Job information and recruitment service in Cambodia

This partnership aims to reduce barriers for low-skilled workers to find decent work through improving access to information for the applied labour sector in Cambodia; to positively influence job seeking and recruitment practices in the apparel industry by empowering disadvantaged women in the garment sector to make more informed employment choices; and engage with garment factories and value chain actors to gain a competitive advantage through positive and legitimate recruitment strategies. The partnership aims to develop a viable and sustainable business model and digital assets with the potential for scalability and application in other industries, sectors, and/or regions.

This initiative develops Cambodia’s first for-profit job listing and recruitment platform for the applied labour sector, to be known as Bong Srey, initially targeting the garment industry. Bong Srey provides job listing and referral services to low-skilled workers, most of whom are women. The platform provides access to job information and links to employment opportunities, improving choices for job-seekers and employers. Up to 200 factories and 300,000 low income households will have access to the service.

This initiative leverages Krawma’s position as a market leader in the job listing market, and The Asia Foundation’s program experience in expanding economic opportunities and empowering women. TAF manages initiative, liaising between and will liaise between Krawma, DFAT, the Garment Manufacturing Association of Cambodia, civil society organisations and private sector stakeholders. DFAT provides advocacy support to promote the service and, if successful in its initial phase, assist its scale-up across industries, sectors and regions.

This partnership creates shared value by reconceiving products and markets. Krawma’s job recruitment service market share and reputation have increased over the past 10 years despite the introduction of several well-resourced national and international competitors. By developing this new service stream, Krawma will be able to move into a new market, initially targeting the apparel sector, and increase its client base and sales of job listings. The service will improve information about jobs and facilitate better access to job opportunities for low-skilled low-income workers, particularly women.