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.

As CDRI enters its next phase of institutional growth, it seeks a Director (Strategy, Partnerships, and Sustainability) to lead strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation, and institutional visibility.

The Director, Strategy, Partnerships, and Sustainability, is a senior leadership role responsible for implementing CDRI’s institutional strategy and business plans, with a particular focus on long-term financial sustainability, strategic partnerships, and organisational effectiveness.

The Director will work across the Institute to translate strategic priorities into concrete initiatives, systems, services and products, and partnerships that strengthen CDRI’s funding base and institutional resilience. This includes developing and implementing new partnership models, diversifying income streams, and improving how the organisation identifies, prioritises, and pursues revenue-generating opportunities.

While resource mobilisation and business development remain core responsibilities, the role goes beyond individual bids or proposals. The Director is expected to strengthen CDRI’s overall approach to partnerships, donor engagement, and revenue generation, embedding more strategic, selective, and sustainable practices across the organisation.

The Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Chief Economist, Chief Operating Officer, and Centre Directors to position CDRI as a preferred long-term partner for governments, development partners, and regional institutions, while ensuring internal systems and incentives support delivery of this ambition.

Success in this role will be reflected in a more diversified and predictable funding base, stronger long-term partnerships, and institutional systems that support strategic prioritisation and financial sustainability.

1. Strategy Implementation and Institutional Sustainability

• Lead the implementation of CDRI’s institutional strategy and business plans, translating strategic priorities into concrete initiatives, timelines, and accountabilities.
• Provide senior leadership in identifying and addressing institutional, operational, and incentive-related barriers to long-term financial sustainability.
• Drive institutional change initiatives to strengthen coordination, prioritisation, and commercial discipline across research centres and support functions.
• Support institutional innovation to ensure CDRI’s research services, partnership models, and funding approaches remain relevant and competitive in a changing development landscape.
• Drive the development of new products for CDRI, which may include specialized research consultancy services, digital knowledge platforms, or premium policy advisory packages to increase unrestricted funding.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging funding opportunities and technical gaps in Cambodia’s development sector where CDRI can offer high-value solutions.

2. Partnerships, Resource Mobilisation and Income Generation

• Lead and oversee CDRI’s approach to resource mobilisation, with a focus on building a diversified, strategic, and sustainable portfolio of funding and partnerships.
• Introduce greater strategic selectivity and prioritisation in partnership and funding decisions, ensuring alignment with CDRI’s mission, capabilities, and long-term sustainability objectives.
• Manage the proposal development process, from conceptualisation to negotiation, ensuring the submission of high-quality, winning bids.
• Identify strategic collaborations that diversify CDRI’s revenue base.
• Oversee donor relations to ensure effective stewardship of funds, compliance, and timely reporting.

3. Strategic Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Lead the development and management of long-term, strategic relationships that position CDRI as a trusted partner in policy research, advisory, and institutional collaboration.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with development partners, embassies, the private sector, and regional think tanks.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for international organisations, government ministries and institutional partners to foster deeper collaboration
• Support the ED and CDRI Board Directors in leveraging institutional networks for strategic growth and counsel.

4. Institutional Branding and Communication

• Work with the Communications and Research teams to enhance CDRI’s brand visibility and reputation.
• Develop targeted outreach materials and institutional profiles to support partner engagement.
• Oversee the preparation of impact reports and publications that showcase CDRI’s achievements to external stakeholders.
• Strengthen CDRI’s presence across digital platforms, conferences, and policy dialogues.

5. Internal Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Collaborate with research centre directors to identify funding priorities and pipeline opportunities.
• Provide training and mentoring to researchers on proposal writing, donor communication, and partnership management.
• Establish systems for business intelligence and donor tracking to ensure efficiency across the

Essential

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in International Development, Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategy implementation, organisational change or institutional development in complex organisations, business development, fundraising, or partnership management.
• Proven experience contributing to and leading successful resource mobilisation efforts with major donors (e.g., DFAT, USAID, FCDO, EU, UN, World Bank, ADB, foundations).
• Strong understanding of the development research ecosystem and funding landscape in Southeast Asia. Excellent communication, negotiation, and networking skills. Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and deliver results under pressure. Desirable

• Background in management consulting, organisational transformation, or strategy roles within development, research, or policy institutions.
• Experience in strategic organizational development or business strategy.
• Experience in strategic communications or institutional marketing.
• Fluency in English; Khmer proficiency is an asset.

Key Competencies

• Ability to drive institutional growth and adapt to changing environments.
• Skilled at building and maintaining trust-based partnerships with high-level stakeholders.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach to identifying new revenue streams and sustainability models.
• High ethical standards and commitment to transparency

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.

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.