Originally from Battambang, Theany graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the Royal University of Phnom Penh and holds a master’s degree in public finance and social policy from the Korea Development Institute, School of Public Policy and Management, Republic of Korea.

Before joining Oxfam, he spent almost three years working with unions to promote awareness of trade unionism among young people. He also worked as young economist for seven months in the General Department of Policy, Macroeconomic and Fiscal Department in the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Theany’s interest lies in economic redistribution. He became interested in Oxfam’s inequality program and joined the organization in 2017 as a Program Analyst for fiscal governance.

Redistributing Benefits to Vulnerable People Through Policy Reform

Theany works closely with partner organizations, development partners and the government to help improve fiscal systems and policies, from revenue collection, budgeting and execution to making sure that citizens including vulnerable groups benefit from the government’s policies.

“This work in Oxfam really inspires me because it allows me to contribute to government policies for the sake of my fellow citizens. Together with our CSO colleagues, we build capacity and empower citizens to become more active in demanding accountability and transparency,” explained Theany.

Challenges and Opportunity for Self-Development

Policy debate, advocacy ability and influence exertion in fiscal governance take time along with willingness and commitment. This challenge has helped Theany to constantly develop his policy debate skills, empower others to advocate more effectively, and build capacity of NGO partners. “The fiscal governance program really matches my skillset and Oxfam’s mission matches my values. So I feel motivated to overcome the challenges,” concluded Theany. 

Other organizations do similar things, but Oxfam is outstanding. Oxfam is an organization that works with serious commitment on various issues, thus making real changes to governance.