Peace and Development Analyst

Host entity: UNRCO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Governance, elections, Communication, advocacy, public information, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 16/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations (UN) in Cambodia has a primary mission to promote peace, eradicate poverty, and protect human rights in Cambodia. The UN is committed to enhancing development effectiveness in alignment with the priorities, plans, and programs of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), civil society, and other key partners.

The UN Cooperation Framework in Cambodia is the central strategic document guiding the collective work of the United Nations system in support of the country’s sustainable development priorities. It outlines shared goals across human, economic, environmental, and social dimensions, with a strong foundation in human rights, gender equality, peace, and good governance. Developed in close partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia and other stakeholders, the Framework ensures that UN support is aligned with national development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 25 UN agencies, funds, and programmes have committed to supporting the implementation of the Framework. The UN Resident Coordinator (RC)—the highest representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cambodia—leads the UN Country Team (UNCT), comprising heads of UN agencies, in delivering on these shared goals.

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Cambodia supports the coordination and strategic leadership of the United Nations system in the country. Led by the UN Resident Coordinator—the highest-ranking UN official and representative of the UN Secretary-General—the RCO works to ensure coherent, effective, and integrated delivery of the UN Cooperation Framework. The Office provides policy analysis, facilitates partnerships, and supports collaboration across UN agencies to advance sustainable development, human rights, peace, and inclusive governance in Cambodia.

Assignment context

As Cambodia moves toward graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029, the country stands at a pivotal moment where progress in human rights, peace, and inclusive development must go hand in hand. To ensure a smooth and sustainable transition, it is essential to strengthen governance, rule of law, responsible business and social protection systems that uphold the rights and dignity of all people.

Promoting inclusive dialogue, protecting civic space, and addressing inequalities—especially among marginalized groups—are key to preventing conflict and fostering long-term peace. These elements are not only moral imperatives but also practical foundations for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring that no one is left behind in Cambodia’s development journey.

The UN Cooperation Framework in Cambodia 2024-2028 outlines four transformational outcomes across the human, economic, environmental, and social dimensions. These ambitions are grounded in the principles of human rights, gender equality, peace, and strong institutions. In the context of UN reform and Cambodia’s anticipated graduation from LDC status, the UN continues to play a vital role in convening inclusive dialogues among government and stakeholders, and in providing strategic policy advisory support.

The RCO supports the RC and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in coordinating the UN system’s efforts, including through analysis of national development trends, as well as political, economic, and human rights developments.

In the areas of peace and human rights, the RCO has supported the RC and UNCT in engaging with national partners on conflict prevention and sustaining peace; supporting research and risk management to ensure that UN strategies and programmes are conflict-sensitive and grounded in robust analysis; providing strategic advice for UN engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and development partners.

The UN Volunteer will support the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in advancing UN priorities in Cambodia, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, social inclusion, Leave No One Behind (LNOB), and human rights. The role involves contributing to data collection and analysis, monitoring political and human rights developments, and promoting a human rights-based approach to development. The UNV will also support stakeholder mapping and engagement, facilitate dialogue and coordination with government and civil society partners, and contribute to knowledge products such as reports and briefs.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
1. Support analysis: Contribute to the collection and analysis of data to inform UN programming in Cambodia, with a focus on peacebuilding, social inclusion, and human rights.
2. Monitor developments: Assist in monitoring political, social, and human rights developments, and support the promotion of a human rights-based approach to development.
3. Stakeholder engagement: Support the mapping and maintenance of a database of key national stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and development partners working on peace, inclusion, LNOB, and human rights.
4. Facilitate dialogue and coordination: Assist in organizing and coordinating dialogues, consultations, and engagements with stakeholders on peace, inclusion, and human rights issues.
5. Knowledge management and reporting: Contribute to drafting reports, meeting notes, communications and advocacy notes, and thematic briefs for the office.
6. Administrative support: Provide administrative and logistical support for meetings, events, and missions.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check-ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in:
• human rights, inclusive social development, and civil society engagement.
• Experience in drafting reports and taking meeting minutes.
• Demonstrated interest in working with national stakeholders, including government, civil society, and development partners.
• Experience coordinating activities in diverse and multicultural working environments.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:
• Basic research and analytical skills, including data collection and analysis.
• Proficiency in office computer programs, with strong analytical and writing skills.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Knowledge Sharing
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Working in Teams

Living conditions

Generally, Cambodia is a peaceful and stable country. Phnom Penh, the capital, offers a relatively safe and secure living environment. The cost of living is reasonable when compared to neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam. Cambodians are known for their honesty, gentle nature, and warm hospitality. Housing is accessible, with rental prices for accommodations near central office areas typically ranging from $500 to $700 per month per unit or room. In terms of climate, Cambodia is a humid tropical country, with average temperatures ranging from about 20°C during cooler periods to highs of around 35°C during warmer seasons.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.