Project Name: LMC Diplomats: Revitalizing Multilateralism for Shared Growth Assignment Location: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Phnom Penh Assignment Type: Individual
1. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
On 12 September 2021, the Kingdom of Cambodia and the People’s Republic of China signed the Agreement on the Cooperation Projects of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Special Fund 2021. Under the MLC Special Fund 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia (MFA.IC), has been granted funding to implement a project entitled “LMC Diplomats: Revitalizing Multilateralism for Shared Growth”.
The Primary goal of this project is to identify challenges threatening multilateralism and explore ways to revitalize it as well as to address the challenges that one could face during the process of revitalizing multilateralism. The contribution would help enhance solidarity, mutual understanding as well as the maintenance of peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.
The objectives of the project are as follows:
1. To produce a policy paper identifying challenges threatening multilateralism and explore ways to revitalize it as well as to address the challenges that one could face during the process of revitalizing multilateralism;
2. To organize a regional seminar in order to showcase and disseminate the final policy paper in revitalizing multilateralism for shared growth;
3. To promote a policy dialogue among MLC member countries and the vision of ‘a Community of Shared Future of Peace and Prosperity among MLC countries’ as attached in the ‘Development Goals’ of the Five-Year Plan of Action on LMC.
Against this backdrop, the preliminary research phase has been successfully completed, the project is now entering its final consolidation phase. In this context, MFA.IC is seeking to recruit a highly qualified International Consultant to work closely with the Project Implementation Team (PIT) for the preparation of final policy paper and the dissemination of this outcome.
2. OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION
- The primary objective of the International Consultant is to ensure the Final Policy Paper meets international standards of academic rigor and diplomatic excellence.
- Specifically, the Consultant will work closely with the PIT to synthesize preliminary findings, elevate the academic rigor of the research, and review/advise the revision of the draft Final Policy Paper. The goal is to transform the working draft into a high-impact publication suitable for dissemination to MLC member states and the wider public.
- Under the supervision of and reporting to the Project Director, the Consultant will collaborate with the Project Manager, Project Coordinators, and necessary members of the PIT to provide high quality and timely supports to the PIT to ensure that the project maintains its strategic vision and that its activities result in achievement of its intended outcomes in a cost effective and timely manner.
3. KEY RESPONSIBILTIES AND TASK
The Consultant will not start from scratch but to work with existing materials provided by the PIT. The key roles will be divided into following tasks:
Task 1: Strategic Review and Gap Analysis
- Review the draft Policy Paper prepared by the PIT.
- Identify logical gaps, weak arguments, or areas where the "geopolitical context" needs updating (considering the time lapse since the project started).
- Review original preliminary research data (surveys/assessments from the previous phase) to ensure the draft accurately reflects the empirical evidence.
- Provide concrete feedback and annotations to elevate academic rigor of the draft. This includes strengthening the theoretical framework, ensuring proper citation standards, and refining the policy arguments.
- Synthesize the findings to ensure they align with the project’s core theme: "Revitalizing Multilateralism" and the "Community of Shared Future."
- Ensure the tone is appropriate for a diplomatic audience, which will be constructive, neutral, yet impactful.
- Perform advanced editing of the Final Policy Paper for clarity, flow, and native-level English fluency.
- Assist in drafting/refining the Executive Summary (the most read part of the document by policymakers).
- Provide talking points or a summary of the final paper for the PIT to use at the Regional Seminar (Closing seminar).
- Perform any other activities related to the research work and dissemination seminar assigned by Project Director.
4. QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD or Master’s degree in International Relations, Diplomacy, Political Science, Public Policy, Development Studies or other relevant discipline.
- At least 5 years (10+ years preferred) of professional experience in reviewing, editing, or supervising research projects.
- Experience in Track 1 or Track 1.5 diplomacy (government-to-government or government- affiliated think tanks) is highly preferred.
- Retired diplomats or senior policy advisors with relevant regional experience (ASEAN, Mekong- Lancang Cooperation, East Asia Diplomacy) are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Superior writing and editing skills in English (Native level required).
- Demonstrates leadership skill and openness to change.
- Ability to mentor and guide junior/mid-level researchers constructively.
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
- Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.
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