Social Marketing & Strategic Projects Manager

Workplace Circumstances

• Environment: Office
• Languages: English, Khmer
• Location: Phnom Penh

Position Summary

To support this transformation, we are looking for a dynamic, analytical and results-oriented Social Marketing & Strategic Projects Manager. The Social Marketing & Strategic Projects Manager will lead cross-functional projects aimed at strengthening the sustainability and impact of the Water in School program, enhancing O-we's brand positioning and market development, and designing innovative social marketing initiatives to promote safe drinking water and hygiene practices, particularly among schoolchildren and vulnerable rural communities, in collaboration with key institutional partners.

The position will focus on three strategic priorities:

1. Supporting the transformation and long-term sustainability of the Water in School program in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
2. Strengthening the O-WE brand and developing effective social marketing approaches.
3. Conducting market research and identifying market evolution.

The successful candidate will combine strong project management skills, analytical thinking and a practical, solution-oriented approach to transform strategic ideas into actionable projects and measurable results.

Duties & Responsibilities

• MISSION 1 – SUPPORT THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE WATER IN SCHOOL PROGRAM
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current Water in School program, including its operational model, costs, challenges and long-term sustainability.
• Identify opportunities to improve the program's efficiency, cost-effectiveness and impact.
• Explore alternative technical, operational and financial models to ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water in schools.
• Coordinate the development of innovative approaches, including school-based drinking water treatment and distribution solutions, with the Innovation department.
• Develop feasibility assessments, cost-benefit analyses and recommendations for potential new approaches and scale-up at national wide level.
• Design, coordinate and monitor pilot projects to test selected solutions.
• Document lessons learned and contributed to the development of a scalable and sustainable model for the program.
• Coordinate consultations and technical discussions with relevant internal teams, school representatives and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
• MISSION 2 – SOCIAL MARKETING & BEHAVIOR CHANGE
• Lead the development of social marketing and behavior change initiatives to promote safe drinking water consumption and good hygiene practices, with a particular focus on schoolchildren and vulnerable rural communities.
• Work closely with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) to support the integration of safe drinking water and hygiene awareness into the national primary school curriculum, including the development of educational approaches, materials and awareness campaigns.
• Coordinate with the Ministry, education stakeholders and relevant partners to design and implement awareness initiatives targeting public primary schools, teachers, students and their communities.
• Explore and develop innovative, cost-effective models to raise awareness and encourage safe drinking water practices among the most vulnerable populations, including underserved rural communities.
• Identify opportunities to leverage the O-we entrepreneur network, schools and community stakeholders as channels for awareness raising and behavior change.
• Coordinate the selection and management of external local communication agencies, where relevant, to support the design and implementation of evidence-based interventions.
• Develop and coordinate pilot initiatives to test different awareness and behavior change approaches, assess their effectiveness and identify opportunities for wider implementation.
• Establish measurable indicators to assess the reach, effectiveness and impact of awareness initiatives, including improvements in knowledge, attitudes and safe drinking water practices.
• Work with internal teams and institutional partners to develop sustainable approaches for integrating awareness and behavior change activities into existing programs and operations.
• MISSION 3 – STRENGTHEN O-WE BRAND POSITIONING
• Lead the selection of an external local communication agency, including the development of Terms of Reference, evaluation of proposals and coordination of the selection process.
• Act as the main focal point for the selected agency, ensuring effective coordination, timely delivery and alignment with Teuk Saat 1001's strategic objectives.
• Coordinate the assessment of O-we's current brand positioning, consumer perceptions, purchasing behaviors and barriers to safe drinking water adoption.
• Work closely with the agency and internal teams to develop comprehensive brand positioning, strengthening and social marketing strategy aimed at increasing brand awareness, consumer trust, market penetration and customer loyalty.
• Ensure that proposed strategies and communication approaches are adapted to rural Cambodian communities and informed by consumer research and field realities.
• Coordinate the design, implementation and evaluation of pilot campaigns and behavior change initiatives in collaboration with Sales, Operations and Communication teams.
• Facilitate the transfer of knowledge, tools and methodologies from the agency to internal teams to support long-term implementation.
• Prepare scale-up plan (logistic, budget, plan…) for the 350 water kiosks.
• MISSION 4 – LEAD MARKET RESEARCH AND IDENTIFY MARKET EVOLUTION
• Design and coordinate market research activities to better understand consumer behaviors, purchasing patterns, market demand and competition.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative studies, including consumer surveys, interviews, field observations and market assessments.
• Analyze existing sales and operational data to identify market trends, performance gaps and opportunities for growth.
• Translate research findings into practical recommendations and actionable business development initiatives.
• CROSS-FUNCTIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
• Develop clear project workplans, objectives, budgets, timelines and performance indicators.
• Coordinate activities across departments, including Sales, Operations, Technical, Finance, & Communication.
• Facilitate workshops, working groups and consultations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor project implementation, identify challenges and propose corrective actions.
• Prepare analytical reports, presentations and recommendations to support management decision-making.
• Ensure that project findings and recommendations are translated into concrete operational improvements.
• Support knowledge sharing and capacity building among relevant teams.

Languages

• Khmer - Fluent is required
• English - Good is required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Management, Development Studies or a related field is required
• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Management, Development Studies or a related field

Work History

• Relevant professional experience in project management, market research, business development, strategic marketing, consulting or innovation for 4 years as a minimum
• Demonstrated experience managing projects involving multiple stakeholders and departments for 3 to 5 years

General & Technical Skills

• Strong project planning, coordination and implementation skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to design and conduct qualitative and quantitative research.
• Good understanding of marketing principles, consumer behavior and business development.
• Ability to develop business cases, feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and other relevant analytical and reporting tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong Khmer communication skills to conduct field research and engage with local stakeholders.

Soft Skills

• Curious, proactive and eager to explore new approaches.
• Strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on mindset.
• Highly organized, independent and results-oriented.
• Comfortable working with data and translating analysis into concrete actions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Adaptable, open-minded and comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Motivated by social impact and the development of sustainable solutions for rural communities.
• Willingness to travel regularly to rural areas across Cambodia.