Introduction (API)

The Advocacy and Policy Institute (API) is a leading Cambodian capacity-building organization in the areas of advocacy, policy influencing, citizen engagement, and good governance. API is a non-profitable, non-governmental organization (NGO).

• Our Vision:  Cambodia has a national culture of harmony, with political and economic stability, sustainable development, democratic governance, and protection of human rights for a prosperous future for all.
• Our Mission: to serve the long-term democratic and social development needs of Cambodia through empowering people to interact with their government to protect their rights.
• Our Strategic Goal: By 2028, Cambodia is a more harmonious and inclusive society with sustainable development through economic empowerment, better management of climate risks, inclusive policies, good governance, and respect for democratic principles, human rights, and GEDSI.

Our Strategic Objectives (2024-28)

• Program Objective 1: Inclusive Policies, Democratic Governance, and Human Rights
• Program Objective 2: Economic Development and the Informal Economy
• Program Objective 3: Climate Action and Environmental Justice
• Program Objective 4: Civil Society Sustainability and Resilience

Project Summary Background

Project Strengthening Civic Engagement and Oversight in Public Financial Management (SCOPE-PFM) was funded by the EU/Oxfam from 04 June 2025 to 31 May 2028. It was implemented by the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API) in six provinces/capitals across ten Districts/Municipalities/Khans, aiming to enhance citizens’ meaningful engagement in PFM at the national and subnational levels.

The project’s target districts, municipalities, and Khan (DMK) are Krong Serei Sophoan and Mongkul Borei in Banteay Meanchey province. Phnom Kravanh, Krakor, and Krong Pursat in Pursat province. Thpong in Kampong Speu province. Prasat Ballangk and Sandan in Kampong Thom province, Krong Takmao in Kandal province, and Khan Sen Sok of Phnom Penh.

Project Summary Background

The SCOPE-PFM contributes to strengthening good governance and democracy by enhancing transparency, democratic accountability, inclusive public participation, and oversight in public financial management through collective advocacy by civil society organizations and the active engagement of citizens“.

• Outcome 1: To increase the capacity and coordination of CSOs and their networks in advocating for budget transparency, accountability, and oversight in education, social protection, public services, and natural resources, through joint initiatives and targeted capacity-building activities.
• Outcome 2: To improve citizen engagement in government policy formulation and enforcement through structured dialogues and by linking local challenges with national PFM policies and reforms.
• Outcome 3: To raise the awareness of citizens, particularly youth, women, and marginalised groups, to actively engage in and advocate for budget transparency, accountability, and oversight in public financial management.

How to apply

Interested individual consultants or consultancy firms are invited to apply for Budget Transparency Assessment (Activity 3.1.4.1), based on their qualifications and relevant expertise.

Application submission checklist — applicants must include all of the following:

1. Technical Proposal: Understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, sampling approach and sample size, data collection tools, analysis approach, workplan, timeline and availability.
2. Financial Proposal: An itemised budget stating the currency, daily fee, number of working days, other proposed costs and total price. The total quoted price must include all applicable taxes and VAT, where applicable. Show the fee subtotal, taxes/VAT and tax-inclusive total separately; state clearly where a tax does not apply. Identify assumptions and any costs to be covered directly by API to avoid duplication.
3. CV or Company Profile: Relevant qualifications and experience, similar assignments and CVs of proposed key personnel. Include at least two professional referees in the lead consultant’s CV, giving each referee’s name, position, organisation, email address, telephone number and working relationship to the applicant. Referees should be former clients or supervisors who can verify relevant work; obtain their agreement to be contacted by API.
4. Previous Work Samples: At least two relevant research reports, monitoring reports, policy analyses or comparable outputs demonstrating expertise in the assignment applied for. Indicate the client, year and applicant’s role for each sample. Provide accessible files or links and remove confidential information where necessary.

Business and Tax Documents: Consultancy firms and registered businesses should submit a copy of their valid Patent Tax Certificate, and VAT registration certificate where applicable. Individual applicants should state their tax-registration status and explain if a business certificate is not applicable.

Applications should be submitted electronically to apioffice@apiinstitute.org, with the email subject line: “Application for Research Consultant – Budget Transparency Assessment – 3.1.4.1”.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

API is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications are welcome from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other personal characteristics.

Women, persons with disabilities, and applicants from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. All applications will be assessed fairly based on the qualifications, experience, and technical requirements of the assignment.

Due to the expected volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Submitted applications and supporting documents will not be returned.

Application Deadline: 07 December 2026, by 5:00 PM (Cambodia time).

For more information about API and the consultancy opportunities, please visit www.apiinstitute.org.

Evaluation and Selection: All eligible applications will be assessed consistently against predetermined evaluation criteria, including technical qualifications and relevant experience, quality and feasibility of the proposed methodology, workplan and timeline, previous relevant assignments/work samples, financial proposal (price), capacity and availability, and overall value for money. The selection will consider both technical quality and cost and will not be based on the lowest price alone.

📧 Email: apioffice@apiinstitute.org

🗓️ Closing date:  07 December 2026 by 5 :00

📑 Detail TOR: TOR