Local Partnerships Coordinator

PURPOSE

The SAAT project (Sustainable Access & Action for Transforming Waste) aims to expand access to sustainable solid waste collection services in rural Cambodia through market-based approaches, working with local entrepreneurs to strengthen waste management systems. 

The Local Partnerships Coordinator leads coordination with village, commune, and district-level governments to support project implementation and foster a supportive regulatory environment for waste collection. Additionally, the Local Partnerships Coordinator will lead the training and business incubation for informal waste collectors (et jays) to improve their livelihoods, safety, and integration into the formal waste market. 

RELATIONSHIPS

The Local Partnerships Coordinator is a vital member of the provincial implementation team and reports directly to the Implementation Manager. This position works in frequent coordination and collaboration with the wider SAAT project team—including the Sales Manager, Supply Chain Coordinator, and MERL Officer—to ensure that market-based activities align seamlessly with local governance and reporting. Furthermore, the Coordinator builds and maintains professional relationships with external stakeholders, specifically local authorities at the village, commune, district, and provincial levels, as well as other NGOs and relevant organizations active in the project area.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Local Government and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong cooperative relationships with local authorities at all levels (village to provincial) and relevant NGOs.
• Review existing agreements between private waste service providers and local authorities, offering actionable recommendations to both parties to strengthen contracts, clarify operational duties, and improve accountability.
• Lead the organization of commune kick-off workshops and community events to promote waste services and set coverage expectations with village leaders.
• Facilitate collaboration between private service providers and local authorities to resolve operational challenges and formalize payment collection methods.
• Represent the project at monthly Commune Council meetings and other stakeholder forums to update progress and address bottlenecks.
• Identify and provide capacity building to government "SWM focal points" at the village, commune, and district levels.

Informal Recyclable Collector (Et Jay) Training and Strengthening

• Lead the implementation of the et jay business incubator program, tailoring training to participants with limited literacy.
• Provide coaching in financial literacy, business planning, and occupational safety specifically for informal waste collectors.
• Manage the competitive grant process for et jays, including supporting investment plan development and monitoring the impact of disbursed funds.
• Facilitate market links between et jays and larger recyclers or waste SMEs to increase material recovery and income.

Strategy and Project Monitoring

• Provide strategic insight for the project’s local authority engagement and governance pillars.
• Support the monitoring of service coverage in target villages and analyze field data to suggest implementation improvements.
• Ensure household coverage data at the village and commune levels is regularly updated and accurate.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Develop and execute a weekly work plan and provincial budget plans aligned with project goals.
• Ensure all expenses and receipts are accurate, justified, and fully compliant with iDE finance policies.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: University degree (Bachelor’s or higher).
• Experience: 
• Proven experience in community development and building relationships with local government authorities.
• Demonstrated experience or understanding of local governance structures, public service delivery, or drafting/reviewing service contracts.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in Google Suite.
• Ability to compile and analyze basic operational data and reports.
• Experience in organizing and facilitating meetings with rural households and government officials.
• Communication: Strong spoken and written communication skills in both Khmer and English.
• Logistics: Must own and be able to ride a motorcycle for frequent travel to rural field sites.

Personal Attributes

• Communicative: Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Collaborative: Thrives in a team environment where ideas are shared and built upon.
• Adaptive: Able to work effectively under pressure and within a multicultural team.
• Empathetic: High level of patience, care, and respect for both staff and marginalized community members.
• Ethical: Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and a strong professional work ethic.

DURATION AND COMPENSATION

The initial duration for this position is one year, with a high likelihood of extension based on performance and project duration. The salary for this position is subject to negotiation and benefits are standard based on iDE policy. Please note that official appointment to this position is contingent upon final project contract approval.

FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

iDE is more than just a workplace; we are a family. We respect, support, and appreciate one another. We aim to balance our mission with the health and wellbeing of our team, and we strive to create a work environment that values and supports your personal and family life.

DIVERSITY

iDE takes pride in our talented and diverse workforce. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Hiring, promotion, and compensation of employees are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted via iDE’s online application portal: Workable, with the deadline on 22 June 2026. The application will be assessed on a rolling basis. iDE may close the application early should the candidate has been identified.