Background

The Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) programme started operating in Cambodia in 2001 and is a partnership between the International Labour Organization and the International Finance Corporation. As part of the Better Work flagship programme, BFC engages with workers, employers and the Royal Government of Cambodia to achieve improved health and well-being of garment workers with a knock-on effect on workers' families’ welfare, while at the same time strengthening the national industry via increased productivity in garment factories. With a current coverage of over 790 factories and 750,000 workers, BFC collaborates closely with the industry stakeholders at multiple levels of the supply chain to create sustainable and practical solutions for all. In doing so, the programme aims to improve labour standards in global supply chains and ensuring that workers' rights and entitlements are protected to help distribute the benefits of trade. BFC supports enterprises in implementing the ILO core international labour standards and the Cambodian labour law. This helps enterprises compete in global markets where many buyers demand compliance with labour standards from their suppliers.

BFC is implementing its 2023–2027 strategy, which places strong emphasis on strengthening labour market governance and improving compliance with labour laws and standards supported by mature systems of social dialogue, oversight, inspection, and enforcement. The strategy envisions an industry where factories have competent local management and technical capacity to sustainably address persistent areas of non-compliance, buyers adopt responsible purchasing practices, and all stakeholders collaborate in an open, transparent, and accountable manner. Evidence-based research will inform policy decisions, and transparent, verifiable data on the state of the industry will be made widely available. Looking ahead, BFC will continue to support constituents and engage with supply chain stakeholders by reshaping its strategic relevance and engagement models to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainable impact. The programme will leverage its tools and expertise to generate positive outcomes not only within the garment, footwear, and textile sector but also across other economic sectors and national systems.

Supervision and Guidance

This position is based at BFC offices in Phnom Penh. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of a team leader, while closely working and coordinating with Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and other BFC staff members.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will support research and programme implementation team to address ongoing programme needs and contribute to the strategic transition of Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) and Better Work Global. The incumbent will play a key role in generating evidence, ensuring data quality, and supporting programme effectiveness through research, analysis, and M&E systems. The incumbent is expected to:

• Assist in implementing the programme’s research and impact strategy, ensuring alignment with BFC’s strategic objectives. Support research initiatives aligned with programme priorities and thematic areas, including labour compliance, wages, social dialogue, occupational safety and health (OSH), heat stress, gender equality, and enterprise management systems, and compliance and sustainability mechanisms in the supporting industries and other economic sectors such as electronics, furniture, or agro-processing sector to address programme needs and enhance the scale and impact of its interventions.
• Design and propose research methodologies and tools for qualitative and quantitative data collection and ensure smooth execution of the research plan
• Perform statistical and qualitative analysis of data and research findings to generate actionable insights for programme improvement.
• Support the M&E Officer to design and implement an M&E system aligned with BFC’s strategy, donor reporting requirements and the result framework of the ILO Decent Work Country Programme, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
• Collaborate with BFC core functions, thematic focal points, communications team, Better Work Global, and external partners (including UN agencies) to ensure research quality, relevance, and effective communication of evidence and impact.
• Lead and support mid-term and final evaluations, ensuring timely delivery of evaluation outputs.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products to inform programme decisions and stakeholder engagement.
• Document lessons learned, good practices, and recommendations for targeted pilot activities and technical progress reports.
• Provide technical support to programme teams, including integrating research findings into programme design and implementation of project activities.
• Promote gender-inclusive approaches across all research activities, ensuring alignment with ILO’s gender equality principles.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Education

University degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in economics, public policy, law, business management, development studies, or related field.

Experience

Minimum of two years of professional experience in research design, data collection and analysis, and/or research coordination, preferably within development programmes or the private sector. Experience should include monitoring and evaluation, programme implementation support, and work on areas such as gender equality, labour standards compliance and remediation, occupational health and safety, productivity, financial inclusion or corporate social responsibility. Familiarity with evidence-based policy development and stakeholder engagement is an advantage. Knowledge of ILO or UN financial and administrative rules and regulations is an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Khmer. Knowledge in Chinese would be an advantage.

Required Competencies

1. Good knowledge of research methodologies and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, including formulation, implementation, and evaluation techniques and practices.
2. Technical skills in data analysis and research design, including qualitative and quantitative methods, and familiarity with contemporary issues in labour standards, supply chain sustainability, and decent work.
3. Good analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and clear reports.
4. Good facilitation and coordination skills, including stakeholder engagement, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution.
5. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, external partners, and diverse stakeholders.
6. Understanding of gender equality and inclusion principles, and ability to integrate these into research and programme activities.
7. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
8. Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R), and data visualization tools for research and reporting.

Additionally

All applicants must attach a 2-page statement explaining to the selection committee how they meet the required competencies. This document should include a heading for each competence together with justifications based on the applicant’s skills and experience. Applicants who do not attach this statement will not be considered for interview.

Better Work, as part of the ILO, values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities.

Officials of the International Labour Office must adhere to the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity and teamwork in line with the ILO’s Guiding Principles and Values.