Habitat for Humanity Cambodia is seeking an experienced, proactive individual to volunteer in the role of Construction Advisor for Mekong Build 2013.  This individual will advise on the project planning, execution and management of the Mekong Build, which will be multi-story housing for low-income families. Reporting to the Construction Manager & Country Director, this position will also work closely with the Construction Supervisor, NGO partner and sub-contractors and will require frequent travel to project sites.  This position will be based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

*Ensure that services carried out are in compliance with the planning documentation and procedures, technically correct and efficient.
*Develop and/or rectify, as needed, the building designs or shop drawing for homes, water supply, sewerage system, drainage and open spaces.
*Develop a construction minimum standards manual/reference book.
*Develop a building schedule with daily target outputs for various construction projects as assigned by supervisor.
*Ensure safety at the construction sites.
*Visit the construction site(s) to monitor the building process daily and work closely with the contractors, construction supervisors, skilled laborers, partner families and relevant community partners in order to ensure fulfillment of the project goals.

ABOUT THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CAMBODIA NATIONAL OFFICE:

The Habitat for Humanity Cambodia National Office is located in Phnom Penh City, but there are relocation projects for informal settlers in the outskirts of the city. The expected office attire for staff is casual. In this capital city, the population is around 2 million, and there are telephone and internet connections available. There are also various housing options available, which include fully-furnished rented apartments and rooms.

Habitat for Humanity Cambodia is committed to improving lives beyond four walls and a roof. The Habitat programs in Phnom Penh, Prey Veng, Kandal, Siem Reap and Battambang aim to reduce poverty. The emphasis is on the development of sustainable communities that also promote gender equality, income generation and appropriate response to HIV/AIDS and vulnerable groups. Habitat and its partners also facilitate access to adequate and affordable safe water and electricity connections, and proper toilet. The use of solar energy is especially encouraged. Family members are offered training in construction and other skills in order to improve their employment and earnings prospects. HFH Cambodia has a five year goal of assisting 10,000 low-income families while inspiring individuals, groups, organizations and the government to champion innovative housing solutions for people in need.

ABOUT CAMBODIA:

Cambodia is located in southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. The terrain is mostly low, flat plains with mountains in the southwestern and northern regions.  Natural hazards are Monsoonal rains (June to November), flooding, and occasional droughts.  Current environmental issues affecting the country are illegal logging and strip mining.  This has resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity, particularly with the destruction of mangrove swamps which threatens natural fisheries. 

From 2004 to 2007, the economy grew about 10% per year, driven largely by an expansion in the garment sector, construction, agriculture, and tourism. GDP contracted slightly in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown, but climbed more than 4% in 1010, driven by renewed exports. With the January 2005 expiration of a WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, Cambodian textile producers were forced to compete directly with lower-priced countries such as China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. The garment industry currently employs more than 280,000 people, about 5% of the work force, and contributes more than 70% of Cambodia's exports.

In 2005, exploitable oil deposits were found beneath Cambodia's territorial waters, representing a new revenue stream for the government if commercial extraction begins. Mining also is attracting significant investor interest, particularly in the northern parts of the country. The government has said opportunities exist for mining bauxite, gold, iron and gems. In 2006, a US-Cambodia bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) was signed, and several rounds of discussions have been held since 2007. Rubber exports increased about 25% in 2009 due to rising global demand.

The tourism industry has continued to grow rapidly, with foreign arrivals exceeding 2 million per year in 2007-08; however, economic troubles abroad dampened growth in 2009. The global financial crisis is weakening demand for Cambodian exports, and construction is declining due to a shortage of credit.

The long-term development of the economy remains a daunting challenge. The Cambodian government is working with bilateral and multilateral donors, including the World Bank and IMF, to address the country's many pressing needs. The major economic challenge for Cambodia over the next decade will be fashioning an economic environment in which the private sector can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia's demographic imbalance. More than 50% of the population is less than 25 years old. The population lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from an almost total lack of basic infrastructure.

ANTICIPATED COSTS TO THE VOLUNTEER:
Monthly estimate for a single individual is given below. (All figures are in USD.)

For a rental apartment:
Housing: $400
Food: $200
Transportation to and from office: $100
Other (recreation and personal expenses) :$150
Estimated Monthly Total: $850