This position is responsible for overseeing the identification, valuation, acquisition, and strategic development of distressed real estate assets in Cambodia. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in understanding Cambodia's unique legal and market environment, and through thorough due diligence, innovative development strategies, and robust risk management, transform distressed assets into high-value properties.

• Market Analysis and Opportunity Identification: Analyze Cambodian economic trends, distressed real estate market data, and high-growth potential market segments (e.g., affordable housing, industrial real estate) to identify investment opportunities. Build and maintain strong relationships with local banks, microfinance institutions, real estate agencies, and informal networks to source distressed assets.
• Valuation and Financial Modeling: Conduct in-depth valuations of distressed collateralized real estate, applying market, income (including discounted cash flow), and cost approaches, adjusted for distressed sale conditions and data limitations. Develop comprehensive financial models to assess potential returns, cash flows, and investment viability.
• Due Diligence and Risk Assessment: Lead legal, financial, environmental, and operational due diligence processes. This includes thorough review of land title validity, encumbrances such as liens, mortgages, and hypothecs, pending disputes or inheritance issues, location within restricted zones, environmental risks and contamination issues, lease agreements, historical operating statements, property taxes, utility bills, budget and capital expenditure plans, tenant profiles and financial records, and squatter issues. Proactively identify and mitigate legal, regulatory, and operational risks inherent in the Cambodian market.
• Asset Acquisition and Negotiation: Structure and negotiate complex distressed asset acquisition transactions, including direct negotiations with financial institutions
• institutions and private sales. Draft and review legally binding Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPA).
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, including Cambodian land law, secured transactions law, foreign ownership regulations (e.g., utilizing trust structures for land acquisition), and tax incentives (stamp duty exemptions, capital gains tax deferral). Manage complex and potentially lengthy judicial foreclosure procedures when necessary.
• Property Utilization and Development: Formulate and execute strategic plans for acquired properties, focusing on value creation through repurposing, renovation, or new development. Understand local construction challenges (e.g., material shortages, skilled labor shortages, payment delays, permit delays) and permitting procedures and oversee projects.
• Asset Management and Exit Strategy: Implement effective asset management strategies to maximize asset value and address operational challenges. Develop and execute profitable exit strategies, leveraging market conditions and tax incentives.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively collaborate with various stakeholders, including legal advisors, valuation firms, financial institutions, government agencies, and local partners.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business Administration, Law, or a related field is required. Master's degree (MBA, Real Estate/Finance) or legal qualification (e.g., membership in the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia or relevant jurisdiction) is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in real estate investment, distressed asset management, private equity, or special situations investing, with a focus on emerging markets, preferably in Southeast Asia.
• Proven track record in the acquisition, valuation, and development of real estate assets with complex legal or financial issues.
• Experience conducting comprehensive due diligence (legal, financial, environmental, operational) for real estate transactions.
• Experience with the real estate development cycle, including planning, permitting, construction oversight, and project delivery.

Skills and Competencies:

• Distressed Real Estate Expertise: Deep understanding of distressed real estate markets, distressed asset valuation methodologies, and various resolution strategies (e.g., direct sale, restructuring, foreclosure).
• Financial Modeling and Analysis: Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, cash flow analysis, and investment appraisal (IRR, ROI, NPV) for complex real estate projects.
• Legal Acumen: Strong understanding of Cambodian real estate law, secured transactions, contract law, and insolvency procedures. Ability to interpret and navigate ambiguous legal frameworks.
• Negotiation and Communication: Excellent negotiation, persuasion, and interpersonal skills to manage diverse stakeholders, including financial institutions, property owners, and government officials.
• Problem-Solving and Strategic Thinking: Ability to identify complex problems, develop creative solutions, and make sound decisions in uncertain, high-pressure environments.
• Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously and effectively manage timelines and budgets.
• Local Market Knowledge: In-depth understanding of Cambodia's economic, political, and cultural environment, specific real estate market dynamics, and regulatory nuances.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Khmer is highly preferred for effective local engagement and negotiation.
• Integrity and Ethics: Strong commitment to ethical practices and transparency, especially given the informal aspects of the Cambodian market. (EOD)