Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
References
Volunteer Experience
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Chhith Sam Ath

Chhith Sam Ath

Phnom Penh

Summary

Distinguished senior development and policy leader with over 30 years of experience in environmental governance, climate change policy, natural resource management, and inclusive development across Cambodia and the Mekong region. Proven record in designing and implementing multi-million-dollar, donor-funded programs (USAID, ADB, EU, SDC), and in leading high-level strategic engagement with government, academia, and development partners. Skilled in policy advocacy, research-to-policy dialogue, and institutional capacity building with strong experience in grant acquisition and management, monitoring and evaluation, and results-based planning. Brings a collaborative and strategic leadership style, fostering national and regional partnerships to influence policy, strengthen institutional impact, and advance sustainable and inclusive development. Fluent in Khmer and English, with strong communication skills and a demonstrated commitment to social equity and community empowerment.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Conserve Activity

Tetra Tech ARD
Phnom Penh
11.2023 - Current
  • Member of the senior management team for a five-year, $23.8 million program focused on improving and maintaining the health of forest and freshwater ecosystems in and around the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tonle Sap Flooded Forest (Zone 3), and coastal zones.
  • Manage two Conserve site offices in Preah Vihear and Srae Ambel (Koh Kong province), and oversee the development and implementation of activity plans, including management of 250 small grants to Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and coordination with Grant Technical Coordinators (GTCs).
  • Provide technical leadership across key components, including livelihood improvement, water and sanitation, ecotourism, biodiversity research and monitoring, and governance.
  • Strengthen stakeholder engagement with the private sector, CBOs, NGOs, and Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) ministries, including the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, Cambodia Development Council (CDC), and sub-national authorities.
  • Represent Conserve in engagements with government agencies, development partners, and donors during the absence of the Chief of Party.
  • Lead staff capacity building in project management, proposal development, results-based reporting, climate change, carbon financing, financial literacy, business planning, and adaptive project learning.
  • Ensure alignment between conservation and livelihood goals, including development of NTFP value chains, fish processing, and vegetable cultivation.
  • Guided CBOs in developing proposals aligned with local needs and climate change adaptation and mitigation priorities, including crop selection and water supply for both conservation and domestic use.
  • Support grant management and monitoring for CBOs, NGOs, and private sector partners.
  • Oversee technical assessments, including REDD+ pre-feasibility studies in Tonle Sap and coastal areas, and support the development of benefit-sharing mechanisms and guidelines for Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, Phnom Thnout Wildlife Sanctuary, and blue carbon initiatives.
  • Led the development of an Organizational Capacity Development Tool and supported implementation of capacity-building plans for CBOs, including Community Protected Areas, Community Fisheries, Community Forestry, Producer Groups, and Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET) groups.
  • Facilitate reflection and learning on CBO grant implementation and institutional capacity development.
  • Coordinate with grant technical partners to ensure effective delivery of small grants and technical assessments and research, particularly for REDD+ feasibility and benefit-sharing initiatives, wildlife trade and micro finance.
  • Served as the focal point for gender and social inclusion, ensuring their effective mainstreaming throughout project implementation.

Freelance Consultant

Phnom Penh
08.2023 - 10.2023
  • Conducted two main assignments. The first was the evaluation of the activities for the NGO Forum on Cambodia and the subsequent development of their five-year strategic plan.
  • The second assignment was the mid-term evaluation of FAIR for ALL project of Oxfam program in Cambodia.
  • The results of the assignment were accepted by those organizations.

Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Greening Prey Lang (GPL) Activity

Tetra Tech
Phnom Penh
01.2019 - 07.2023
  • Serve as a member of the senior management team for a five-year, $23.7 million program focused on improving and maintaining the health of forest and freshwater ecosystems in and around the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Manage two landscape offices in Kampong Thom (50 staff) and Preah Vihear (62 staff).
  • Oversee planning and implementation of technical activities, including livelihood improvement, ecotourism, REDD+ consultations, biodiversity research and monitoring, law enforcement, zoning development, and governance.
  • Strengthen stakeholder engagement with the private sector, NGOs, and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), including Community Forests, Community Fisheries, Community Protected Areas, Agricultural Cooperatives, Water User Groups, Producer Groups, and others to ensure they are sustainable use of forest, water resources and economic improvements.
  • Support the development of protected area zoning and community land use plans through comprehensive data collection and stakeholder consultations.
  • Build staff capacity in project management, proposal development, results-based reporting, climate change, REDD+, and adaptive learning.
  • Ensure integration of conservation goals with improved livelihoods, including support for NTFP market value chains.
  • Enhance community and Ministry of Environment capacity in law enforcement, including development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), SMART patrol systems, and guidelines for Protected Area Management Platforms.
  • Support grant management and monitoring for CBOs, NGOs, and private sector partners.
  • Provide capacity building and small grants to 47 CBOs, focusing on conservation, livelihoods, water management, and governance, with the aim of enabling independent, sustainable fund management and increased climate resilience.
  • Co-led comprehensive assessment/research of development and climate change impacts on natural resources in the Prey Lang Extended Landscape, covering four interconnected areas: (1) climate; (2) ecosystems (terrestrial, freshwater, and protected areas); (3) value chains and livelihoods; and (4) institutional capacity.

Freelance Consultant

Phnom Penh
06.2018 - 12.2019
  • Conducted two main assignments. The first was the evaluation of the activities for the Committee for Free and Fair Election in Cambodia (COMFREL) and the subsequent develop of their five-year strategic plan.
  • The second assignment was the development of the scope of work for improving fishery community livelihoods around Tonle Sap and coastal areas for the new European funding project in Cambodia.

Executive Director

Hagar Cambodia
Phnom Penh
08.2017 - 05.2018
  • Managed the Hagar Cambodia offices in Phnom Penh and Battambang, overseeing the work of 85 staff and leading the senior management committee consisting of 7 persons.
  • Built and maintained relationships with RGC and NGO partners to formulate policies and training standards regarding family care and guidelines for child-friendly court procedures.
  • Led the management team of 7 people to ensure effective decision-making and implementation of the strategic plan.
  • Led and developed and implemented country strategy, ensuring sufficient funding for the strategic plan's implementation.
  • Mobilized fundraising and managed multiple donors including faith-based organizations and networks.
  • Ensured project monitoring and evaluation, as well as adaptive management.
  • Networked with Hagar networks and country offices.
  • Ensured communication and outreach for the organization through social media and other platforms.
  • Engaged with faith-based networks in the country and internationally to generate supports.

Country Director

World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Cambodia
Phnom Penh
01.2014 - 06.2017
  • Led vision, strategic planning, institutional development, and provided thought leadership on programs regarding protected areas zoning, tiger reintroduction, livelihoods improvement, biodiversity conservation, NTFP enterprises and value chain, trans-boundary conservation, environment education, CBO grants, and human-wildlife conflicts.
  • Led a 6-person senior management team and oversaw 96 staff, ensuring efficient office management in key areas such as finance and administration, people and development, partnership development, MEL, donor coordination and fundraising, and communications.
  • Promoted the vision and objectives of the WWF Cambodia Strategic Plan to external and internal stakeholders and participated in strategic partnership-building/fundraising approaches, effectively securing an annual budget of $4.2M.
  • Successfully managed multi-million-dollar funding from major donors, including the European Union (EU), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and various private foundations.
  • Represented WWF at technical working groups (e.g., Fishery, Forestry Reform) to provide inputs on the formulation of the Environment Code, Cambodia tiger introduction plan, updated forest law, and others.
  • Capacity building support for the improvement of law enforcement, SOP and patrols.
  • Additionally, I led the international campaign to stop Don Sahong Dam in the mainstream of the Mekong River and tiger reintroduction in Cambodia.
  • Led the team for water resource management for the conservation of Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphin through preparing zoning development and working closely with Government Counterparts of Fishery and Forestry Administration.
  • Engaged with the Mekong River Commission and Cambodian National Mekong Committee to provide inputs for the Mekong Basin development and transboundary management.
  • Supported Indigenous communities in developing communal land titling and oversaw the development of, spatial land use planning, participatory land use planning and communal land use plans (CLUPs) in Monludkiri province, working closely with the Provincial Department of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUP).
  • Ensured the effectiveness of the WWF communication and outreach strategy.
  • Coordinated with WWF Greater Mekong Countries to share experience and transboundary support and international networks.

Executive Director

NGO Forum on Cambodia
Phnom Penh
01.2005 - 12.2013
  • Led a management team of finance Manager, Communication Manager, Land and livelihoods Manager, Development Issues Manager and Finance Manager and Oversaw 35 staff and organizational and program management of the Cambodian NGO network of 250 local and international NGOs, such as Human Rights Watch, Global Witness, and Indigenous community networks in Thailand, to collectively advocate for key issues including land and natural resources management, climate change, and indigenous rights.
  • Represented and advocated on behalf of NGOs in high-level engagements with media, aid agencies, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) Parliament, and prominent events such as the REDD+ National Steering Committee, and the Government-Donor Coordination Committee (GDCC) meetings.
  • Led and coordinated NGOs and civil society organizations (CSOs) in developing a parallel report on the Cambodian government's implementation of climate change actions.
  • Represented the NGO community at the annual Conference of the Parties (COP), ensuring that civil society perspectives and voices were effectively presented and heard in global climate discussions.
  • Actively participated in Technical Working Groups on Land Reform, Forestry, Fisheries, and Gender, addressing key issues raised by member organizations.
  • Ensured gender inclusion across all policy advocacy efforts.
  • Applied human rights-based approaches in policy advocacy, Indigenous land rights initiatives, and efforts to promote participatory governance.
  • Coordinated and led successful advocacy campaigns to influence policies related to forest concessions, land economic concessions, hydropower development, sustainable agriculture (including reduced pesticide use), climate change, environmental codes, and the laws governing NGOs and associations.
  • Developed strategic, project, and budget plans for management and fundraising.
  • Provided input on strategic direction, policy advice, and advocacy strategies.
  • Secured funding for NGOF through fundraising efforts and donor management during my leadership and experience.
  • Monitored and evaluated the NGO program and implemented adaptive management in close consultation with NGO Forum members.
  • Strong communication skills through social media and other communication platforms.
  • Represented NGO Forum on Cambodia in regional and international advocacy networks.
  • Successfully advocated to stop forest concessions in 2005 and land economic concession in 2012 in Cambodia.

Partnership Programme Manager

CIDSE Cambodia
Phnom Penh
10.2001 - 12.2004
  • Managed and supervised the Partnership Department (PD), including staffing and activities, to ensure successful achievement of program objectives in alignment with organizational policies and strategies.
  • Coordinated the development of PD proposals, annual Project Implementation Plans (PIPs), program reports, and the long-term strategic Country Policy Document.
  • Provided capacity-building support to local partners and community-based organizations (CBOs) to enhance their project management effectiveness.
  • Developed quality management systems within partner organizations to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient use of grants.
  • Designed and implemented monitoring tools to measure program impact.
  • Supported 22 local NGOs by conducting capacity assessments and facilitating access to funding.
  • Designed and facilitated capacity-building strategies, including reflection workshops, coaching, and training sessions for partner organizations.
  • Assessed staff capacity needs, developed coaching plans, and provided guidance to enhance their performance and effectiveness.
  • Monitored monthly expenditure reports against budget allocations to ensure compliance and financial discipline.
  • Collaborated with the Ministry of Rural Development to build capacity among rural development staff.
  • Partnered with the Integrated Community Program to support education and literacy initiatives for Indigenous communities.
  • Advocated on behalf of partner organizations by raising critical issues—such as land conflicts, environmental concerns, and natural resource management—at high-level policy discussions and dialogues.
  • Coordinated with faith-based networks in the works to generate funding support for Cambodia projects.

Development Issue Manager

Phnom Penh
01.1999 - 12.2000
  • Coordinated NGOs and networks to advocate on economic development issues with the Cambodian government and development partners.
  • Ensured active engagement of NGOs/CSOs in national planning processes, monitored implementation, and facilitated dialogue with multilateral development banks.

Programme Officer and Founder

Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC)
Phnom Penh
12.1992 - 08.1997
  • Led the planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of ADHOC’s development programs across five provinces.
  • Ensured the link between human rights and development activities to ensure the Cambodian people have the basic rights and exercise their civil and political rights.
  • Managed rural credit and savings initiatives, support for water sanitation, education in partnership with local communities.
  • Conducted training for ADHOC staff—including credit and human rights teams—on organizational management, financial management, and project planning and implementation.
  • Delivered community education programs, including literacy improvement, and supported the construction of schools to expand access to education for children.
  • In addition to development work, engaged in lobbying and advocacy efforts with the NGO Forum on Cambodia, focusing on issues such as development aid, environmental protection, and civil society engagement.

GRC Officer, Day Eth Rice Research Station, Agronomy Department

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery
Kandal Province
11.1990 - 06.1992
  • Managed agricultural machinery, including repair, maintenance, and adaptation of equipment to suit local conditions.
  • Conducted research on rice varieties and fertilizer applications; selected optimal varieties and fertilizer formulas, including compost and natural fertilizers and transferred this knowledge to local farmers to ensure high productivity.
  • Developed and maintained irrigation systems to ensure an adequate water supply for dry season rice farming.
  • Preserved high-quality rice seeds and distributed them to farmers during the planting season.

Education

Certificate in High Performance Leadership -

IMD
Singapore
01.2016

Certificate in Leadership Excellent -

Independent Consultant
Cambodia
01.2015

Certificate in Project Management -

Hifab/Sida
Sweden
01.2005

Certificate in Organizational Capacity Building -

INTRAC
UK
01.2004

Certificate in Making Governance Gender Responsive -

CAWIP, Institute for Gender Governance and Leadership
The Philippines
01.2004

Certificate in Strategic Financial Management -

Mango
Thailand
01.2003

Master of Social Science (MSc.) - Regional and Rural Development Planning

Asian Institute of Technology
Thailand
01.1999

Bachelor’s Degree - Agricultural Engineering

Royal Agricultural Institute
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
01.1990

Skills

  • Strategic Leadership & Institutional Development
  • Policy Engagement & dialogue
  • Donor Relations & Grant Management
  • Research-to-Policy Dialogue
  • Partnership Development & Stakeholder Coordination
  • Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment
  • Capacity Building & Organizational Strengthening
  • Communication, Representation & Multilingual Engagement

Certification

I certify that the statements provided above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

References

  • Mr. Seng Bunra, Governance and Conservation Advisor, bseng@conservation.org, +855 (0) 12 835 352
  • Mr. Un Chakrey, Former Communication and Outreach Manager, USAID Conserve, Chakrey.un@gmail.com, +855 (0) 17 234 555
  • Mr. Moul Phath, Senior Project Manager, WCS, pmoul@wcs.org, +855 (0) 17 224 192

Volunteer Experience

NSC Member, UNDP National Steering Committee (NSC) of the UNDP GEF and Small grant, 09/01/12, 06/01/23, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Coordinated with other NSC members, including representatives from various government ministries and civil society organizations, to review, assess, and approve grant applications/proposals from Community-Based Organizations and local NGOs focused on climate change resilience, livelihood improvement, and natural resource conservation.

Languages

  • Khmer, Native
  • English, Fluent
  • Russian, Proficient

Timeline

Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Conserve Activity

Tetra Tech ARD
11.2023 - Current

Freelance Consultant

08.2023 - 10.2023

Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Greening Prey Lang (GPL) Activity

Tetra Tech
01.2019 - 07.2023

Freelance Consultant

06.2018 - 12.2019

Executive Director

Hagar Cambodia
08.2017 - 05.2018

Country Director

World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Cambodia
01.2014 - 06.2017

Executive Director

NGO Forum on Cambodia
01.2005 - 12.2013

Partnership Programme Manager

CIDSE Cambodia
10.2001 - 12.2004

Development Issue Manager

01.1999 - 12.2000

Programme Officer and Founder

Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC)
12.1992 - 08.1997

GRC Officer, Day Eth Rice Research Station, Agronomy Department

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery
11.1990 - 06.1992

Certificate in High Performance Leadership -

IMD

Certificate in Leadership Excellent -

Independent Consultant

Certificate in Project Management -

Hifab/Sida

Certificate in Organizational Capacity Building -

INTRAC

Certificate in Making Governance Gender Responsive -

CAWIP, Institute for Gender Governance and Leadership

Certificate in Strategic Financial Management -

Mango

Master of Social Science (MSc.) - Regional and Rural Development Planning

Asian Institute of Technology

Bachelor’s Degree - Agricultural Engineering

Royal Agricultural Institute

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Chhith Sam Ath