the need to understand policymaking processes not only in Cambodia, but also in the region more broadly. Compared to some of the other research pieces and studies, this analysis is more high level and seeks to generate wide-ranging information on some key issues that will affect the country and beyond. Some illustrative examples of what would be included in such a study are: how COVID-19 has impacted policy-making and priorities; current trends for the RGC to enhance social protection systems as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the country, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women; migration; trade; employment; and / or international relations. It would be beneficial if the study also looks into how COVID-19 has impacted policy-making and priorities – what has changed, what will stay the same?

The consultants are accountable to the Country Representative and are responsible for the following.

Description of Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the grand assessment design, methodology and the operational plan;
• Develop assessment protocol and mechanism coordinate the overall research team;
• Develop data collection tools (guiding questions and questionnaire) as well as data management system as well as Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) integration;
• Develop sampling strategy and identify informants, respondents and resource persons;
• Conduct key informant interviews with NGOs, think tanks, donor community, and/or government agencies to understand the knowledge sector;
• Write the assessment report;
• Conduct dissemination workshop to share diagnostic assessment findings and engage relevant stakeholders;

Deliverables

The consultant will produce the following products:

• One written research report in English covering the findings of the Knowledge Users in Cambodia and the study on mega-trends in public policy with a strong GESI integration;
• Produce PowerPoint Presentation for the study;
• Present the findings of both studies in a learning forum to share findings to different audiences;

Requirements:

The ideal candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Have advanced degree in the field of political science, public policy, public administration, international development, and other related fields;
• At least eight years of experience on research and GESI;
• At least eight years of research and/or program management experience working with think tanks, research institutions, government, civil society, and academia;
• Have strong understanding of knowledge sector in Cambodia and/or ASEAN member states;
• Have strong communication skills and ability to manage diverse stakeholders;
• Have strong understanding of local context;
• Be able to work with various actors on a multi-cultural team;

Be proficient in written and spoken English.

Duration

The length of the consultancy is between August and September 2021:

30-40  days or based on negotiation for this consultancy service

Application Process

To apply for this consultancy, you are requested to submit the following;

1. A Curriculum Vitae;
2. A concise cover letter explaining why you are qualified to do the work and your relevant experience against the requirements;
3. Proposed timeline of deliverables and workplan that includes broad approach to the studies.
4. A sample of previous work that the applicant has produced.

Please submit your application to recruitment.cambodia@asiafoundation.org

Applications should be submitted by July 16, 2021 at 5:00pm local time with the subject line:

• “Consultant on Diagnostic Assessment of knowledge users in Cambodia and A Study on Mega-Trends in Public Policy.”

The Asia Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.  Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, gender, race, age, disability, religion, color or any other protected class., however, women and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Asia Foundation

#59, Oknha Peich (Street 242)

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted