Habitat for Humanity Cambodia is seeking an experienced, proactive individual to volunteer in the role of Construction Technical Advisor.  This individual will advise on project planning, execution and management of housing and infrastructure construction projects 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 are technically correct, efficient and carried out in compliance with the planning documentation and procedures
*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 and 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 HFH CAMBODIA OFFICE: The HFH Cambodia office is located in Phnom Penh City, the capital of Cambodia, and the office attire is casual.

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