Junior EU Aid Volunteer - Systems and Operations in Cambodia

People in People in Need (PIN) is a Czech non-governmental organisation providing relief and development assistance while working to defend human rights and democratic freedoms in over 20 countries around the world. PIN’s food security, WASH, health, education, emergency response, disaster resilience and other programmes have assisted millions of people globally. In Cambodia, People in Need has been working since 2008 providing development and emergency assistance in rural and urban areas, specifically in three main sectors: environmentally friendly market development for improved livelihoods, improvement of maternal and child health, and disaster risk reduction. Cambodia’s economy has been growing at a fast pace in the past decade, but this growth not always benefits the most vulnerable. PIN in Cambodia uses its expertise in spatial planning, disaster management, health, and alternative livelihood development, to assist communities so they can enjoy the benefits of economic growth while protecting their rights. PIN is recognised for its innovative approaches, participatory program design and professionalism. Our core principle is to work with people, placing them at the centre of all our work, and giving them ownership throughout each aspect of our projects.

Operational details & security context

Safety in Cambodia;
• Cambodia is a pretty safe country though opportunistic crime is fairly common.
• None of the areas where PIN works in Cambodia are of any particular security risk
• One should stick to marked paths in remote areas (due to the possible presence of landmines).
• Phnom Penh Post (www.phnompenhpost.com ) and or the Khmer Time (www.khmertimeskh.com) are a good source for breaking news.

Crime & Violence;
The most common crime in Cambodia is opportunistic crime and commonly involves bag or smart phone snatching in Phnom Penh. With these crimes keep in mind that motorbike thieves not letting go have been know to drag passengers off motos (motorcycle taxis) and endangering lives. Smartphones are a particular target, so avoid using your smartphone in public, especially at night, as you'll be susceptible to drive-by thieves.
Violence against foreigners is extremely rare, but it pays to take care in crowded bars or nightclubs in Phnom Penh. If you get into a stand-off with rich young Khmers in a bar or club, swallow your pride and back down. Many carry guns and have an entourage of bodyguards.

Mines, Mortars & Bombs;
Though not common place, there are still remnants left over from past conflict. Rockets, artillery shells, mortars, mines, bombs or other war material you may come across should never be touched. The most heavily mined part of the country is along the Thai border area, but mines can still be found throughout Cambodia.

Scams;
Most scams are fairly harmless, involving a bit of commission here and there for taxi, remork-moto (tuk-tuk) or moto (unmarked motorcycle taxi) drivers. It is best to use a now common online application for calling a tuk-tuk or a taxi. Common applications include Grab or PassApp.
There is quite a lot of fake medication floating about the region. Safeguard yourself by only buying prescription drugs from reliable pharmacies or clinics.

Beggars in places such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap may ask for milk powder for an infant in arms. Some foreigners succumb to the urge to help, but the beggars usually request the most expensive milk formula available and return it to the shop to split the proceeds after the handover.

Tasks:

Accountancy

• monitors preparation, registration and posting of all documents and transactions into accounting system
• supports local financial staff in case of doubts on how to proceed in non-standard situation

Economics

• participates in allocation of shared costs
• monitors correct coding of costs per project
• participates in project budget preparation, mission budget and cost coverage
• cooperates in the preparations of financial reports

Logistics and HR

• supports logistics and HR teams in organising their work process and designing sustainable systems
• fosters cooperation between programs and logistics to increase procurement efficiency

Local Team Capacity Building

• provides guidance in financial processes to program staff
• Suggests improvements to used templates and tools to support smooth administration of financial transactions
• participate in capacity building activities both for local team and partners

 

Apprenticeship

Tailor-made apprenticeship will be held in Prague in April 2019

 

Required competences:

Transversal competences:

• Working with others, team player
• Self-awareness and resilience
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Performing all duties appropriately for multi-cultural environment, treating all persons with dignity and respect
• Common sense

Specific Competences:

• Operating safely and securely at all times
• Understanding the humanitarian context of the EUAV Initiative and applying humanitarian principles

Technical competences:

• Experience in accountancy preferably with non-governmental organizations
• Good understanding of relevant development issues
• Understanding of double entry accountancy
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written including fluency in written and spoken English
• Capacity to make complex technical/financial information accessible and usable by non-specialist
• Ability to organize and plan effectively, recognize priorities
• Analytical and strategic skills
• Advance knowledge of MS Excel

 

Eligibility and exception criteria:

The candidate for EU Aid Volunteers must be a citizen of the EU or a third country national who is a long-term resident in an EU Member State, and must have a minimum age of 18 years.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia provides wide range of services and it is relatively safe. Cambodia is a fairly liberal country, however prostitution and drugs are prohibited and you can be arrested if you engage in these illegal activities.

The official and widely spoken language in Cambodia is Khmer. The indigenous languages are spoken by ethnic minorities in the North-Eastern provinces of the country. English is widely spoken, especially in the cities. Cambodians take a lot of pride in their culture, history and language, it means a lot to Cambodians when visitors make an effort to learn a bit of the local language. It can also make your stay a lot easier to know a few key terms.

The Climate in Cambodia is tropical with three seasons mid-December – end February: dry and cool(er) March – end May: dry and hot June – November: wet and hot

Generally, living and traveling in and around Cambodia is safe, though might be not that much comfortable because of distances and roads conditions. Cambodia does not require obligatory vaccinations. It is however recommended to update your vaccination book before coming to Cambodia. The dentist services are available in Phnom Penh and are quite reliable just like other medical services.

 

Minimum Requirements

• advanced Excel skills
• advanced level of English - both written and spoken
• administrative or finance experience
• experience in accountancy

 

Learning Opportunities

A structured learning and development plan will be developed for each EU Aid Volunteer. This will include: self-assessment, structured learning and development plan reviews, on-line learning, peer-to-peer support, a two-week EU-run training, followed by PIN induction/apprenticeship. EU Aid Volunteers will also have an assigned Mentor for the entirety of their volunteer placement with PIN.
This is combined with line management in country from an experienced humanitarian professional.
• Opportunity for learning and professional growth at well settled humanitarian mission of PIN

 

Working and Living Conditions

Contract: EU Aid Volunteer Agreement

Volunteer Allowance: In line with EU Aid Volunteer subsistence allowances:
Whilst in Cambodia €335,82 per month
Whilst in the Czech Republic €401,64 per month

 

Accommodation

Accommodation when deployed in Cambodia will be provided by PIN.

At the end of volunteer placement an allowance of €100/per each month deployed will be provided as a resettlement allowance.

 

Travel
A return flight will be provided to Cambodia from the EU Aid Volunteers home country or from the Czech Republic upon apprenticeship completion.

The cost of pre-departure preparations; insurance, medical clearance and vaccinations will be provided.

 

Line Management and Mentoring

Line Manager whilst deployed – HoSO Cambodia

Mentor – Mentor based in Prague assigned for the entirety of the volunteer placement with PIN.

 

Shortlisting and Interviews:

Shortlisting and interviews will be conducted between January 5, 2019 and February 8, 2019

 

Interview Process:

Pre-selected candidates will be contacted and requested to record a video-questionnaire. If successful, two rounds of interviews will be carried out (by Sending and Hosting organisations).

 

Expected date decision on outcome15/02/2019

 

How to Apply:

Please send us your CV in EuroPass format and Self assessment form till 15th January, 2019 by clicking on following link. The EuroPass CV template as well as the Self-assessment form you can find here.