The Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) is Cambodia’s leading independent development policy research institute, that is undergoing a massive transformation. Established in 1990, CDRI produces high-quality, evidence-based research to inform policy and strengthen decision-making for inclusive and sustainable development. With thematic centres spanning Economics, Education, Agriculture, Governance, Environment, and Social Development, CDRI is widely recognised for its contributions to Cambodia’s policy discourse, capacity building, and regional collaboration.

The COO is a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic evolution and operational integrity of CDRI. Reporting to the Executive Director and providing regular strategic briefings to the Board of Directors, the COO will lead the institutional restructuring and key operational reforms necessary to secure and manage an annual budget of $5 million. This role requires a visionary leader capable of managing diversified streams of revenues, optimizing talent, and providing rigorous stewardship of the Endowment Fund.

1. Strategy, Visioning, and Fiscal Management

• Develop and execute a multi-year operational plan to scale CDRI’s annual operating budget to $5 million, ensuring diversified revenue streams through grants, consultancy, and high-level partnerships.
• Lead the financial stewardship of the institution’s Endorsement Fund, ensuring investment strategies align with long-term institutional sustainability and board-approved risk profiles.
• Collaborate with the Board and Executive Director to translate the institution’s 5-year research mission into costed operational blueprints and measurable KPIs.
• Monitor institutional financial performance, providing the Board with high-level analysis on resource allocation and fiscal efficiency.

2. Institutional Restructuring and Key Reforms

• Design and implement organizational redesign initiatives to eliminate departmental silos, consolidate overlapping functions, and create a more agile research support environment.
• Lead key reforms in institutional policy—specifically in Finance, Procurement, and IT—to ensure the institute meets the highest international standards for transparency and accountability (e.g., DFAT, EU standards).
• Spearhead the digitalization of administrative and research-support systems to improve data management, operational responsiveness, and institutional memory.

3. Strategic Talent Recruitment and Retention

• Design a sophisticated Recruitment and Retention Strategy to attract world-class research fellows and executive administrative staff.
• Establish robust performance management systems and inclusive talent pipelines, ensuring the development of national counterparts for senior leadership roles.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performance culture that rewards innovation and professional growth, thereby reducing turnover in critical research positions.

4. Grant Lifecycle and Risk Governance

• Oversee the end-to-end management of multi-million-dollar grant portfolios, ensuring that all research activities remain aligned with institutional priorities and donor compliance.
• Maintain a comprehensive Institutional Risk Register, developing mitigation strategies for financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with high-value research activities.

• An advanced degree (MBA preferred) in Finance, Management, or related field.
• At least 15–20 years of progressive leadership experience, with a proven track record of leading organizational restructuring or major institutional reforms.
• Expert knowledge of managing complex resource allocations, multi-million-dollar budgets, and endowment/endorsement funds.
• Exceptional ability to represent the institution before government agencies, international donors, and the Board of Directors.
• A proactive approach to identifying new business opportunities and scaling organizational impacts.
• Language: Fluency in English; Khmer proficiency is an asset

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:

• A cover letter highlighting motivation, addressing the selection criteria.
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and
• Names and contact details of three professional referees.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Executive Director

Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) Email: netra@cdri.org.kh Website: www.cdri.org.kh

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The final deadline: 07 March 2026.