Position: Chief Economist
Cambodia Development Resource Institute
| Employment Type: | Full-time |
| Salary: | ~ |
| Application Deadline: | 10 Jan 26 |
| Days left: | 16 days |
| 365 |
Opportunity Overview
The Chief Economist position at the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) offers a rare opportunity for a mid-career economist to take on a leadership role at one of Southeast Asia’s most respected policy research institutions. The role combines intellectual challenge with tangible policy influence, bridging the gap between research and real-world development.
Based in Phnom Penh—an increasingly vibrant and connected capital—you will work directly with senior government officials, development partners, and the private sector to address some of the region’s most pressing economic and social issues, from structural transformation and competitiveness to inclusion and resilience. This is an ideal position for someone looking to move from primarily analytical or headquarters-based work into an applied, high-impact leadership role in-country.
As Chief Economist, you will have the opportunity to shape CDRI’s economic research strategy, build and mentor a talented local research team, and contribute to reforms and strategic policies that influence Cambodia’s growth trajectory and regional integration within ASEAN. CDRI’s strong reputation, institutional autonomy, and partnerships with leading multilateral organisations make it a unique platform for professionals seeking to establish themselves as thought leaders in Southeast Asia’s development landscape.
This position is particularly well-suited to economists with experience in academia or international development, or to consultants who are ready to lead a high-profile applied research program that links rigorous analysis with national development priorities.
Background
The Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) is Cambodia’s leading independent development policy research institute, established to generate high-quality, evidence-based research to support the country’s inclusive and sustainable growth. For over three decades, CDRI has been at the forefront of economic and social policy analysis, contributing to national development strategies and regional thought leadership.
To strengthen its strategic influence and analytical depth in an evolving economic landscape, CDRI seeks to appoint a Chief Economist — a visionary leader who will guide the Institute’s economic research agenda, mentor emerging scholars, and engage with national and international partners to translate insights into policy impact.
Position Summary
The Chief Economist will serve as CDRI’s principal economic advisor and thought leader, shaping research priorities that address Cambodia’s development challenges in a rapidly changing global economy. This role combines academic excellence, policy relevance, and strategic engagement—ensuring that CDRI remains a trusted and influential institution in economic policy and research nationally, regionally, and globally.
Key Responsibilities
A. Strategic Research Leadership
- Define and lead CDRI’s economic research strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and national development priorities. Identify emerging macroeconomic, regional, and global trends affecting Cambodia’s growth and competitiveness.
- Strengthen research capacity by recruiting, mentoring, and retaining a diverse and high-performing team of scholars, analysts, and research assistants. Contribute to shaping the institute’s overall strategy, positioning CDRI as a leading policy think tank in Cambodia and the region.
B. Research Excellence and Innovation
- Provide intellectual leadership and peer oversight across all economic research activities, including major economic research programs and flagship publications.
- Review and approve major research proposals, working papers, and policy reports to ensure academic rigour and relevance. Introduce cutting-edge analytical tools, including economic modelling, impact evaluation, and data-driven policy analysis.
- Drive innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration across research programs.
- Uphold ethical and methodological standards consistent with leading international research institutions.
- Cultivate a culture of excellence, integrity, and continuous learning within research teams.
C. External Engagement and Influence
- Represent CDRI in high-level national and international policy dialogues, expert panels, and academic forums.
- Build strategic partnerships with government institutions, universities, multilateral organisations, and think tanks.
- Bridge the gap between research and practice by translating economic insights into actionable policy recommendations.
- Lead policy dialogues and brief senior officials on research findings and reform options to advance evidence-based decision-making.
- Enhance CDRI’s global visibility as a credible voice on Cambodia’s and the region’s economic transformation.
- Contribute to resource mobilisation by co-developing research proposals and institutional partnerships with donors.
- Strengthen relationships with donors and partners to mobilise resources for impactful research.
- Act as CDRI’s spokesperson on economic issues to the media and academic community.
- Track and assess the influence of CDRI’s research on public policy and national planning processes.
D. Publication and Communication
- Lead the production and dissemination of research outputs, including flagship economic reports, policy briefs, and academic papers.
- Ensure findings are communicated in a clear, accessible, and policy-relevant manner.
- Contribute op-eds, commentaries, and public analyses on key economic developments nationally and regionally.
Qualifications and Experience
A. Essential
- PhD or high-quality master’s in economics, Development Economics, or a closely related discipline.
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in applied economic research and policy analysis, preferably in an international setting.
- Strong expertise in quantitative methodologies, econometric analysis, and data management. Experience with advanced analytical packages (e.g., Stata, R, Python) strongly preferred.
- Proven record of influential research or analytical publications and contributions to policy debate.
- Demonstrated experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing research programs.
- Strong capacity to engage with senior policymakers, donors, and global research networks.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills in English.
B. Desirable
- Knowledge of Southeast Asia’s development dynamics and Cambodia’s economic policy context.
- Experience in mobilising research partnerships and funding.
- Prior engagement with multilateral institutions (e.g., World Bank, ADB, UNDP) or regional think tanks.
- Fluency in English; Khmer proficiency is an asset.
Benefits and Value Proposition
- Competitive, internationally benchmarked salary, commensurate with experience and academic standing.
- Annual performance-based incentive aligned with organisational results.
- Comprehensive health and life insurance coverage. Relocation and settling-in assistance (for candidates residing outside of Cambodia).
- Generous leave entitlements include annual, sick, and professional development leave.
- Professional growth opportunities, including participation in global conferences, fellowships, and academic collaborations.
- Access to extensive data resources, institutional partnerships, and research networks in Southeast Asia and beyond.
- The opportunity to shape economic policy and thought leadership at a national and regional level while living in Phnom Penh, one of Asia’s most dynamic capitals.
Application Information
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:
A cover letter highlighting motivation, leadership experience, and research achievements.
A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with a list of publications; 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.
Deadline: By 10th January 2026, at 5 PM, Cambodian time.