Position: Hub Manager (Phnom Penh Capital Hall)__Deadline:17-March

The Smart City Secretariat coordinates Phnom Penh's efforts to become a more livable, resilient, and innovative capital city. It works across municipal departments to integrate sustainability and smart solutions into urban planning, service delivery, and governance. Its work is driven by the Phnom Penh Smart City Road Map 2035.

AIMF is the global network of francophone local authorities. Together, they nurture a vision of tomorrow's city that promotes sustainable and shared growth, placing people at the heart of urban projects. They develop a new form of cooperation combining high-level joint reflection and field action that prioritizes innovation and local expertise. AIMF brings together more than 350 cities and associations of cities in 55 countries. The AIMF Regional Network in South-East Asia, with its Office hosted by PPCA, counts 15 members and growing in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Its mission is to amplify the voice of its members to ensure their positions are taken into account in various decision-making forums, to facilitate project incubation, and to implement concrete projects in urban development.

 

The Smart City Hub Phnom Penh represents a pioneering initiative to strengthen urban governance, citizen engagement, and sustainable development in Cambodia's capital city. Established through the AIMF Strategic Partnership with the European Union and under the supervision of the Phnom Penh Capital Administration's Smart City Secretariat, the Hub serves as a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

The Smart City Hub Phnom Penh addresses critical urban challenges facing rapidly developing Southeast Asian cities, including:

• Accelerated urbanization: Phnom Penh's population continues to grow rapidly, requiring innovative approaches to urban planning and service delivery
• Climate resilience: The city faces increasing vulnerability to climate impacts, necessitating green infrastructure and adaptive strategies
• Digital transformation: Smart city technologies offer opportunities to improve municipal efficiency and citizen services
• Stakeholder coordination: Complex urban challenges require enhanced collaboration between government, private sector, civil society, and citizens
• Citizen engagement: Building trust and participation in urban governance through accessible, welcoming public spaces

The Hub operates within a 315 sqm facility comprising:

• 165 sqm exhibition and events space for public engagement
• 50 sqm co-working area for pilot projects and collaborative initiatives
• 50 sqm meeting and learning space for workshops and training
• 30 sqm manager office
• 20 sqm storage and support facilities

Initial operations will focus on smart, green and resilient city development, with at least one public event per month, alongside project development, partnerships facilitation, and knowledge management activities.
 
The Smart City Hub Phnom Penh was presented during the AIMF Regional Network Dialogue on Smart Cities, and will continue to actively support experience exchange and capacity building fostered through the regional cooperation among local authorities in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam since 2013, thanks to the support of the AIMF and EU Strategic Partnership.
The Hub Manager will lead the strategic development and operational management of the Smart City Hub Phnom Penh, working closely with the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, AIMF Secretariat, and relevant urban stakeholders, to create a vibrant center for urban innovation and collaboration. The position requires a dynamic leader capable of building partnerships, developing projects, coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, and positioning the Hub as a reference point for smart and sustainable urban development in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

Position Title: Hub Manager - Smart City Hub Phnom Penh
Reporting to: Phnom Penh Capital Administration Smart City Secretariat Director
Location: Smart City Hub Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom, Cambodia
Contract Type: Service contract or consultancy contract with Phnom Penh Capital Administration
Duration: 7 months with possible extension based on performance and funding availability
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Starting Date: March 2026
Supervision responsibilities: Direct supervision of Hub Animator (one person)

 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

Hub Development, Partnerships and Collaboration (35%)
1.    Strategic Development:

• Develop a short and middle-term development strategy for the Hub, in alignment with the goals set in the Phnom Penh Smart City Road Map 2035, including detailed proposed activities and funding goals
• Ensure alignment of Hub activities with Phnom Penh's urban development priorities
• Identify, engage, and develop strategic partnerships with relevant ministries and national institutions, international organizations, private sector companies, NGOs, research institutions, and civil society organizations
• Represent the Hub at local, national, and international forums and events
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and collaborative platforms around urban development priorities

2.    Network Development for capacity building and experience exchange:

• Build connections with smart city initiatives, innovation hubs, and urban development programs regionally and internationally
• Facilitate peer-to-peer exchanges and study visits between cities
• Develop relationships with relevant AIMF member cities in the region and internationally with goals of experience exchange and local capacity building
• Project Development and Coordination (35%)

1.    Project Design and Management:

• Lead the development of urban development pilot projects: pre-identified topics include urban data and green public spaces, in compliance with goals and priority topics identified in the Phnom Penh Smart City Road Map 2035
• Facilitate collaborative project development processes involving multiple stakeholders
• Design project frameworks, implementation plans, budgets, and monitoring systems and preparare funding proposals and partnership agreements
• Coordinate project implementation with Phnom Penh Capital Administration departments and external partners
• Provide technical support to project teams set up; support project teams and municipal departments in project implementation
• When required, monitor project progress and document lessons learned

2.    Capacity Building:

• Identify capacity building needs related to smart and sustainable urban development
• Design and coordinate training programs, workshops, and learning activities for municipal officials
• Develop and/or recruit and supervise relevant expertise to create learning materials and knowledge products

Communication and Knowledge Management (15%)
1.    Strategic Communication:

• Develop and implement the Hub's communication strategy in collaboration with the Hub Animator
• Oversee the development and launch of the Smart City website and database
• Oversee the production of strategic communication materials highlighting Hub achievements and impact, conducted by the Hub Animator
• Coordinate with Phnom Penh Capital Administration communication services
• Represent the Hub in media engagements and public presentations

2.    Knowledge Management:

• Oversee the creation of a systemized mechanism for the documentation of PPCA urban development projects and practices
• Contribute to knowledge products (case studies, policy briefs, technical guides) for dissemination to PPCA Divisions and Departments, Phnom Penh urban stakeholders and AIMF regional and international members
• Support the establishment of knowledge management systems and databases

Hub Animation (5%)

• Support the Hub Animator in organizing monthly events, exhibitions, and public engagement activities
• Provide strategic direction for Hub programming and activities
• Ensure alignment between Hub animation activities and strategic objectives

Administrative and Financial Management (10%)
1.    Financial Management:

• Oversee Hub budget management, in accordance with PPCA and AIMF procedures
• Prepare monthly financial reports to PPCA, with support from Hub Animator in charge of financial records
• Supervise procurement processes and ensure transparency in financial operations

2.    Administrative Coordination:

• Report to the
• Ensure compliance with administrative procedures of Phnom Penh Capital Administration and AIMF
• Coordinate with AIMF Secretariat on reporting requirements and strategic planning
• Supervise staff (Hub Animator) and coordinate with support personnel
• Prepare regular progress reports for AIMF and Phnom Penh Capital Administration

Key Requirements:

Education:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Urban Planning, Public Administration, International Development, Architecture, Environmental Studies, or related field

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years of professional experience in urban development, project management, or related fields
• At least 3 years of experience in management or coordination roles
• Proven track record in partnership development and multi-stakeholder coordination
• Experience managing projects with international organizations or development partners
• Demonstrated experience in project design, implementation, and monitoring

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep understanding of urban development challenges and opportunities in Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia
• Knowledge of smart city concepts, sustainable urban development, and climate resilience
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, planning, and reporting
• Excellent leadership and team management capabilities
• Experience with participatory planning and community engagement approaches
• Familiarity with European Union project management procedures (strongly preferred)
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels (government officials, international partners, civil society, private sector)
• High level of autonomy, initiative, and problem-solving capacity
• Commitment to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance

Languages:

• Fluency in Khmer and English (written and spoken) required; French is a strong asset

Preferred Qualifications

• Cambodian national or demonstrated deep knowledge of Cambodian urban context
• Previous experience working with municipal governments or local authorities in Southeast Asia
• Experience establishing or managing innovation hubs, co-working spaces, or collaborative platforms
• Background in green infrastructure, urban greening, or environmental planning
• Experience with knowledge management and documentation of best practices
• Track record in fundraising or resource mobilization for urban development projects
• Network within international development community and urban development sector in Southeast Asia

Personal Attributes

• Visionary leadership with ability to inspire and mobilize diverse stakeholders
• Collaborative and inclusive approach to management
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work across different cultural contexts
• Strategic thinker with strong attention to operational details
• Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities and contexts
• Passionate about sustainable urban development and social impact
• Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence
• Integrity and professional ethics

Conditions:

• Full-time position based at Smart City Hub Phnom Penh
• Regular coordination with Phnom Penh Capital Administration officials
• Occasional representation of the Hub at regional and international conferences or forums
• Flexible working hours may be required to accommodate events and stakeholder engagements
• Office facilities and equipment provided

Application Procedure
The recruitment is conducted by Phnom Penh Capital Administration with support from AIMF Secretariat, based on an open call for applications.

Application Package must include:
1.    Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) presenting:

• Motivation for the position
• Understanding of the Hub's mission and community engagement approach
• Relevant experience and creative ideas for Hub animation
• Why you're passionate about creating welcoming community spaces

2.    Detailed Curriculum Vitae including:

• Professional experience with specific achievements in event management/community engagement
• Education and training
• Language proficiencies
• Links to work samples (if available): social media campaigns, event photos, communication materials
• References (3 professional references with contact information)

3.    Copy of valid passport or national identity card

If shortlisted, candidates will be required to provide before interview:

• Certified copies of diplomas and relevant qualifications
• Portfolio or examples of previous work (event documentation, communication materials, etc.)
• Writing samples in Khmer and English

For questions regarding this position contact: pothrothppch@gmail.com , sp@aimf.asso.fr

Please send CV and cover letter to
Email:      lyhour.ppca.aimf@gmail.com ; pothrothppch@gmail.coml

                kimchhuon_man@phnompenh.gov.kh; a.ardesi@aimf.asso.fr
Please mention "www.Cambodiajobs.Biz" where you saw the ad when you apply!