Reviving and developing a community-based ecotourism project in Cambodia

Description of the reception facility

AMICA (International Mediation Assistance) AMICA is a French non-profit organization (under the 1901 law) founded in 1992. For over thirty years, it has been carrying out sustainable rural development projects in Cambodia focusing on water, education, health, and the local economy. Since 2005, it has been supporting the village of Cheung Kok (Kampong Cham province) in developing a community-based ecotourism and handicrafts program, run by the villagers themselves. AMICA maintains a presence on the ground through its local branch, AMICA Cambodia, with a permanent team (Aline Ros, Operations Manager; Bonik Kim, Local Representative).

The mission is part of a consortium: AMICA is leading the project, Village Monde (a Quebec-based Francophone NGO specializing in community-based tourism, with over 3,000 certified initiatives in some sixty countries and the VAOLO platform) is providing its marketing expertise, and the International Organisation of the Francophonie is funding the project with €30,000. The village of Cheung Kok is a co-funder and a key player in the initiative.

Project/Mission Description

The Cheung Kok community ecotourism project has just been selected by the International Organisation of La Francophonie as part of the Destination Eco-Talents 2026 call for projects — one of only two projects selected worldwide. It will receive €30,000 in funding, for a total budget of €42,770.

Cheung Kok is a traditional Khmer village that, since 2005, has developed a community-based tourism model focused on small-group immersion, encounters, and the promotion of local skills and knowledge: homestays, guided tours, craft workshops, agricultural work, and traditional meals. A portion of the proceeds goes to a Village Cooperation Fund, which finances, for the collective benefit, free French and English language instruction (65 students), microloans, access to clean water, road repairs, and solidarity loans to neighboring villages.

Before the pandemic, the village welcomed up to 6,000 visitors per year, generating approximately USD 20,000 in revenue. COVID-19 significantly disrupted this momentum: in 2025, Cheung Kok welcomed 4,362 visitors, generating USD 10,632. The project aims to return to pre-pandemic levels within 12 months (approximately 6,500 visitors, USD 22,000), and then double the average revenue per visitor within 24 months.

The volunteer will be at the operational heart of this relaunch, with a clear mandate, dedicated resources, and high-level strategic support. This is not an experiment, but the consolidation of a model proven over twenty years, directly benefiting around fifty people (70 women, 30 young people aged 18 to 35) and more than 350 indirect beneficiaries.

Assignment

Working directly with AMICA Cambodia, Village Monde and the village community, the volunteer will lead the (re)structuring of the village's ecotourism offering:

• Co-construct and formalize 6 to 8 tourism products: homestay accommodation, guided tours, craft workshops, cooking classes, agricultural activities, traditional meals, museum of agricultural practices.
• Create a self-guided geolocated tour route (Google Maps and 10 points of interest accessible via QR codes) and design the village flyer, in paper and digital versions.
• Set up a community catering point with 20 seats: light rehabilitation, equipment, organization of management by the village.
• Develop partnerships with destination management companies and river operators: targeted outreach to the five cruise companies calling at Kampong Cham (Mekong Smiles, Heritage Line, Pandaw, Viking, Aqua Expeditions).
• Overhaul the entire digital strategy: bilingual website with direct booking, promotional video, Google Business Profile and TripAdvisor listing, Instagram activity, French-language press relations (RFI, TV5 Monde, Le Petit Journal du Cambodge), partnerships with bloggers and influencers in responsible travel.
• Facilitate the village steering committee and consolidate monitoring and evaluation data for reporting to the OIF.

The mission thus covers a complete operational playing field: project management, commercial structuring, digital marketing, B2B negotiation, intercultural mediation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting to an international donor.

Training

Higher education (Bachelor's +3 to Master's +5) in tourism, territorial development, project management, marketing/communication, social and solidarity economy, or related field.

Self-taught individuals or those undergoing career transitions with equivalent experience are also considered. The candidate must meet the legal eligibility requirements for International Solidarity Volunteer status (law of February 23, 2005).

Experience

Prior experience in project management is expected, along with the ability to work independently in a rural setting. The following are particularly valued:

• Experience or in-depth knowledge of the development and management of tourism products and services.
• Sensitivity to sustainable tourism and community development.
• Intercultural experience and, ideally, knowledge of the Southeast Asian context.
• Proficiency in digital tools: generative artificial intelligence, WordPress, social networks, Mailchimp or Brevo, content creation tools.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Driving licence B and ability to drive a scooter (100cc), as travel between the village and Kampong Cham is daily.

LANGUAGES

French: working language, fluent in written and spoken French (website content, communication materials and reports to the landlord).

English: essential proficiency — language of communication with the local team, destination management companies and cruise operators.

Khmer: no prior knowledge required; learning the basics on site is encouraged and facilitated by the local team.

Required qualities

• Strong autonomy and ability to take initiative.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and a taste for concrete results.
• Creativity and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills.
• Adaptability and resilience in a rural intercultural context.
• Meaning of cooperation: the project is built with the villagers, never in their place.

Others

Mission conditions

• Status: International Solidarity Volunteer (VSI) contract, 12 months.
• Compensation: USD 800 per month.
• Accommodation provided in Kampong Cham, charges included (electricity, water, etc.).
• Motorcycle provided, insurance included.
• Social security and insurance covered under the VSI status.
• Return airfare covered.

Supervision and work environment

• Direct supervision by Éric Mangin, president of AMICA, social entrepreneur and pioneer of the digitalization of responsible travel, with continuous methodological support from the Village Monde team and access to an international community tourism network.
• A dedicated local team and a long-standing relationship of trust with the community: Aline Ros, operational manager, and Bonik Kim, local representative of AMICA.
• International visibility: OIF-labelled project, promotion within Francophonie networks (notably via the INGO Commission D), targeted press coverage and contribution to a broader effort to structure sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia.
• A village on a human scale, where the impact of the work done can be seen every day.

Learn more: amica-web.com

To apply

Applications are open and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Send a CV and cover letter to: Eric Mangin, President of AMICA — eric.mangin@gmail.com