Project Officer

Workplace Circumstances

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

Position Summary

Department & Location: Program

Report to: Program Coordinator

Purpose:

The Project Officer plays a key role in supporting CPDD’s implementation of sustainable agriculture and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) activities in Cambodia. The position supports effective field implementation, farmer engagement, partner coordination, monitoring, and data collection to ensure project activities are delivered on time and in line with agreed targets and technical requirements. Working closely with local implementing partners, farmers, government authorities, technical partners, and CPDD program teams, the Project Officer contributes to the adoption of climate-smart rice production practices, improved water management, and sustainable agricultural practices. The position also supports MRV, field verification, documentation, and reporting, contributing to credible project results and continuous learning.

Dimensions of the Position:

The Project Officer operates at both national and field levels, supporting the planning, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of agriculture and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) activities. The position works closely with local implementing partners, farmers, farmer groups, local authorities, agricultural government agencies, technical partners, and other stakeholders to ensure effective and timely delivery of project activities. The role also supports field-level data collection and MRV, activity budgets, procurement and logistics, documentation, and reporting, while ensuring compliance with CPDD policies, donor requirements, and approved project plans.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and Field Project Implementation
• Support the implementation of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) activities in project target provinces, districts, and communes.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor rice cultivation, AWD adoption, irrigation and water management, cultivated areas, and farmer participation.
• Provide practical support to farmers and help address day-to-day field implementation challenges.
• Work with local implementing partners to identify, mobilize, register, and maintain updated records of participating farmers and AWD areas.
• In collaboration with the Project Manager and implementing partners, support farmer meetings, training, field demonstrations, and coaching on AWD and sustainable rice production.
• Follow up with farmers throughout the rice-growing season and document challenges, feedback, progress, and results.
• MRV, Data Collection and Verification
• Monitor AWD implementation, including water management practices, rice-growing areas, and cropping seasons.
• Support field data collection and Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) using approved mobile applications and project tools.
• Verify farmer information, cultivated areas, GPS locations, photographs, and other required field evidence.
• Identify and report data-quality issues, incomplete information, and technical problems with MRV applications.
• Ensure field data and supporting evidence are accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
• Partner and Stakeholder Coordination
• Coordinate day-to-day project activities with local implementing partners, technical partners, NGOs/CSOs, farmer organizations, and relevant government stakeholders.
• Follow up with implementing partners on agreed workplans, farmer mobilization, training, field implementation, data collection, and reporting.
• Participate in coordination meetings, joint field visits, and partner review meetings, and follow up on agreed actions.
• Maintain regular communication with relevant local authorities and agricultural stakeholders at provincial, district, and commune levels.
• Report significant implementation challenges, delays, risks, or issues to the Project Manager/line manager in a timely manner.
• Reporting and Documentation
• Prepare field visit reports, activity updates, partner follow-up reports, and other project documentation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of farmers, AWD areas, training activities, field visits, photographs, GPS data, and other project evidence.
• Support the preparation of donor reports by providing timely and reliable field-level information.
• Document good practices, farmer experiences, challenges, lessons learned, and project results.
• Operational and Team Support
• Support the organization of field meetings, farmer training, workshops, demonstrations, and stakeholder consultations.
• Support activity budgeting, procurement, logistics, and administrative arrangements in accordance with CPDD policies and approved project plans.
• Coordinate with Finance, Administration, Program, and MEAL teams to ensure effective and timely project implementation.
• Perform other project-related duties assigned by the line manager.

Languages

• Khmer - Fluent
• English - Fluent

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Agriculture, Political Science, Development Studies, Law, or a related field.

Work History

• Project management, governance, civil society, or community development for 2 years

General & Technical Skills

• Experience working with NGOs, CSOs, government agencies, or donor-funded projects.
• Familiarity with decentralization, civic engagement, advocacy, or governance issues (preferred).
• Strong understanding of project cycle management (planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting).
• Knowledge of governance, community participation, or policy advocacy in the local context.
• English and Khmer are excellent in both writing and speaking

Soft Skills

• Strong commitment to CPDD’s mission and values on democratic accountability and good governance.
• High integrity and accountability in managing resources and partnerships.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, promoting cross-programme coordination and member engagement.
• Adaptive to changing political and policy contexts.
• Inclusive and rights-based in approach, ensuring marginalized voices are considered.
• Proactive, strategic, and solution-focused in driving programme outcomes.
• Committed to continuous learning and innovation in local governance and civic engagement.