Requests for Proposals

Request for Proposals for Development of a Cambodia Tri-Sectoral Strategy and Implementation Plan 2026–2030

Announcement Description

1. Background

Cambodia faces interconnected challenges in agriculture, water resource management, and rural development. Climate change, rural poverty, and fragmented sectoral planning continue to hinder sustainable development and economic progression. Cambodia has a predominantly rural economy (approximately 36.01% of the population in 2023), which requires a well-coordinated and integrated approach to agriculture, water, and rural development to achieve sustainable growth.

The Tri-sectoral Working Group in Cambodia is an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism formed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), and the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD). It was established to strengthen collaboration across the agriculture, water management, and rural development sectors, ensuring integrated planning and implementation of government priorities, including modern agricultural communities, water-user groups, and rural infrastructure. The group facilitates policy alignment, resource mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement to support the Royal Government of Cambodia's development strategies, including the Pentagonal Strategy, and aims to improve rural livelihoods, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable socio-economic growth.

Inter-ministerial coordination is facilitated by a Tri-sectoral Working Group Secretariat hosted by MAFF. The Tri-sectoral Working Group has approved a Concept Note to guide the development of a coordinated strategy and strategic plan for integrated agriculture, water, and rural development in Cambodia for 2026-2030. These Terms of Reference (TOR) outline the technical support required to develop that Strategy and Implementation Plan in alignment with Cambodia's priorities.

Expected Outcome

CAREER CATEGORY: Call for Proposals • LOCATION: Phnom Penh

RFP Number: RFP26-063

Domain Name: Agriculture

Assignment Duration: June - Dec 2026

 

2. Purpose

CAPRED seeks to engage a qualified consulting firm or consortium of firms (including national and/or international partners) to undertake the work to oversee the work of the consultants and ensure the quality and timeliness of deliverables.

 

3. Requirement

3.1 Key Tasks and Activities

In response to Cambodia's evolving rural economic and climate challenges, the scope of this work is to deliver a coordinated, inclusive and actionable strategy that prioritises catalytic interventions, strengthens institutional capacity and collaboration and provides a platform for joint investment and long-term impact. The assignment will support the formulation of a coordinated Strategy and Implementation Plan for Agriculture, Water and Rural Development in Cambodia (2026-2030).

The process will focus on designing a practical, evidence-based roadmap that aligns with the RGC's priorities, including the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1, Climate Change Strategic Plan, and sectoral policies across agriculture, water resources and rural development. The strategy will ensure these priorities are reflected in shared objectives, integrated intervention and institutional arrangements at national and sub-national levels. The assignment's scope will include facilitating inter-ministerial collaboration between MAFF, MOWRAM and MRD through the Tri-Sectoral Working Group Secretariat. Where appropriate, coordination with relevant existing CAPRED technical expertise will be conducted to ensure coherence and efficiency.

Cross-cutting themes to be incorporated include climate resilience, GEDSI, private sector engagement, and, as appropriate, practical and relevant, will be embedded throughout the strategy's design. The process will involve stakeholder consultations, analysis of existing policies and lessons learned, and the development of measurable strategic objectives supported by clear theories of change.

Please click the Attachment below for more information.

 

Eligibility

4. Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Required

  • Applications are open to Cambodian and/or international consulting firms or consortia with demonstrated experience relevant to integrated agriculture, water, and rural development in Cambodia or comparable contexts. Firms are encouraged to propose multidisciplinary teams that collectively meet the requirements below.
  • Organisational Requirements
    • Proven experience in the development of multisectoral or cross-ministerial strategies, investment plans, or implementation frameworks in low and middle-income country contexts.
    • Demonstrated understanding of Cambodia's policy and institutional landscape, particularly relating to agriculture, water resources, rural development, and climate resilience.
    • Experience supporting government-led planning and coordination processes, including facilitation of interministerial working groups and stakeholder consultations.
    • Strong analytical capacity, including the ability to undertake evidence-based sector analysis, develop theories of change, and translate analysis into practical and actionable strategies.
    • Demonstrated experience integrating GEDSI and climate resilience considerations into policy, strategy, or investment planning processes.
    • Capacity to deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines and to manage complex, consultative assignments involving multiple stakeholders.
  • Key Personnel Requirements
    • An International Team Leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, policy formulation, and cross sectoral coordination, preferably in Southeast Asia or comparable regions.
    • A Deputy Team Leader and/or senior national expert with strong contextual knowledge of Cambodia's agriculture,
    • water, or rural development sectors and experience engaging with government counterparts.
    • Additional team members with expertise across relevant areas, such as agriculture development, water and
    • irrigation, rural livelihoods, climate change, private sector engagement, GEDSI, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder facilitation.
    • Proven experience in producing high quality analytical reports, strategic documents, and presentation materials in English; Khmer language capability within the team is strongly preferred.

Submission Requirements

5. Evaluation criteria

CAPRED will use an objective and transparent process to evaluate all proposals received. Proposals will be assessed against the following criteria (in no particular order):

  1. Compliance with this Request for Proposals (RFP).
  2. Demonstrated understanding of the assignment objectives, scope, and Cambodia's sectoral and institutional context.
  3. Quality, relevance, and feasibility of the proposed methodology and approach.
  4. Organisational capacity and demonstrated experience delivering similar assignments.
  5. Qualifications, experience, and suitability of the proposed team.
  6. Integration of cross-cutting considerations, including GEDSI, climate resilience, and stakeholder engagement.
  7. Past performance and relevant examples of previous work (including referee checks).
  8. Value for money, as demonstrated through the proposed financial proposal.

Note: While price is a factor, greater emphasis will be placed on technical quality and the applicant's ability to deliver value for money. CAPRED reserves the right to contract more than one supplier, to vary contract terms, or not to award a contract as a result of this RFP. Any contract award will be subject to the completion of satisfactory due diligence in accordance with DFAT and CAPRED requirements and satisfactory reference checks.

Due diligence checks will be conducted on the consulting firm/s and individuals nominated in the RFP prior to awarding contract/s.

6. How to Apply

The proposals including the Technical and Financial Response Forms must be submitted no later than 5 pm (Phnom Penh time), 31 March 2026 by email provided in the contact details with " Cambodia Tri-Sectoral Strategy" in the subject line. Any proposals submitted after this time and date will not be considered.

CAPRED is available to answer questions or provide more details on the scope of work. Please send to with "Cambodia Tri-Sectoral Strategy-Enquiry" in the subject line.

 

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