Expertise: agriculture, irrigation, water resources
Expertise Group: Agriculture/Rural Development
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords:
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is assisting the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Ministry of Water
Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) in developing the Cambodia Resilient River Basins Masterplan (CRRBM).
This comprehensive initiative will conduct a long-term future assessment of Cambodia’s water security
and river basin management. The CRRBM will evaluate current and future challenges to water security,
identify risks posed by climate change, natural disasters, and development programs, and propose
actionable solutions. It will offer recommendations to improve policies, institutional frameworks,
capacity building, and infrastructure investments, enhancing Cambodia’s resilience and ensuring
sustainable water security.
The CRRBM will build upon prior assessments, sector investment plans, and studies conducted by the
government and development partners. It will incorporate evaluations and insights from the design,
implementation and management of past and ongoing initiatives—such as national water resource
strategies, irrigation investment roadmaps, climate adaptation plans, and infrastructure investments. By
embedding lessons learned and actionable recommendations, the CRRBM will ensure continuity and alignment
with ongoing efforts while strengthening implementation and management performance for sustainable and
resilient water resource management.
The CRRBM will also account for existing and planned investments, including those under nationally
determined contributions, five-year development plans, and programs supported by multilateral and
bilateral development partners. To ensure a holistic and inclusive approach, the CRRBM will emphasize
cross-sector participation, engaging stakeholders from agriculture, energy, urban planning, industries,
and environmental sectors. Institutional coordination will be prioritized to align efforts across
ministries and agencies, fostering synergies and reducing overlaps. By integrating these elements, the
CRRBM aims to provide actionable recommendations to address gaps, enhance water security, and build
resilience in river basin management through a collaborative and well-coordinated framework.
The CRRBM will be developed in phases to comprehensively address all economic poles and river basin
groups across the country. The initial phase will focus on the river basins within Economic Pole 4,
encompassing the provinces of Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, and Banteay Meanchey and priority investment
recommendations will be considered for inclusion under the proposed Second Integrated Water Resources
Management Project (SIWRMP). Subsequent CRRBM phases will gradually expand the masterplan to include
other regions and river basins, ensuring a nationwide, integrated approach.
As part of the ongoing ADB-financed Cambodia: Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project (IAIP), MOWRAM
is establishing the National Water Resources Management and Data Center (NWRMDC). The center will be
equipped with advanced weather and hydrometeorological stations, state-of-the-art operating systems, and
dedicated staff resources. Once fully operational, the NWRMDC is envisioned to serve as Cambodia’s
central hub for monitoring, managing, and providing expert guidance on water resources management across
the country.
To support MOWRAM and the NWRMDC in preparing the CRRBM, ADB will engage a team of specialized experts,
referred to as the “CRRBM Consultants,” who will provide technical expertise and guidance throughout the
planning process.
Scope of Work
The Senior Water Resources Planning Specialist will assist ADB and MOWRAM in preparing the scope of the
CRRBM, its implementation arrangements, and the detailed terms of reference for the CRRBM Consultants.
The Specialist will also support ADB in recruiting the CRRBM Consultants and, subsequently, provide
ongoing independent advice and technical support as required throughout the preparation of the CRRBM.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
(i) Understand Cambodia’s relevant policies and laws and regulations, institutional arrangements.
(ii) Meet with relevant government agencies, ADB project officers, development partners, stakeholders,
and other consultants to gather information on past, present and planned relevant studies and
activities. For example, these may include assessments on climate change, water balances and floods;
irrigation, flood management, hydropower and urban water supply development plans; economic development,
spatial, industries, and agriculture development plans; nationally determined contributions, and
environmental protection plans.
(iii) Review all available background information and prepare a summary synthesis report on the status
of Cambodia’s water resources and river basin management and planning, with mapping of various
government ministry and development partner roles and activities. The report should include an analysis
of the challenges and opportunities to be further developed by the CRRBM.
(iv) Advise ADB and MOWRAM on the scope and implementation arrangements for preparing the CRRBM,
considering resource availability, priorities, and government requirements.
(v) Understand the government’s long-term ambition for NWRMDC, its operational status and capacity that
will likely be achieved under IAIP, and how it may support preparation of the CRRBM. Advise on (a)
possible further strengthening needs of the NWRMDC including additional weather monitoring equipment,
and (b) what role NWRMDC can provide in preparing the CRRBM.
(vi) Prepare the ADB technical assistance report (following ADB templates) for the CRRBM and the terms
of reference for the CRRBM Consultants.
(vii) Coordinate with the Senior Irrigation Planning and Design Specialist whom ADB will be recruiting
in parallel with this assignment to advise on MOWRAM’s proposed priority subprojects for the proposed
SIWRMP.
(viii) Support ADB with mobilizing the CRRBM Consultants and associated start up activities by advising
and reviewing outputs.
(ix) Participate in ADB missions and meetings with MOWRAM and relevant government agencies, development
partners, and key stakeholders, as necessary.
(x) Assist the ADB (a) during missions, (b) preparing aide memoires and MOUs, and (c) other related
tasks and document preparation, as necessary.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in water resources management,
environmental science, hydrology, or a related field, with a preference for post-graduate qualifications
in agriculture, irrigation, or water resources. They should have at least 15 years of experience
(preferably 20 years) in river basin and water resources management or environmental planning, including
expertise in preparing masterplans, investment roadmaps, and strategies for sustainable development.
Experience in Asia is highly desirable.
The candidate must demonstrate a strong background in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
approaches and their application in river basin planning and management. They should also have proven
experience in technical advisory services, climate change assessments, multi-stakeholder facilitation,
and coordination with government agencies, international organizations, and multilateral development
banks. Additional experience in preparing ADB TA documentation and detailed terms of references for
consultants is advantageous.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fluency in English, and the ability to effectively
engage with diverse stakeholders are essential for the role.
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 15 Years
