Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy will be a professionally edited and polished Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia, ready for publication and dissemination to key stakeholders. The consultant will ensure that the study is coherent, clear, and consistent across all chapters, effectively communicating the findings, recommendations, and strategies to both technical and non-technical audiences. The final product will adhere to UNEP’s publication standards, ensuring it is well-formatted, free of errors, and aligned with UNEP’s guidelines. This will enhance the study’s impact, making it an authoritative and accessible resource for policymakers, investors, SMEs, and other stakeholders committed to advancing plastic recycling and circular economy practices in Cambodia.

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 Editor to oversee the editorial review and finalisation of the Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the study is clearly articulated, coherent, and professionally presented. The consultant must have proven experience in editing technical and policy documents related to environmental science, waste management, or sustainable development, ensuring the document aligns with UNEP’s standards and tone. The consultant will work closely with the other consultants, ensuring consistency in the writing style, structure, and content across the various chapters, which cover market analysis, life-cycle assessment, business model development, and impact investment. They will ensure that the study’s findings and recommendations are communicated in a way that is clear, accurate, and accessible to a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, SMEs, investors, and international partners. This consultancy aligns with UNEP-IETC’s work programme on sustainable waste management, contributing to the development of key deliverables that inform national and regional strategies for plastic recycling and circular economy practices. The Consultant Editor will play a crucial role in presenting the findings of the study in a polished and professional format, ready for publication and stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities: (1) Conduct a thorough review of all sections of the Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia to ensure consistency in tone, style, and structure across all chapters. Ensure the key messages, findings, and recommendations are clearly presented and aligned with the overall objectives of the study. (2) Edit the technical content of the feasibility study, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and coherence in the discussion of market analysis, life-cycle assessment, business models, and impact investment strategies. Ensure that complex technical information is effectively communicated to both technical and non-technical audiences. (3) Enhance the readability and flow of the document, ensuring a logical progression of ideas and seamless transitions between sections. Ensure that the final product is engaging and accessible while maintaining the professional standards expected for a UNEP publication. (4) Ensure that the entire feasibility study aligns with UNEP’s publication standards and guidelines, including appropriate formatting, terminology, and citation practices. Guarantee that the final version meets the quality standards required for distribution to UNEP’s diverse stakeholders, including government agencies and international partners. (5) Perform a final proofread of the entire document, checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure that the final version is free of inconsistencies, typographical errors, and formatting issues, and is ready for publication and stakeholder dissemination. Expertise and Experience: (1) Extensive experience in editing technical and policy documents, particularly in areas related to environmental science, waste management, and sustainable development. The consultant should have a proven track record of editing complex reports, ensuring clarity and consistency in content and language. (2) Strong knowledge of UNEP standards and guidelines for publication. The consultant should be familiar with UNEP’s formatting, terminology, and citation practices, ensuring that the final document adheres to these standards and is suitable for dissemination to international stakeholders. (3) Excellent attention to detail and editorial skills, including the ability to ensure logical flow, coherence, and consistency across various chapters written by different contributors. The consultant should be adept at improving readability and accessibility for both technical and non-technical audiences. (4) Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams and managing content from diverse sources, ensuring the final product maintains a unified style and tone. The consultant should be comfortable working with content on a range of topics, including market analysis, life-cycle assessment, business models, and impact investment. (5) Proven ability to meet deadlines and ensure quality assurance in the final product. The consultant should have experience delivering high-quality, publication-ready reports, including thorough proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and formatting. The ideal consultant must have extensive experience in editing technical and policy documents, particularly within the environmental and sustainability sectors. They must possess strong knowledge of UNEP’s publication standards to ensure that the final feasibility study aligns with international guidelines and is suitable for dissemination to key stakeholders. The consultant should demonstrate excellent editorial skills, with attention to detail and a focus on improving readability and flow across a complex, multi-author document. Experience in working with diverse teams and content sources will enable the consultant to create a cohesive and polished final product. Additionally, the consultant should have a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality, publication-ready work, ensuring the feasibility study is clear, accurate, and impactful. B. Duties: (A) Objectives: The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide professional editorial oversight for the Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia. The consultant will ensure that the final document is well-structured, coherent, and aligned with UNEP’s publication standards, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences. Key objectives include: (1) Ensuring Clarity and Consistency: Review and edit the draft chapters provided by multiple consultants, ensuring that the tone, style, and structure are consistent throughout the study. The consultant will ensure that the content is clear and understandable, while retaining technical accuracy. (2) Improving Readability and Flow: Enhance the flow of the document by improving the organisation and transition between sections. The consultant will ensure that the study progresses logically, making it easy to follow and engaging for a wide range of readers. (3) Aligning with UNEP Standards: Ensure that the final document adheres to UNEP’s editorial guidelines, including appropriate formatting, terminology, and citation practices, to maintain the professional quality required for international publication. (4) Final Proofreading and Quality Assurance: Conduct a final proofread of the entire document to eliminate any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. The consultant will ensure the document is error-free and ready for publication and dissemination. The ultimate goal is to deliver a polished and professional feasibility study that effectively communicates the findings and recommendations to stakeholders, contributing to the advancement of plastic recycling initiatives in Cambodia. (B) Output expectations: The consultant is expected to deliver a series of key outputs, beginning with an Initial Editorial Review Report that provides comprehensive feedback on the draft chapters submitted by various consultants. This report will highlight areas needing improvement in terms of clarity, consistency, and structure, while ensuring alignment with UNEP’s editorial standards. Following this, the consultant will produce a Revised Draft Feasibility Study, unifying the content across all chapters, improving readability, and ensuring a smooth flow throughout the document. This revised draft will be prepared for further review by UNEP and stakeholders. Finally, the consultant will deliver a Final Edited and Proofread Feasibility Study, which will be fully polished, free from errors, and formatted according to UNEP’s guidelines. This publication-ready version will be ready for international dissemination to stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and other relevant audiences, ensuring the study effectively communicates its findings and recommendations. (C) Performance indicators: (1) Timely Delivery of Outputs: All deliverables, including the initial editorial review, revised draft, and final edited version, are submitted within the agreed-upon deadlines, ensuring the project stays on schedule. (2) Consistency and Clarity: The edited document reflects a high level of consistency in tone, style, and structure across all chapters, with clear and concise language that is accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences. The document should improve readability while maintaining the accuracy of technical content. (3) Adherence to UNEP Standards: The final feasibility study adheres to UNEP’s editorial and formatting guidelines, including correct use of terminology, proper citation practices, and professional presentation. The final product should be error-free and meet the quality standards required for international dissemination. These indicators will ensure that the consultant delivers a high-quality, professional document that is ready for publication and effectively communicates the study’s findings to a broad audience. C. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks to ensure the successful completion of the Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia: (1) Conduct an Initial Editorial Review: Review all draft chapters submitted by the different consultants, assessing for consistency, clarity, and flow. Provide detailed feedback on areas that require revision, ensuring each section aligns with the overall objectives and structure of the study. (2) Ensure Consistency and Coherence: Harmonise the tone, style, and structure of the various sections to ensure a seamless and unified document. Ensure that all sections are logically organised, with smooth transitions between chapters, while maintaining technical accuracy and clarity. (3) Edit for Readability and Accessibility: Improve the readability of the content, ensuring that complex technical information is presented in a way that is clear and understandable for both technical and non-technical audiences. Simplify jargon where appropriate without losing the integrity of the information. (4) Align the Document with UNEP Standards: Ensure that the feasibility study adheres to UNEP’s editorial, formatting, and citation guidelines. This includes verifying proper use of terminology, correct referencing, and ensuring the document meets UNEP’s quality and presentation standards. (5) Final Proofreading and Quality Control: Perform a final proofread to eliminate any grammatical, punctuation, and typographical errors. Ensure that the document is error-free, polished, and ready for publication, adhering to all formatting and style requirements. These tasks will ensure that the Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia is a professional, cohesive, and high-quality document ready for international dissemination and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: Masters or equivalent in English, Communications, Environmental Science, Public Policy, or a related field. A degree in a field relevant to technical writing or editing, combined with demonstrated experience in editing environmental or sustainability-related publications, is preferred. These academic qualifications ensure that the consultant has the necessary background in writing, editing, and subject matter knowledge to effectively review and refine the Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with UNEP’s standards. Professional experience: (1) Extensive experience (minimum 7 years) in editing and proofreading technical, policy, and environmental reports, particularly in areas related to environmental science, waste management, and sustainable development. The consultant should have a demonstrated ability to refine complex, multi-author documents for clarity, coherence, and consistency. (2) Proven expertise in aligning documents with international publication standards, including familiarity with UNEP’s editorial guidelines, terminology, and formatting requirements. The consultant must be experienced in ensuring documents meet the quality standards expected for high-level publications and international dissemination. (3) Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams and content from diverse sources. The consultant should be able to harmonise writing styles and integrate contributions from various authors into a cohesive, unified document. (4) Strong track record in improving readability for diverse audiences, including both technical and non-technical readers. The consultant must ensure that complex topics, such as market analysis, life-cycle assessment, business models, and impact investment, are clearly communicated. These qualifications ensure that the consultant can effectively review, edit, and finalise the Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling towards a Circular Future in Cambodia, ensuring it is polished, professional, and ready for publication.

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.