Technical Expert (Rubber Market and Policy Analysis)

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The main aim of the FAO Representation in Cambodia is to assist government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Project Background

Cambodia boasts extensive natural rubber plantations, spanning 425,443 hectares with a total production of 407,209 tons in 2024. Traditionally, a substantial portion of this output has been destined for export as raw latex or semi-processed rubber. However, Cambodia's industrial sector is undergoing rapid transformation, marked by a significant influx of foreign investment, particularly from tire manufacturers establishing factories within the country. As of 2024-2025, several major tire brands have either commenced or are expanding operations in Cambodia, increasing manufacturing capacity and demand for natural rubber.

Despite this growing domestic demand, only 14% of the total rubber production in 2024 was utilized locally, with tire manufacturers predominantly importing rubber for their processing plants. This highlights a critical need to ensure that the current tax and tariff framework effectively promotes the use of local natural rubber over imported alternatives. Any misalignment in these policies could inadvertently disincentivize domestic sourcing, leading to missed opportunities for local value addition, employment generation, and improved farmer livelihoods.

These domestic challenges are compounded by intensifying competition from neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia—established leaders in the global rubber market. These countries benefit from well developed processing industries, advanced technologies, strong financial support systems, and lower production costs. Thailand remains one of the world’s top natural rubber exporters with a diversified processing sector, while Vietnam has rapidly expanded its rubber based manufacturing capabilities and maintains efficient supply chains and logistics networks. As a result, they present highly competitive sourcing including Cambodia’s unprocessed natural rubbers and investment environments and are generally more attractive to international buyers.

This regional competition places additional pressure on Cambodia’s natural rubber sector and highlights the need to improve the enabling environment and strengthen supply chain efficiency to support manufacturing expansion and diversification. At the same time, Cambodia’s current industrial trajectory presents a unique opportunity to align its strong rubber production base with its emerging industrial capabilities. With the right policy measures, Cambodia can pursue more diversified, value driven, and sustainable growth.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Expert (Rubber Market and Policy Analysis) will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in Cambodia, and under the technical oversight of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP). He/She will collaborate closely with FAO programme team, government counterparts, development partners, private sectorand agricultural cooperatives.

Technical Focus

The analysis includes an assessment of the local rubber market (supply and demand by product type), the current tax and tariff regimes for rubber import/export and tire production, and the economic impact of these policies on the competitiveness of local natural rubber in domestic tire manufacturing. It also provides actionable policy recommendations—such as tax and tariff adjustments and targeted incentives—to enhance the competitiveness of Cambodian natural rubber and strengthen the local tire value chain.

Tasks and responsibilities

Understanding the Landscape and Demand

•    Assess the rubber demands of local tire factories and identify their challenges in sourcing local rubber. This involves a deep dive into the specific needs of these manufacturers, understanding their current consumption patterns, quality requirements, and the practical difficulties they encounter when considering or attempting to procure natural rubber from Cambodian suppliers.

Analyzing the Policy Environment

•    Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current tax and tariff regime, involving:
o    Review all applicable regulations related to the export of natural rubber, the import of both natural and synthetic rubber, and the import and domestic production of car tires and their components within Cambodia.
o    Examine existing duties, taxes, and any other levies or incentives that influence the cost structure and trade flows of these crucial materials and products.
o    Assess the impact of these existing tax and tariff structures on the competitiveness of local natural rubber within the domestic car tire manufacturing sector, involving quantitative analysis to determine how current policies financially affect the attractiveness of using local rubber versus imported alternatives for tire production.

Identifying Barriers and Seeking Solutions

•    Identify potential disincentives or barriers within the current tax and tariff framework that hinder the greater uptake of Cambodian natural rubber by local tire factories, pinpointing specific policy elements that may inadvertently discourage local sourcing, whether through costs, administrative burdens, or other constraints.
•    Benchmark Cambodia's rubber and tire-related tax and tariff policies against those of comparable rubber-producing and tire-manufacturing countries both regionally and globally, highlighting best practices and identifying policy approaches that have successfully promoted local sourcing or industrial integration in those countries.

Crafting Actionable Recommendations

•    Support the development of actionable policy recommendations, including specific adjustments to taxes, tariffs, and potential incentive programs, to enhance the competitive advantage and overall attractiveness of Cambodian natural rubber for use in domestic car tire production, ultimately fostering a stronger, more integrated local value chain.
•    Provide technical support in consultation sessions with relevant stakeholders to present research findings and proposed policy options, gather feedback, and finalize the assignment report.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•    Advanced degree (Master’s degree) in Economics, Public Policy, International Trade, Industrial Engineering/Management, Agribusiness, or a closely related field;
•    At least 10 years of demonstrated experience in trade policy analysis, tariff/tax regime assessment, or industrial competitiveness studies;
•    Working knowledge of English;
•    National of Cambodia or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Strong quantitative analysis capabilities: modeling tariff/tax incidence, scenario analysis (e.g., effective rate of protection, landed cost comparisons), and basic cost-benefit reasoning;
•    Ability to interpret and synthesize legal/regulatory texts (tariffs, duties, VAT/excise, exemptions, incentives);
•    Proficiency with data tools and policy benchmarking frameworks;
•    Understanding of Cambodia’s trade/tax context (or readiness to quickly map it), and how tariffs, VAT/excise, and incentives affect domestic input substitution and industrial competitiveness;
•    Strong understanding of agricultural supply chain management;
•    Experience working with government, international organizations, and/or private sector;
•    Excellent analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal English communication skills;
•    Strong independent and teamwork abilities with good organization and time management;
•    Ability to write clear and concise technical documents.

Selection Criteria

•    Proven track record conducting sector-specific value chain analyses—ideally in agro commodities, or manufacturing inputs;
•    Experience working with or advising ministries, customs/tax authorities, and industry associations on policy design, regulatory review, or incentive frameworks;
•    Proven experience in conducting market research and feasibility studies;
•    Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills;
 

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

•    FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
•    Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
•    Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ [link removed]
•    For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ [link removed]
•    Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]

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