Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy is the successful delivery of preliminary research data and analysis, focusing on the plastic waste management landscape in Cambodia. The consultant will provide UNEP-IETC with a foundational set of data and insights that will contribute to the development of the Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia. This research will encompass stakeholder input, economic factors, and market analysis to support informed recommendations on sustainable plastic recycling practices for SMEs. Through comprehensive data collection and initial assessment, the consultant will lay the groundwork for UNEP-IETC’s detailed feasibility study, ensuring that the project aligns with Cambodia’s unique market needs and contributes meaningfully to circular economy efforts in the region.

Work Location

Remote (Home-based)

Expected duration

The expected duration for this contract is for three (3) months (full time). However, as the consultancy needs to be completed by 31 March 2025, the duration may be shorter depending on the starting time. Start Date: 01-Jan-2025 End Date: 31-Mar-2025

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: Aligned with UNEP-IETC’s work programme on sustainable waste management, this role focuses on conducting foundational research to support the Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling Towards a Circular Future in Cambodia. The emphasis is on understanding the current landscape of plastic waste management, particularly the roles of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and gathering stakeholder perspectives to identify challenges, opportunities, and key market dynamics. The research assistant will primarily focus on data collection and stakeholder engagement, providing critical insights that will serve as the basis for UNEP’s broader feasibility study and strategic planning in Cambodia. This role will explore how SMEs are participating in the plastic waste management sector, the barriers they face, and the potential for expanding their role in a circular economy framework. Responsibilities: (1) Data Collection: Gather detailed information on Cambodia’s plastic waste management practices, including SME participation, economic and technical factors, and environmental implications. (2) Stakeholder Engagement Support: Support UNEP-IETC in identifying and engaging key stakeholders, including government agencies, waste collectors, NGOs, and SMEs, to gather qualitative and quantitative data. (3) Market Analysis Preparation: Conduct preliminary market analysis to map existing plastic recycling activities, identifying key challenges and potential opportunities for SME involvement. (4) Preliminary Economic Viability Assessment: Compile foundational data on the financial and operational aspects of plastic waste management practices, including key cost drivers and revenue streams. (5) Reporting: Prepare structured reports summarising collected data and insights to inform the feasibility study and UNEP’s planning Prepare structured reports summarising collected data and insights to inform the feasibility study and UNEP’s planning . Expertise and Experience: (1) Experience in waste management, recycling, or environmental research, particularly in data collection, stakeholder coordination, and preliminary market analysis, with familiarity in Southeast Asia or similar regions preferred. (2) Knowledge of waste management practices, plastic recycling processes, and circular economy principles. Experience assessing business models or economic aspects of recycling is advantageous. (3) Experience in stakeholder consultations with government agencies, SMEs, and waste sector stakeholders, with demonstrated skills in gathering and integrating diverse perspectives. (4) Proficiency in data gathering, basic analysis, and report preparation, ensuring clear presentation of research findings. (5) Understanding of national and local behaviours and customs in waste management and related social matters. B. Duties: (A) Objectives: The objectives, outputs, and performance indicators provide a framework for the consultant’s work, ensuring that each stage of research aligns with UNEP-IETC’s strategic goals. By linking these areas to each deliverable, we ensure consistent progress and relevance in the findings produced. (1) Conduct Preliminary Data Collection and Research Analysis: Collect and organise data on Cambodia’s plastic waste management landscape, with a particular focus on SMEs and existing recycling practices, to form a solid foundation for further analysis. (2) Assess the Economic and Operational Feasibility of Plastic Waste Recycling Initiatives: Analyse the financial and operational factors within Cambodia’s recycling sector, offering insights into market feasibility, economic challenges, and sustainability. (3) Prepare Actionable Insights for UNEP-IETC’s Feasibility Study: Translate the research findings into actionable data and insights to support UNEP-IETC’s strategic planning for improved plastic waste management in Cambodia. (B) Output Expectations: (1) First Draft: Initial findings on the plastic waste management landscape, highlighting key players, existing SME roles, and initial stakeholder insights, to guide UNEP’s understanding of Cambodia’s sector context. (2) Second Draft: Analysis with added focus on financial viability, economic feasibility, and deeper stakeholder engagement results, supporting more detailed insights for UNEP’s use. (3) Final Version: A final report, combining all research data and analysis, reviewed for clarity and alignment with UNEP’s objectives in sustainable waste management. (C) Performance Indicators: (1) Timely Delivery of Drafts: All draft submissions—initial, second, and final—are delivered within the agreed-upon timeline, ensuring UNEP’s project schedule remains on track. (2) Clarity and Relevance of Data: Research findings are clear, well-organised, and pertinent to UNEP’s project goals, providing a comprehensive view of Cambodia’s plastic waste management landscape. (3) Alignment with UNEP Objectives: Final outputs directly contribute to UNEP’s mission in sustainable waste management, supporting the development of practical, circular economy strategies for plastic waste recycling. C. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The responsibilities of the consultant will involve systematically collecting data, analysing economic aspects, and consolidating insights for UNEP-IETC’s project. Each task is structured to ensure all gathered information is directly useful for UNEP’s goals in Cambodia’s plastic waste sector. (1) Data Collection and Stakeholder Engagement: Gather data from various sources, including government agencies, SMEs, and recycling entities, to capture a broad perspective on current practices and stakeholder insights within Cambodia’s plastic recycling landscape. This preliminary research will inform the first draft submission. (2) Economic Feasibility Analysis: Support financial and operational data analysis focused on the feasibility of plastic recycling by SMEs, evaluating market potential, economic drivers, and sustainability challenges. Findings will be incorporated into the second draft submission. (3) Final Integration and Reporting: Compile all research, stakeholder feedback, and economic analysis into a finalised report. This report will be formatted for UNEP-IETC’s Feasibility Study, summarizing data findings. This will be presented as the final version submission.

Qualifications/special skills

(1) Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. A higher degree in a relevant area, such as environmental management or sustainable development, is advantageous. (2) Experience: • Several years of relevant experience in one of the substantives, technical and/or administrative fields in the environment; experience in waste management area is preferable. • Ability to support projects in developing contexts with experience in collecting, compiling, and presenting environmental or relevant data. • Experience in supporting stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with SMEs, government agencies, and community representatives in the waste sector.

Languages

Fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge in Khmer is asset.

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.