Terms of Reference - for the Position: Disability Inclusion Expert

Project: Progressing Gender Equality for All
Partner Institution: General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), Royal Government of Cambodia
Implemented by: Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) Facility – Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI)
Contract Duration: January – December 2026
Location: Cambodia

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 1.    Background

The Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) Facility supports ASEAN Member States to maximise the benefits of regional trade agreements. Through the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI), RT4D promotes Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in trade-related institutions and policies.

The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) of Cambodia has adopted an Organisational Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) Action Plan (2024–2026) to strengthen inclusive policies, systems, and workplace culture.

As part of Phase II implementation (2026), the project seeks to engage a qualified Disability Inclusion Consultant to provide technical assistance in strengthening disability-inclusive recruitment systems, reasonable accommodation measures, and inclusive workplace practices within GDCE.

2. Objective of the Consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to provide high-level technical expertise to support GDCE in implementing practical and sustainable disability-inclusive measures within its recruitment systems, human resource policies, and institutional practices.

The Consultant will ensure that disability inclusion is embedded within broader Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI/GEDSI) efforts.

3. Scope of Work

The Disability Inclusion consultant will work closely with GDCE focal points and the team to undertake the following:

3.1 Disability-Inclusive Recruitment

·         Review the disability-inclusive recruitment report developed during Phase I.

·         Support GDCE in prioritising key recommendations.

·         Develop a clear and practical implementation plan for selected recommendations.

·         Provide technical guidance to:

o    Improve accessibility of job announcements, application procedures, and interview processes.

o    Integrate reasonable accommodation into recruitment and onboarding procedures.

o    Identify adaptive equipment and workplace adjustments required.

o    Strengthen inclusive HR policies and guidelines.

3.2 Workplace Accommodation and Retention

·         Advise GDCE on reasonable accommodation frameworks and practical implementation approaches.

·         Support HR teams in establishing procedures to support staff with disabilities.

·         Provide guidance on inclusive workplace practices and retention strategies.

·         Contribute to internal consultations or awareness sessions, as required.

3.3 GEDSI Mainstreaming and Reporting

·         Ensure disability inclusion is integrated into relevant project activities and monitoring systems.

·         Provide inputs to the six-month progress report and final project completion report.

·         Contribute to documentation of lessons learned related to disability inclusion.

4. Expected Deliverables

The Consultant will deliver:

·         An implementation plan for selected disability-inclusive recruitment recommendations.

·         Technical advisory notes and tools (as required).

·         A brief progress update on implementation support provided.

·         Final summary report outlining results, recommendations, and next steps.

·         Inputs to project progress and completion reports.

All deliverables must be submitted in English (Khmer versions may be required for specific materials).

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

·         At least 10 years of professional experience in disability inclusion, inclusive employment, accessibility, or related fields.

·         Demonstrated experience working with government ministries, public institutions, or state agencies.

·         Proven technical expertise in disability-inclusive recruitment systems and workplace accommodation practices.

·         Strong understanding of national disability frameworks and international standards (e.g., CRPD).

·         Experience integrating disability inclusion within broader Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI/GEDSI) frameworks.

·         Experience in gender equality programming is an asset.

·         Experience working in Cambodia or Southeast Asia is highly desirable.

·         Strong analytical, facilitation, and advisory skills.

Language Requirements

·         Native or fluent Khmer (written and spoken).

·         Fluent English (written and spoken) with strong report-writing skills.

6. Reporting and Coordination

The Consultant will report to the TGEI Lead and work in close coordination with designated GDCE focal points. All key deliverables will require review and approval from RT4D/TGEI and GDCE.

The Consultant must comply with RT4D policies on safeguarding, child protection, PSEAH, confidentiality, and professional conduct.

7. Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit updated CV and sent to email: lien.tran@mekongeconomics.com

Please indicate “Application – Disability Inclusion Consultant (GDCE)” in the subject line.

Application Deadline: 4 February 2026 (12:00 PM Cambodia time)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.