Governance

In 2006-7 CDRI continued to improve its governance and administrative systems reflecting the commitments in its 2006-10 Strategic Plan. A new External Relations Unit was established in mid-2006 to support raising the profile of CDRI, and to help manage relationships with stakeholders and partners more effectively. The unit is responsible for the institute’s external relations and public affairs, government and partner liaison, coordination of meetings and public events and the provision of a secretariat to the board. It is now a resource for all sections of CDRI.

In response to CDRI’s growing needs, new automated accounting software was installed during 2006 and was fully operational from 1 January 2007. A major upgrading of information technology systems was implemented, including upgrading network hubs and replacing both the old LAN and mail servers with new, contemporary servers. The administration unit continued implementing human resource policy updates and innovations in consultation with the institute’s Human Resource Management Working Party.

Reflecting CDRI’s growth, and the expansion of its programmes and projects, total expenditure in 2006 was USD1,788,000, the largest annual budget to date. Audit certificates and external audit findings confirmed an ongoing high standard of accountability.

In March 2007 CDRI held a two day management-staff retreat for induction, trust and teambuilding at the Hotel Cambodiana in Phnom Penh. The retreat programme, designed and facilitated by CDRI management and staff, provided a systematic induction for both new and longer serving staff on CDRI’s mission, strategic plan, programmes, services and administrative functions and systems, and interactive sessions on: CDRI - Change and Growth; CDRI’s Culture: Reality and Aspiration; CDRI’s Environment: Challenges and Opportunities – Meeting the Challenges and Realising the Opportunities; and The Way Forward. The retreat affirmed areas of CDRI’s strength and identified issues for further improvement on which management and staff will work together over the life of the current Strategic Plan.

Senior Appointments                                                                                                                                         

Dr Hossein Jalilian was appointed director of research from April 2007. Dr Jalilian is an accomplished development economist with a PhD from the London School of Economics. He is currently a senior lecturer at Bradford University and course director and doctoral programme coordinator for various British universities. Over the years, Dr Jalilian undertook development and economic planning consultancies in Malaysia, Nigeria, Mozambique, China, Vietnam and Tanzania and was visiting scholar at the ADB Institute in Japan. He has authored a range of books and articles on development, governance and investment issues.

Mr Ung Sirn Lee was appointed director of operations from 26 March 2007. He holds qualifications in finance and in business administration. Mr Ung Sirn Lee has some 15 years of experience as finance and administration manager, operations manager and consultant with organisations such as UNDP, NAA, World Fish Centre and the EU. Mr Ung Sirn Lee’s appointment signifies the long-planned Cambodianisation of this position.

Dr Brett Ballard assumed a new role as CDRI’s senior research adviser with effect from April 2007.                      Back to top