Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy is the successful evaluation of plastic recycling technologies and their feasibility for adoption by SMEs in Cambodia, ensuring alignment with sustainable waste management practices and circular economy principles. The consultant will deliver a comprehensive technological feasibility study and Life-cycle Assessment that provides detailed insights into the environmental impacts of recycling processes, from resource extraction to disposal. Based on these findings, the consultant will offer actionable recommendations for optimising the use of recycling technologies, overcoming barriers to their adoption, and implementing environmentally responsible practices. Ultimately, these outcomes will contribute to the development of a sustainable, scalable, and environmentally sound plastic recycling ecosystem in Cambodia, empowering SMEs to play a pivotal role in reducing plastic pollution and advancing the circular economy.

Work Location

Remote (Home-based)

Expected duration

The consultancy is expected to span a period of 4 working months over a 5-month period, commencing as early as possible.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Background: (1) Organisation setting: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. As part of the Industry and Economy Division, UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) works with developing countries to implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, with focus on holistic waste management. UNEP-IETC provides technical and advisory support to national and local governments to enhance their use of environmentally sound strategies and approaches. UNEP-IETC also implements in-country demonstration projects using innovative waste prevention and management methods and technologies to improve human well-being, reduce the impact of climate change, increase resilience and create jobs. Working with a wide range of partners and in line with relevant multilateral environmental agreements, UNEP-IETC mission is to serve as a global centre of excellence on environmentally sound technologies with focus on integrated solid waste management. (2) Purpose: The project requires a consultant with specialised expertise in plastic waste recycling technologies and Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies in Cambodia. The consultant will evaluate the feasibility and environmental sustainability of small and medium enterprise (SME) plastic recycling initiatives in Cambodia by conducting a comprehensive assessment of available recycling technologies, including mechanical, chemical, and biological processes. This will involve determining the performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of these technologies within the local context, as well as identifying potential barriers to adoption, such as technical expertise, infrastructure, and financial requirements. The consultant will also be responsible for developing strategies to overcome these challenges. In addition, the consultant will undertake a Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of SME plastic recycling activities. This will include an assessment of the entire life cycle of the recycling processes—covering resource extraction, manufacturing, use, and disposal—to provide a comprehensive view of their environmental footprint. The LCA will be conducted in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Life Cycle Initiative, following internationally recognised methodologies and best practices. The consultant will be tasked with identifying potential environmental risks and developing mitigation strategies to minimise negative impacts such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while promoting resource efficiency and sustainable recycling practices. This consultancy aligns with UNEP-IETC’s work programme on sustainable waste management and technology assessment, contributing to the global agenda of promoting environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) and practices. The consultant’s work will support UNEP’s goals of advancing sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges through the adoption of innovative and effective recycling technologies that align with circular economy principles. Responsibilities: (1) Conduct a thorough evaluation of the available plastic recycling technologies in Cambodia, including mechanical, chemical, and biological processes. Assess the performance, reliability, and scalability of these technologies for SME operations, considering factors such as cost, technical requirements, and infrastructure suitability. (2) Identify potential barriers to the adoption of plastic recycling technologies by SMEs, including challenges related to cost, technical expertise, and infrastructure. Develop practical strategies and solutions to overcome these obstacles, enhancing the feasibility and effectiveness of recycling operations. (3) Undertake a comprehensive LCA of SME plastic recycling processes, evaluating environmental impacts across all life cycle stages—from resource extraction to disposal. Ensure the assessment is conducted using internationally recognised methodologies in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Life Cycle Initiative. (4) Identify and assess potential environmental risks associated with SME plastic recycling operations, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. Develop mitigation strategies to minimise these risks and promote practices that align with international environmental standards. (5) Prepare a detailed report that summarises the findings of the technological feasibility study and LCA. Provide actionable recommendations for improving the sustainability and scalability of SME plastic recycling technologies in Cambodia, while ensuring alignment with circular economy principles and resource efficiency goals. Expertise and Experience: (1) Strong knowledge of plastic waste recycling technologies, including mechanical, chemical, and biological processes. (2) Proven experience in conducting LCA, especially in evaluating the environmental impacts of recycling technologies and processes. (3) Familiarity with SME operations, specifically within the context of waste management and recycling. (4) Experience in identifying and overcoming technical and operational barriers related to technology adoption in waste management sectors. (5) Proven ability to collaborate with international organisations and apply globally recognised environmental standards and methodologies, such as those of the Life Cycle Initiative. The ideal consultant must possess strong expertise in plastic waste recycling technologies, covering mechanical, chemical, and biological processes, to accurately assess their suitability for SMEs in Cambodia. They should also have extensive experience in conducting LCA, particularly in evaluating the environmental impacts of various recycling processes. Familiarity with the operational dynamics of SMEs is essential to ensure that the recommendations align with the practical needs and capacities of small businesses. Moreover, the consultant must be adept at identifying barriers to technology adoption, such as technical, cost, and infrastructure challenges, and providing solutions to address these issues. Finally, experience working with international organisations and applying recognised environmental standards will ensure that the LCA and recommendations are globally aligned, supporting the sustainability goals of the project. B. Duties: (A) Objectives: The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on plastic waste recycling technologies for SMEs in Cambodia. The consultant will assess the performance, scalability, and environmental sustainability of various recycling technologies, including mechanical, chemical, and biological processes. Additionally, the consultancy aims to evaluate LCA of these technologies to ensure they minimise environmental impacts, promote resource efficiency, and align with circular economy principles. The specific objectives are: (1) Technological Feasibility Assessment: Identify and evaluate the suitability of different plastic recycling technologies for SMEs in Cambodia, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, infrastructure requirements, and technical expertise. (2) Life-cycle Environmental Impact Evaluation: Conduct a comprehensive LCA to determine the environmental impacts of plastic recycling technologies from resource extraction to disposal, and develop strategies to mitigate negative environmental effects. (3) Strategic Recommendations for Technology Adoption: Provide actionable recommendations for overcoming barriers to the adoption of sustainable recycling technologies, ensuring that SMEs can implement effective, scalable, and environmentally responsible practices. The ultimate goal is to support the development of a sustainable plastic waste recycling ecosystem in Cambodia, empowering SMEs to adopt innovative recycling technologies while minimising their environmental footprint. (B) Output expectations: The consultancy will deliver a Technological Feasibility Report that evaluates the performance, scalability, and suitability of various plastic recycling technologies for SMEs in Cambodia, addressing barriers such as cost and infrastructure. Additionally, a Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) Report will analyse the environmental impacts of these technologies throughout their entire life cycle, identifying risks like pollution and resource consumption, and proposing mitigation strategies. Finally, a Final Strategic Report will consolidate these findings, providing actionable recommendations for SMEs to adopt and scale up sustainable recycling technologies, while promoting circular economy practices in Cambodia. (C) Performance indicators: (1) Timely Completion of Deliverables: All key outputs, including the Technological Feasibility Report, LCA Report, and Final Strategic Report, are submitted within the agreed deadlines, ensuring the project progresses on schedule. (2) Quality and Relevance of Recommendations: The recommendations provided in the final report are clear, practical, and tailored to the local context, offering actionable solutions that effectively address barriers to the adoption of plastic recycling technologies by SMEs in Cambodia. (3) Stakeholder Satisfaction and Engagement: Positive feedback and engagement from key stakeholders, including SMEs, local businesses, and government agencies, indicating that the reports and recommendations are aligned with their needs and are likely to lead to effective implementation and collaboration. C. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following specific tasks to ensure the successful execution of the feasibility study and Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) for plastic recycling technologies in Cambodia: (1) Conduct a Technological Feasibility Study: Evaluate the performance, scalability, and suitability of available plastic recycling technologies (mechanical, chemical, and biological) for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia. This includes an in-depth analysis of operational requirements, cost factors, and the availability of technical expertise and infrastructure. (2) Identify and Address Barriers to Technology Adoption: Assess potential obstacles to the adoption of recycling technologies by SMEs, including cost, technical expertise, and infrastructure limitations. Develop practical strategies and solutions to overcome these barriers, enabling the effective implementation of sustainable recycling practices. (3) Perform a Life-cycle Assessment (LCA): Collaborate with the Secretariat of the Life Cycle Initiative to conduct a comprehensive LCA, evaluating the environmental impacts of recycling technologies throughout their entire life cycle, from resource extraction to disposal. The LCA should include considerations of pollution, resource use, and greenhouse gas emissions, and propose mitigation strategies. (4) Develop Actionable Recommendations: Based on the findings from the technological feasibility study and LCA, provide clear and actionable recommendations for SMEs to adopt and scale plastic recycling technologies. These recommendations should focus on improving sustainability, overcoming operational and financial barriers, and promoting circular economy principles. (5) Prepare and Present Final Reports: Compile the results of the feasibility study and LCA into comprehensive reports, including the Technological Feasibility Report, LCA Report, and a Final Strategic Report. Present these findings and recommendations to UNEP-IETC and key stakeholders to ensure alignment with project objectives and facilitate implementation. These tasks and responsibilities are designed to ensure that the consultant delivers a thorough analysis and practical solutions for improving plastic recycling technologies in Cambodia.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: Masters or equivalent in the field of environment, sustainable development, international development, LCA or another relevant field in environment or social sciences is required. Professional Experience: (1) The consultant must have a minimum of 7 years of experience in environmental science, engineering, or a related field, with a strong focus on waste management and recycling processes. This includes extensive hands-on experience in implementing and evaluating recycling technologies and practices, particularly within the context of developing countries. (2) Experience in Plastic Recycling Technologies: The consultant should have in-depth knowledge and proven experience working with various plastic recycling technologies, including mechanical, chemical, and biological processes. This includes a demonstrated ability to assess the performance, reliability, and scalability of these technologies in a developing country context, particularly within SME operations. (3) Experience in LCA: The consultant must have extensive experience in conducting LCA, especially within the waste management or recycling sectors. They should be proficient in applying internationally recognised LCA methodologies and assessing the environmental impacts of recycling processes, including resource use, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of identifying sustainable practices.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluency in both oral and written English is a requirement.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.