Project Officer - NOA

Background

The Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) programme started operating in Cambodia in 2001 and is a partnership between the International Labour Organization and the International Finance Corporation. As part of the Better Work flagship programme, BFC engages with workers, employers and the Royal Government of Cambodia to achieve improved health and well-being of garment workers with a knock-on effect on workers' families’ welfare, while at the same time strengthening the national industry via increased productivity in garment factories. With a current coverage of over 790 factories and 750,000 workers, BFC collaborates closely with the industry stakeholders at multiple levels of the supply chain to create sustainable and practical solutions for all. In doing so, the programme aims to improve labour standards in global supply chains and ensuring that workers' rights and entitlements are protected to help distribute the benefits of trade. BFC supports enterprises in implementing the ILO core international labour standards and the Cambodian labour law. This helps enterprises compete in global markets where many buyers demand compliance with labour standards from their suppliers.

In collaboration with the ILO’s Global Centre on Digital Wages for Decent Work, BFC is implementing activities to promote the transition from cash to responsible digital wage payments in the sector. This aims to enable women and men workers in Cambodia’s garment industry to have better control over their wages and benefits and use worker-centric digital financial services for better resilience and economic opportunities. The transition to digital wage payments can enhance the efficiency and transparency of payroll systems, hence boosting the performance of the enterprises and encouraging respect for workers’ rights. BFC continues its partnerships with the employers’ organizations to accelerate and scale responsible digital wage transition in Cambodia and work in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the National Bank of Cambodia and the financial sector. In its next phase, the project aims to expand the adoption of digital wage payments across exporting garment factories, ensuring that workers have the autonomy to choose the financial accounts where their wages are deposited. It also seeks to enhance access to additional client-centered financial services such as savings and insurance. To support sustainability and scale, digital wage-related technical content is being institutionalized within key national bodies, including labour training institutes, employer federations, and banking associations. The initiative also encourages micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in other sectors to begin transitioning to digital wage systems. Furthermore, policy reforms are being pursued to accelerate the broader adoption of digital wage payments nationwide.

Supervision and Guidance

This position is based at BFC offices in Phnom Penh. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of a BFC team leader and will receive technical guidance from the team of the Global Centre on Digital Wages for Decent Work in ILO Geneva, while closely working and coordinating with national officers responsible for the digital wage project in target countries and relevant ILO projects in Cambodia.

Responsibilities

The Project Officer will be responsible for the efficient, effective, and client-oriented delivery of activities aimed at promoting the transition from cash to responsible wage payments in the Garment, Footwear and Textile sector and the identified economic sectors, and for monitoring and reporting on progress. In particular, the incumbent will:

• Support the implementation of project activities promoting the transition from cash to digital wage payments in the GFT and other economic sectors.
• Ensure compliance with ILO financial and administrative procedures and contribute to the timely delivery of project outputs and reporting obligations.
• Monitor national policies, strategies, and developments related to digital finance, financial inclusion, and wage protection. Provide analytical inputs and propose responsive actions to emerging trends and challenges.
• Participate in stakeholder consultations and coordination meetings with employers’ organizations, trade unions, government agencies, financial service providers, and development partners to facilitate implementation and follow-up of project activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical briefs, progress reports, and knowledge products such as case studies, blogs, and working papers.
• Organize and facilitate awareness-raising events, workshops, and training sessions to promote wage digitization and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
• Support research activities on the impact of digital wage payments on financial inclusion, gender equality,  labour rights, and enterprise productivity.
• Serve as a focal point for digital wage payments and digital financial services, representing the project in internal and external meetings and identifying areas for collaboration.
• Support partnership development and resource mobilization efforts by identifying opportunities and contributing to proposal development.
• Draft, review, and translate official documents, press releases, speeches, and other public information materials as required.
• Undertake field missions to monitor project implementation, identify challenges, and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide technical inputs to Better Factories Cambodia/Better Work research and strategy development related to wage digitization and other industry themes policy issues, including supply chain due diligence, skills, road safety or productivity.
• Promote gender-inclusive approaches across all project activities and ensure alignment with ILO’s gender equality principles.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Education

University degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in economics, finance, business management, development studies, or related field.

Experience

Minimum of two years of professional experience in the fields of financial inclusion, digital financial services or digital payments (including digital wage payments), working conditions improvements, women’s economic empowerment, as well as project planning, monitoring, implementation and evaluation activities.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Khmer. Knowledge in Chinese would be an advantage.

Required Competencies

1. Good knowledge of project management, formulation, administration, and evaluation techniques and practices.
2. Technical knowledge on wage payment systems, financial inclusion, inclusive digital financial services, research methodologies, and contemporary issues in the sustainable supply chain of GFT sector.
3. Good analytical and drafting skills.
4. Good facilitation skills including group facilitation, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
5. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.
6. Knowledge of the ILO or UN’s financial rules and regulations is an advantage.
7. Good understanding of principles of gender equality and principles of equal opportunity and how these can be promoted as part the responsibilities of the post;
8. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
9. Sound computer skills and ability to use software to prepare documents, presentations and conduct data analysis.

Additional

All applicants must attach a 2-page statement explaining to the selection committee how they meet the required competencies. This document should include a heading for each competency together with justifications based on the applicant’s skills and experience. Applicants who do not attach this statement will not be considered for interview.

Better Work, as part of the ILO, values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities.

Officials of the International Labour Office must adhere to the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity and teamwork in line with the ILO’s Guiding Principles and Values.