Cowater International

Trade Promotion/Investment Manager

Posted
19 November 2025 07:30pm
Apply by
Regions
South-East and East Asia
Sectors
Bilateral Relations
Building Resilience
Economic Development
Effective Governance
Environment and Sustainability
Infrastructure and Trade Facilitation
Private Sector Development
Summary

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Trade Promotion/Investment Manager
Sector: Customs, Trade and Investment Climate
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-Term
Position Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contractual arrangement: Eligible for Cambodian residents/citizens only

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The CAPRED Facility is Australia's flagship bilateral economic development program in Cambodia, focusing on economic recovery and resilience over the next four years, with a possible three-year extension.
 
The Facility supports Cambodia in implementing a range of necessary economic interventions and reforms to maintain the country's economic transition. These interventions and reforms are primarily aimed at encouraging more productive and inclusive public and private investment, which promotes a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy (RISE).
 
CAPRED interventions fall under three technical components including: Agriculture and Agro-processing; Trade, Investment and Enterprise Development and Infrastructure Development; and one Cross-Cutting component comprising: Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Climate Resilient initiatives, and policy support. GEDSI is at the heart of all that CAPRED does.

Description

POSITION SUMMARY
There are a number of positions available within the CAPRED team for the right candidates. These positions will be responsible for advancing Cambodia's economic and trade competitiveness.  This includes developing and managing key partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders to enhance market linkages, strengthen supply chains, and promote sustainable growth. The role involves working closely with Cambodia SMEs, exporters, business support institutions trade-related government agencies, development partners, and international buyers.
 
We welcome applications from experienced professionals, early-career talent, and individuals with backgrounds in corporate, startup, or development sectors who are passionate about driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
 
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES

  • Take on an entrepreneurial role, which requires creativity, proactive thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Conduct sector-specific market research to identify potential trade and investment interventions especially to strengthen Cambodia-Australia trade and investment ties.
  • Conduct economic analysis at the meso and micro levels to identify issues hindering the development of key economic sectors.
  • Collaborate with the team to conduct a business diagnostic, identify gaps, and develop game-changing actions to address those gaps and strengthen the industries.
  • Work with leading private-sector firms in priority agriculture sectors to strengthen competitiveness by improving supply chain efficiency, enhancing post-harvest practices, quality standards, and expanding market linkages for export.
  • Support agri-food firms to improve their competitiveness by facilitating access to market and access to finance and working-capital solutions, through partnerships with financial institutions, blended-finance partners, or other innovative financing mechanisms.
  • Collaborate with key ministries to identify and address trade barriers, regulatory constraints, and process inefficiencies that limit export growth.
  • Design and implement trade promotion strategies that strengthen Cambodia's export readiness and international market engagement.
  • Promote innovative, practical solutions that align with stakeholder incentives.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with public, private, and development partners.

Compliance

  • Ensure stakeholders operate within Cowater and DFAT-related codes of conduct and policies, including all inclusion-related policies such as Child Protection and PSEAH, antifraud and corruption, value for money, and other policies.
  • Represent CAPRED in meetings or events with relevant stakeholders, as the Domain required by management.
  • Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) team to assess the impact of the interventions and scale up successful initiatives.
  • Work with the communications team to develop communications content.
  • Ensure GEDSI principles are incorporated into intervention design and implementation.
  • Collaborate with other technical teams to build synergies and enhance intervention effectiveness.
  • Carry out other relevant tasks and activities as requested by management.
  • Work in a way that promotes social inclusion and gender equality, is sensitive to cultural and gender issues in Cambodia, and is disability inclusive.
  • Commitment to championing environmental sustainability and climate action across the Facility.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least bachelor's degree in international Trade, Business, or related fields.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in trade promotion, export development, private sector development, or related fields. Experience in agri-food trade or export is highly valued.
  • Proven knowledge and experiences in agriculture and agro-processing industry in Cambodia
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with government agencies (CDC, MOC, MEF, etc.), private sector, and development partners.
  • Strong project management skills and able to work with minimum supervision.
  • Proven ability to integrate GEDSI principles into program design and delivery.
  • Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent communication skills in Khmer and English.

Desirable Attributes

  • Knowledge of international trade regulations, including FTAs, SPS standards, certification systems.
  • Familiarity with finance, banking, or accounting practices is an advantage.
  • Experience in corporate or startup environments.
  • Strong analytical, presentation, and report-writing skills.
  • Willingness to travel and work in provinces as needed.
  • A growth mindset, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit.

We prioritise talent, potential, and the right mindset over extensive experience. This is a full-time position with attractive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS Please send your cover letter and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to recruitment@capred.org mentioning the position you apply for in the subject line "Trade/Investment Promotion Manager ".
 
Closing Date: We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and positions are open to be filled now.
 
Women are highly encouraged to apply.
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
 
ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017. 
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.