2-3 opportunities

Contract: 1 year, renewable 

Contract date: August 1, 2026
Start date: August 4, 2026

Smiling Gecko School serves children who lack access to the foundational education they deserve to become fruitful global citizens. We are seeking a qualified, experienced Music Teacher. Smiling Gecko serves a provincial community by providing trades training to adults while educating the children with high-quality K-12 instruction that adheres to the Khmer national curriculum and international English standards. There are currently over 500 students from nursery to G8 and we will increase by 50 students each year. We are seeking teachers who are qualified and have a heart for our targeted demographic.

Ideal Qualifications:

• Love for children.
• Bachelor’s degree in education early and/or primary years.
• PGCE or state-level teaching license (preferred).
• Experience with Montessori
• Native English speaker.
• Experience teaching young children.
• Desire to elevate our students’ opportunities as global citizens.
  ***Video examples of leading performances and/or teaching sessions are much preferred***

Job Requirements:

General statement:

The primary function of the classroom teacher is to facilitate the development of the student in the cognitive, affective, ethical, and physical (include psycho-motor) domains of his/her growth. To this end the teacher will provide an educational program for the students and will assist in other school programs as required by the Director and contractual obligations.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Determines with the relevant administrator appropriate learning objectives for the class taking into account the school’s course of study and the assessed needs of the students.
• Plans appropriate learning experiences for individual, group, and class instruction
• Monitors student progress and evaluates the student’s achievement in relation to learning objectives
• Reports individual pupils’ progress to parents and school personnel through the preparation of reports and/or of conferences
• Creates, with the assistance of pupils, a functional, safe, attractive, and physically comfortable environment, to the furthest extent possible
• Maintains professional competence through participation in in-service educational activities provided by the school and/or self-elected professional growth activities.
• Performs basic attendance accounting, record keeping and clerical services as assigned
• Assists in the selection and requisitioning of books, instructional aids and supplies to the extent possible.
• Establishes and maintains acceptable standards of pupil behavior
• Administers any school testing program required by the administration
• Participates in curriculum development, program planning, school evaluation processes, and other faculty committees as required by the school administration.
• Shares in the sponsorship of student activities
• Plans and coordinates the work of teacher assistants where appropriate
• Works with colleagues, ancillary staff, parents, and community agencies in matters of mutual concern
• Participates with the administration to develop a continuous improvement plan for both the individual teacher and the school

Remuneration:

• Salary: USD 20’000.00 USD tax-free, net pay per annum. (savings potential 70%+)

Benefits:

• International Health insurance
• B-Visa Extension (For Expat Teachers)
• Work Permit (For Expat Teachers)
• Three meals per day
• Accommodation (dormitory room with private bathroom and air conditioning)
• Room cleaning service
• Laundry service
• Shuttle bus on weekends to Phnom Penh

Please submit letter of interest and CV to: barbara@smilinggecko-cambodia.org.
Email header: Kindergarten-Primary Teacher 2025-2026

Smiling Gecko, Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia (60km north of Phnom Penh)

3-6 months (or longer if available)

Are you passionate about culinary arts and empowering others through education?

We are looking for an experienced Chef to join Smiling Gecko (https://www.smilinggecko.ch/en) in Cambodia and play a pivotal role in training students and local Chefs in a hands-on, impactful culinary program.

Smiling Gecko has partnered with Global Swiss Learning to launch a high-quality culinary education program, designed to provide young Cambodians with the skills needed for a sustainable future. Through this collaboration, the program combines international expertise with local knowledge to create lasting impact and improve chances for employability.

About the Opportunity

This role is part of a larger initiative aimed at equipping young Cambodians with the skills they need to build sustainable livelihoods along the lines of the “learning for earning” concept. After an initial familiarisation with the surroundings, you will work closely with the students and mentor at least 1 local trainer under a “train the trainer” concept, helping to build long-term local capacity.

About us

Smiling Gecko is a unique and holistic development project based in rural Cambodia. Founded by Swiss photographer Dr. h.c. Hannes Schmid, the organization focuses on lifting families out of poverty through sustainable and socially impactful initiatives. Our cluster project integrates various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, craftsmanship, industry, education, and vocational training, creating opportunities for local communities to thrive.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that economic and ecological sustainability go hand in hand. We provide families with dignified work opportunities while ensuring their children receive access to education and proper nutrition. Smiling Gecko’s efforts have directly impacted countless lives, providing individuals with the tools to achieve financial independence and build a better future. By joining us, you become part of a transformative journey that combines innovation, compassion, and cultural respect.

Key Responsibilities

• Training & Mentorship: Conduct hands-on culinary training sessions for students and mentor at least 1 local trainer to ensure knowledge transfer and sustainability.
• Recipe & Menu Planning: Develop and teach recipes that balance nutritional value, local preferences, and cost-efficiency.
• Standards & Hygiene: Instill high standards of food preparation, including HACCP principles and kitchen safety.
• Team Building: Foster a positive learning environment that encourages teamwork and creativity.
• Feedback & Reporting: Provide regular feedback to the students and trainers, and report progress to the NGO leadership.

Your Profile

• Several years of professional experience as a chef or culinary trainer.
• Expertise in various cuisines, with an openness to adapting to local Cambodian ingredients and preferences.
• Strong teaching, mentoring, or training skills; previous experience in a similar setting is a plus.
• Passionate about intercultural exchange and respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Fluency in English
• Commitment to an assignment of at least 3-6 month assignment.

What We Offer

• A unique and fulfilling opportunity to contribute to a meaningful development project.
• Accommodation and meals provided on-site.
• Reimbursement for travel expenses.
• A supportive and dynamic team environment.
• A chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young Cambodians and the local community.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a brief motivation letter highlighting your experience and interest in this role to Thomas Hemschemeier.
hemschemeier@smilinggecko.ch

1 March 2026 – 31 July 2027

Smiling Gecko School, Kampong Chhnang Province, Cambodia

Your responsibilities:

• You enjoy working with teachers to integrate IT resources into lessons, developing approaches for doing so and implementing teaching ideas with class and/or subject teachers.
• You help shape a forward-looking approach to media and IT.
• You demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, teamwork and responsibility.
• Familiarity with ISTE standards for the use of technology in education.

Education, certification and qualifications:

• Practical teaching experience in kindergarten, primary and/or lower secondary education.
• In addition: a CAS qualification in educational ICT support (PICTS).
• Extensive IT knowledge of macOS, iOS and Office 365.
• English at B2 level; C1 preferred.

Salary and benefits:

• Attractive salary with opportunities to save
• Income tax paid by the employer
• International health insurance paid by the employer
• Work permit paid by the employer
• Cambodian visa for the employment period paid by the employer
• Living expenses: meals, accommodation, laundry and cleaning
• Scheduled shuttle service between Phnom Penh and the school, subject to seat availability
• Relocation travel: outward and return journeys paid by the employer

Smiling Gecko School offers meaningful, exciting and challenging work. Please note: your educational ICT support role may also include technical ICT support (TICTS) duties.

Please email your cover letter and CV with a photograph as a single PDF document to: Barbara Beaufait, Director
barbara@smilinggecko-cambodia.org

Contract: 1 year, renewable

Start date: August 1, 2026

Smiling Gecko School serves children who lack access to the foundational education they deserve to become fruitful global citizens. We are seeking a qualified, experienced Music Teacher. Smiling Gecko serves a provincial community by providing trades training to adults while educating the children with high-quality K-12 instruction that adheres to the Khmer national curriculum and international English standards. There are currently over 500 students from nursery to G8 and we will increase by 50 students each year. We are seeking teachers who are qualified and have a heart for our targeted demographic.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education
• PGCE or state-level teaching license (preferred).
• TESOL certification.
• Native English speaker or at least B2-C1 CEFR level.
• Experience teaching in the indicated disciplines.
• Love for children.
• Desire to elevate our students‘ opportunities as global citizens.
  ***Video examples of leading performances and/or teaching sessions are very preferred***

Job Requirements:

• Design and implement Music/Choir curriculum, unit and lesson plans, grading and reporting guidelines in alignment with international learning standards.
• Educate students on the fundamental concepts of music theory such as rhythm, melody, pitch, and tempo.
• Conduct exercises like vocalization, harmonizing, singing, and playing musical instruments.
• Plan, prepare, and assess musical activities and performances, collaborating with colleagues on concerts and school events.
• Lead, instruct, and manage students in a variety of musical activities, including vocal warm-ups, vocal production, music theory, sight-reading, and performance.

Remuneration:

• Salary: USD 20’000.00 USD tax-free, net pay per annum. (savings potential 70%+)

Benefits:

• International Health insurance
• B-Visa Extension (For Expat Teachers)
• Work Permit (For Expat Teachers)
• Three meals per day
• Accommodation (dormitory room with private bathroom and air conditioning)
• Room cleaning service
• Laundry service
• Shuttle bus on weekends to Phnom Penh

Please submit letter of interest and CV to: barbara@smilinggecko-cambodia.org.

Email header: Music Teacher 2025-2026

Would you like to support our holistic development project in Cambodia and embark on an adventure?
Smiling Gecko is a unique development project in rural Cambodia (www.smilinggecko.ch). Thanks to the initiative of Swiss photographer Dr h.c. Hannes Schmid, an integrated project is taking shape in the northern province of Kampong Chhnang, spanning agriculture, tourism, skilled trades, industry, vocational training and schooling. Smiling Gecko helps families escape poverty by offering work in economically and environmentally sustainable projects that provide an income and education for their children.
Smiling Gecko is growing. For the bakery within our Food Processing Center in Cambodia, we regularly seek a

Baker / pastry chef

AS A VOLUNTEER (MINIMUM 6 MONTHS) OR EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEE (MINIMUM 1 YEAR)

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing the bakery
• Coaching and training our local trainees and staff
• Testing new recipes
• Maintaining the bakery and all its equipment
• Contributing marketing ideas for the sale of SGC products
• Working with the head of the central kitchen
• Working with the head of the restaurant kitchen
• Administrative tasks

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

• A qualification as a baker / pastry chef
• Relevant professional experience as a baker / pastry chef and trainer
• A passion for producing bread and baked goods
• Good English skills
• An independent working style and resilience
• Interpersonal skills, an outgoing manner and flexibility
• A willingness to work in a team and train keen young learners in your field with empathy
• Enjoyment of working in an intercultural setting
• A commitment of at least 6 months

WHAT WE OFFER

• A challenging role in an innovative development project
• Varied, interesting work in an exceptionally engaging environment
• Opportunities for personal development and support across disciplines
• Travel costs covered
• Accommodation and meals on site
• Volunteer allowance of USD 250.00 per month

If you would like to use your experience and knowledge for a good cause and take responsibility in an innovative international development project, please email your application, including your CV and cover letter, to Smiling Gecko Switzerland, Thomas Hemschemeier, info@smilinggecko.ch

Would you like to support our holistic development project in Cambodia and embark on an adventure? For our social project in Cambodia, we are looking for a

Butcher

FOR OUR BUTCHERY IN THE FOOD PROCESSING CENTER

Smiling Gecko is a unique development project in rural Cambodia (smilinggecko.ch). Thanks to the initiative of Swiss photographer Dr h.c. Hannes Schmid, an integrated project is taking shape in the northern province of Kampong Chhnang, spanning agriculture, tourism, skilled trades, industry, vocational training and schooling. Smiling Gecko helps families escape poverty through work in economically and environmentally sustainable projects that provide a fair income and education for their children. The Smiling Gecko butchery is a natural extension of our agricultural production chain. Since December 2018, it has processed pigs and chickens from Smiling Gecko’s farms. The products supply farming families, the Farmhouse, the school canteen and the wider market. As in all Smiling Gecko projects, special emphasis is placed on giving young Cambodians professional training from experienced specialists. The butchery provides training and employment for up to 10 young Cambodians.

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing the butchery
• Coaching and training our local trainees and staff
• Maintaining the slaughterhouse and all its equipment
• Contributing marketing ideas for the sale of SGC products
• Working with the head of the central kitchen
• Working with the heads of poultry and cattle farming
• Administrative tasks

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

• Completed vocational training and professional experience as a butcher, particularly in processing chickens and pigs, and ideally fish
• Further training in meat processing
• Very good English skills
• Strong communication and motivational skills, with initiative
• Leadership experience and the ability to lead decisively
• An independent, ambitious and innovative team player
• Strong interpersonal skills, an outgoing manner and flexibility
• Respect for local culture and enjoyment of working in an intercultural setting
• A positive, engaging personality
• A commitment of at least six months, preferably longer

WHAT WE OFFER

• A challenging role in an innovative development project
• Varied, interesting work in an exceptionally engaging environment.
• Opportunities for personal development and support across disciplines.
• Travel costs covered
• Accommodation & meals on site
• Volunteer allowance of USD 250.00 per month, or remuneration on local expatriate terms for placements of at least one year

If you would like to use your experience and knowledge for a good cause and take responsibility in an innovative international development project, please email your application, including your CV and cover letter, to Smiling Gecko Switzerland, Thomas Hemschemeier, info@smilinggecko.ch

Would you like to support our holistic development project in Cambodia and embark on an adventure? Smiling Gecko is a unique development project in rural Cambodia (www.smilinggecko.ch). Thanks to the initiative of Swiss photographer Dr h.c. Hannes Schmid, an integrated project is taking shape in Kampong Chhnang Province, spanning agriculture, tourism, skilled trades, industry, vocational training and schooling. Smiling Gecko helps families escape poverty through work in economically and environmentally sustainable projects that provide an income and education for their children. As Smiling Gecko grows, we regularly seek volunteers to contribute their experience and skills as a

Metalworker

FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS WITH OUR ORGANISATION.

You will support Smiling Gecko Cambodia’s Facility Management team, including training, mentoring and supporting local staff. You will help the department complete its work smoothly and efficiently. As a metalworker, you will have operational responsibility for metalwork across the project and report directly to the Deputy Executive Director and Managing Director. You will also work closely with Smiling Gecko’s other project and training departments to ensure that metal fabrication and repairs meet the needs of the various construction projects.

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Training young Cambodians in metalworking and welding
• Carrying out, developing and updating metalworking and welding activities
• Building and repairing metal components and machinery for agriculture, carpentry, fish farming and other Smiling Gecko departments
• Planning and improving Smiling Gecko’s metalworking facilities, including workspaces, materials and tools
• Drawing construction plans for metal structures
• Monitoring objectives, planning and implementation
• Responsibility for the costs and sustainability of metalworking projects
• Developing and improving training plans and supporting documents together with the Facility Manager and SGC’s Vocational Training department
• Daily activity reports and documentation of repairs and production work
• Administrative tasks

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

• Completed vocational training and relevant professional experience as a metalworker
• A willingness to work in a team and train keen young learners in your field with empathy
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to work in a project team
• Interpersonal skills, an outgoing manner, flexibility and cultural sensitivity
• An independent working style and resilience
• Very good English skills
• Enjoyment of working in an intercultural setting
• A commitment of at least 6 months

WHAT WE OFFER

• A challenging role in an innovative development project
• Varied, interesting work in an exceptionally engaging environment
• Opportunities for personal development and support across disciplines
• Travel costs covered
• Accommodation and meals on site
• Volunteer allowance of USD 250.00 per month

TIMING

• Immediate and ongoing opportunities

If you would like to use your experience and knowledge for a good cause and take responsibility in an innovative international development project, please email your application, including your CV and cover letter, to Smiling Gecko Switzerland, Thomas Hemschemeier, info@smilinggecko.ch

Would you like to support our holistic development project in Cambodia and embark on an adventure? For our carpentry workshop, we regularly seek volunteers who would like to contribute their experience and skills as a

Carpenter

WITH A BSC IN WOOD TECHNOLOGY (FH) OR A TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA (HF)

for at least six months with our organisation.

Smiling Gecko is a unique development project in rural Cambodia (www.smilinggecko.ch). Our carpentry workshop began operating in 2016, creating additional jobs and training opportunities for what are currently 30 young Cambodians. The workshop carries out a wide range of work across the campus, reducing infrastructure construction and maintenance costs. In particular, it undertakes varied tasks in the expansion of the Smiling Gecko School. It also offers its services externally, generating additional local income for the overall project.

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

You will play a major role in expanding our school’s infrastructure, with a focus on producing timber frames for the school buildings. You will support the head of carpentry in training apprentices and in other workshop projects, including construction carpentry, interior fit-outs, kitchens and furniture.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

• Completed training and relevant professional experience as a carpenter, or a technician diploma (HF) or BSc in wood technology (FH)
• A willingness to work in a team and train keen young learners in your field with empathy
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to work in a project team
• Interpersonal skills, an outgoing manner, flexibility and cultural sensitivity
• An independent working style and resilience
• Very good English skills
• Enjoyment of working in an intercultural setting
• A commitment of at least 6 months

WHAT WE OFFER

• A challenging role in an innovative development project
• Varied, interesting work in an 800 m² carpentry workshop with up to 30 staff and trainees
• Participation in building an innovative modular model school, including classrooms and teachers’ accommodation
• Travel costs covered
• Accommodation & meals on site
• Volunteer allowance of USD 250.00 per month

TIMING

• Immediate and ongoing opportunities

If you would like to use your experience and knowledge for a good cause and take responsibility in an innovative international development project, please email your application, including your CV and cover letter, to Smiling Gecko Switzerland, Thomas Hemschemeier, info@smilinggecko.ch

Would you like to support our holistic development project in Cambodia and embark on an adventure?

Smiling Gecko is a unique development project in rural Cambodia (www.smilinggecko.ch). Our carpentry workshop began operating in 2016, creating additional jobs and training opportunities for what are currently 30 young Cambodians. The workshop carries out a wide range of work across the campus, reducing infrastructure construction and maintenance costs. In particular, it undertakes varied tasks in the expansion of the Smiling Gecko School. It also offers its services externally, generating additional local income for the overall project.

To lead our carpentry workshop in Cambodia, we are seeking a

Master carpenter

WITH A BSC IN WOOD TECHNOLOGY (FH) OR A TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA

to contribute to our organisation for at least six months.

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing the Smiling Gecko carpentry workshop
• Providing vocational training for our local trainees and staff
• Planning and costing carpentry projects, including construction carpentry, interior fit-outs, kitchens and furniture
• Playing a major role in expanding our Education Campus
• Budget responsibility for the carpentry workshop
• Responsibility for maintaining the workshop and all its machinery
• Contributing marketing ideas to sell additional wooden products
• Administrative tasks

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

• Completed training as a master carpenter, a technician diploma (HF) or a BSc in wood technology (FH), with relevant professional experience
• Experience training carpenters
• A willingness to work in a team and train keen young learners with empathy
• Flexibility, initiative and the ability to work in a project team
• Interpersonal skills, an outgoing manner, flexibility and cultural sensitivity
• An independent working style and resilience
• Very good English skills
• Enjoyment of working in an intercultural setting
• A commitment of at least one year, preferably longer

WHAT WE OFFER

• A challenging role in an innovative development project
• Varied, interesting work in an 800 m² carpentry workshop
• Responsibility for up to 30 staff and trainees
• Participation in building an innovative modular model school, including classrooms and teachers’ accommodation
• Opportunities for personal development and support across disciplines
• Travel costs covered
• Accommodation & meals on site
• Remuneration on local expatriate terms for placements of at least one year

If you would like to use your experience and knowledge for a good cause and take responsibility in an innovative international development project, please email your application, including your CV and cover letter, to Smiling Gecko Switzerland, Thomas Hemschemeier, info@smilinggecko.ch