Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy is the successful mobilisation of impact investment and ESG-compliant financing for SMEs in Cambodia’s plastic waste recycling sector. The consultant will secure investments from international and private sector investors, particularly from high-income countries, who prioritise social and environmental outcomes. This will enable SMEs to implement and scale sustainable plastic recycling practices, contributing to both economic growth and environmental protection in Cambodia. Through the development of innovative financing models and the promotion of ESG investment opportunities, the consultant will foster a robust financial ecosystem that supports long-term sustainability in the plastic recycling sector. Additionally, the consultant will build the capacity of SMEs to attract, manage, and sustain these investments, ensuring that the plastic waste recycling initiatives deliver lasting social, environmental, and economic benefits, aligning with global ESG and circular economy principles.

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 impact investment and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) promotion, specifically within the context of plastic waste recycling. The consultant will play a key role in attracting and securing investment from social impact investors, with a focus on promoting sustainable plastic waste recycling practices among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia. The consultant must be experienced in working with impact investors who prioritise social contributions and environmental benefits over financial returns. Their work will involve leveraging funds from private companies, particularly those from high-income countries, to support SMEs in Cambodia. These investors seek to showcase their social impact in developing countries, and the consultant will facilitate this by building investment cases that highlight the social, environmental, and economic benefits of plastic recycling projects. Additionally, the consultant will promote ESG investment opportunities, identifying potential private sector partners and developing innovative financing models that align with ESG principles. The role will involve collaboration with key stakeholders, including SMEs, government agencies, and financial institutions, to create a robust financial ecosystem that supports the scaling of plastic recycling initiatives. This consultancy aligns with UNEP-IETC’s work programme on sustainable waste management and circular economy practices, contributing to global efforts to reduce plastic waste while promoting socially responsible investments. By facilitating investment in Cambodia’s plastic recycling sector, the consultant will help create long-term, sustainable economic and social benefits that align with ESG goals. Responsibilities: (1) Identify and engage with social impact investors, particularly from high-income countries, who prioritise social and environmental outcomes over financial returns. Develop investment cases for supporting SMEs in Cambodia’s plastic waste recycling sector, showcasing the social and environmental benefits of their involvement. (2) Create and promote ESG-compliant investment opportunities within the plastic waste recycling sector. Work with private companies and financial institutions to align their investment strategies with ESG principles, encouraging them to invest in sustainable recycling projects that deliver measurable social and environmental impact. (3) Facilitate the mobilisation of funds from international investors, public-private partnerships, and private sector entities. Develop strategies to leverage funding for SMEs in Cambodia’s plastic waste recycling ecosystem, focusing on financial sustainability and long-term impact. (4) Design and implement innovative financing models, such as revolving funds, social impact bonds, and blended finance structures, to support sustainable plastic recycling initiatives. These models should be tailored to attract and sustain impact investments while ensuring financial stability for SMEs. (5) Provide capacity-building support to SMEs to enhance their ability to attract and manage impact investments. Work closely with local stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and recycling sector participants, to foster collaboration and create an enabling environment for ESG investment in plastic recycling. Expertise and Experience: (1) Extensive experience in impact investment and ESG promotion, with a proven track record of attracting and securing investments that prioritise social and environmental outcomes. The consultant should have worked with investors focused on sustainable development, especially in developing countries. (2) Strong knowledge of innovative financing models, such as social impact bonds, revolving funds, and blended finance, particularly in the context of sustainable waste management or recycling projects. The consultant should be skilled in designing and implementing financial mechanisms that support long-term sustainability for SMEs. (3) Experience working with private sector investors and financial institutions, especially in high-income countries, to mobilise funds for social and environmental initiatives. The consultant should have a network of international investors and an understanding of the financial ecosystems that support ESG investments. (4) Proven ability to develop investment cases and promote ESG opportunities, showcasing the social and environmental benefits of supporting plastic waste recycling projects. The consultant should be skilled at aligning investment strategies with ESG principles and creating compelling investment opportunities for private companies. (5) Capacity-building experience with SMEs and local stakeholders, particularly in helping SMEs access, manage, and leverage impact investments. The consultant should be able to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and SMEs, to create an enabling environment for sustainable financing. The ideal consultant must possess extensive experience in the field of impact investment and ESG promotion, with a strong focus on social and environmental outcomes. They should have a proven ability to secure investments from international investors, particularly in high-income countries, and demonstrate expertise in leveraging these investments to support sustainable development initiatives. The consultant must also have deep knowledge of innovative financing models like social impact bonds and revolving funds, which are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of plastic waste recycling projects. Additionally, they must be able to create compelling investment cases that align with ESG principles, attract investors, and drive funding into Cambodia’s plastic recycling sector. Furthermore, the consultant should have experience working with SMEs and local stakeholders, providing capacity-building support to help these enterprises access and manage investments, while fostering collaboration with key players in the financial and recycling sectors. B. Duties: (A) Objectives: The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop and implement a strategy to attract impact investment and promote ESG-compliant financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in plastic waste recycling in Cambodia. The consultant will focus on leveraging investments from international and private sector investors, particularly from high-income countries, who prioritise social and environmental outcomes over financial returns. Specific objectives include: (1) Mobilising Impact Investment: Identify and engage social impact investors to secure funding for SMEs in Cambodia’s plastic recycling sector, highlighting the social and environmental benefits of these investments. (2) Promoting ESG Investment Opportunities: Develop and promote investment opportunities aligned with ESG principles, ensuring that SMEs are positioned to attract and sustain funding from investors focused on sustainable development. (3) Innovative Financing Models: Design and implement innovative financing mechanisms, such as social impact bonds, revolving funds, and public-private partnerships, to support the long-term sustainability of plastic recycling initiatives. (4) Capacity Building for SMEs: Strengthen the ability of SMEs to attract, manage, and sustain impact investments by developing training programs and frameworks that empower them to align with ESG standards and improve their financial sustainability. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable financing ecosystem that enables SMEs to scale their plastic recycling efforts while delivering measurable social, environmental, and economic benefits, in line with global ESG and circular economy principles. (B) Output expectations: The consultant is expected to deliver a comprehensive Impact Investment and ESG Strategy that outlines the approach for attracting impact investors and ESG-focused funding for Cambodia’s plastic recycling sector. This will include targeted investors, engagement strategies, and a clear action plan. Additionally, the consultant will create detailed Investment Cases and Financial Models, showcasing the social, environmental, and economic benefits of investing in SMEs and introducing innovative financing mechanisms like social impact bonds and revolving funds. A Stakeholder Engagement Report will summarise consultations with potential investors and other key stakeholders to align the investment strategy with local needs and investor expectations. Furthermore, the consultant will develop a Capacity Building Plan for SMEs, providing training and tools to help SMEs align with ESG standards and improve financial management. Finally, a Final Report will consolidate all activities, including the results of investment efforts and capacity building, along with recommendations to ensure the sustainability of the financing ecosystem for plastic recycling in Cambodia. (C) Performance indicators: (1) Successful Mobilisation of Impact Investment: The number and value of impact investments secured for SMEs in Cambodia’s plastic recycling sector, demonstrating the effectiveness of the investment strategy in attracting funding from international and private sector investors focused on social and environmental outcomes. (2) Development and Implementation of Innovative Financing Models: The successful design and application of financing mechanisms such as social impact bonds, revolving funds, and blended finance, with clear evidence of their adoption and positive impact on the financial sustainability of SMEs involved in plastic recycling. (3) SME Capacity Building and Alignment with ESG Standards: Measurable improvement in the capacity of SMEs to attract, manage, and sustain investments, as reflected in their ability to align with ESG principles, improve financial management, and engage with investors, leading to enhanced operational sustainability. These performance indicators will gauge the success of the consultancy in achieving its objectives of mobilising investment, promoting ESG financing, and empowering SMEs to scale their recycling efforts sustainably. C. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will be responsible for executing the following key tasks to ensure the successful mobilisation of impact investment and ESG financing for SMEs in Cambodia’s plastic recycling sector: (1) Develop a Comprehensive Impact Investment and ESG Strategy: Create a strategy that identifies potential impact investors and ESG-focused funding opportunities, particularly from high-income countries. The strategy should include tailored engagement approaches and a roadmap for promoting investment in Cambodia’s plastic waste recycling sector. (2) Design and Promote Investment Cases: Develop compelling investment cases that highlight the social, environmental, and economic benefits of supporting SMEs involved in plastic recycling. These cases should be tailored to different investor types and demonstrate how these investments align with global ESG and circular economy principles. (3) Innovative Financing Models Development: Design and implement innovative financing models, such as social impact bonds, revolving funds, and blended finance mechanisms, to support the long-term sustainability and scalability of the recycling initiatives. Ensure these models are adaptable to the local context and attract international investment. (4) Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Engage with key stakeholders, including local SMEs, government agencies, financial institutions, and international investors, to foster collaboration and ensure alignment between investment strategies and local needs. Facilitate discussions that result in actionable commitments from investors. (5) Capacity Building for SMEs: Develop and implement a capacity-building plan to empower SMEs to attract and manage impact investments. Provide training and tools that help SMEs align with ESG standards, improve their financial practices, and effectively engage with potential investors. These tasks and responsibilities ensure the consultant will build a robust and sustainable investment ecosystem that supports the growth of plastic recycling SMEs in Cambodia, aligning with ESG standards and delivering measurable social and environmental benefits.

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

Qualifications/special skills Education: ​​Masters or equivalent​ in a relevant field such as Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Environmental Management, or International Development, with a strong focus on impact investment, ESG frameworks, or sustainable development finance. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and professional experience in these fields will be considered an asset. Professional Experience: (1) Extensive experience (minimum 7 years) in the field of impact investment, ESG promotion, and sustainable development finance, particularly in mobilising funds for social and environmental projects in developing countries. The consultant should have a proven track record of securing investments from international and private sector investors focused on social contributions over financial returns. (2) Experience in designing and implementing innovative financing models, such as social impact bonds, revolving funds, blended finance, and public-private partnerships. The consultant should demonstrate expertise in structuring financial mechanisms that support long-term sustainability and scalability of projects. (3) Proven ability to engage with private sector investors, financial institutions, and international stakeholders, particularly in high-income countries, to promote and leverage funds for socially responsible investments. A strong network in the impact investment community is desirable. (4) Demonstrated experience in building capacity for SMEs and empowering them to access, manage, and sustain impact investments. The consultant should have experience working with SMEs in developing countries, helping them align with ESG principles and improve their financial and operational practices to attract investment. This experience is crucial for ensuring that the consultant can effectively secure financing for Cambodia’s plastic waste recycling initiatives, while fostering long-term sustainability and social impact in line with ESG standards.

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.