Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy will be the successful completion of a comprehensive market analysis and stakeholder engagement for plastic waste recycling in Cambodia, with a focus on SMEs. The consultant will deliver actionable insights into the current state of plastic waste management, assess the financial and operational feasibility of plastic recycling initiatives, and identify key opportunities and challenges within the market. Through detailed stakeholder engagement, the consultant will foster collaboration between key actors, including SMEs, government agencies, and waste collectors, ensuring that the project interventions are inclusive and aligned with local needs. Additionally, the consultant will produce a thorough report with recommendations that will inform the design and implementation of sustainable plastic waste recycling models, contributing to the transition towards a circular economy in Cambodia. Ultimately, these efforts will empower SMEs to adopt sustainable practices and promote long-term improvements in plastic waste management.

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 extensive expertise in plastic waste management and recycling processes, particularly in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and circular economy approaches in Cambodia. The consultant will need to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study, including market analysis, economic viability assessments, and stakeholder engagement, to support the project’s objective of promoting sustainable plastic recycling practices in Cambodia. The ideal consultant must possess strong knowledge of waste management systems, recycling technologies, and business models, with proven experience in conducting feasibility studies in developing country contexts, preferably in Southeast Asia. Additionally, they should demonstrate skills in stakeholder facilitation and consultation, particularly in engaging SMEs, government agencies, and waste collectors. This consultancy aligns with UNEP-IETC’s work programme on sustainable waste management, particularly under its mandate to develop integrated solid waste management strategies and promote circular economy practices. The consultant’s work will directly contribute to UNEP’s efforts to implement effective plastic waste management interventions that are environmentally sound, financially viable, and scalable. Responsibilities: • Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the plastic waste management market among SMEs in Cambodia, identifying challenges, opportunities, and key actors in the value chain. • Assess the financial feasibility of SME-led plastic recycling initiatives, including cost-benefit analysis, potential business models, and revenue generation opportunities. • Engage with local businesses, SMEs, waste collectors, and community representatives to gather insights and develop a strategy for collaborative plastic recycling efforts. • Provide recommendations for market interventions and strategies to enhance the sustainability and scalability of SME plastic recycling operations. • Prepare and present a final report on market analysis, stakeholder insights, and economic viability, with actionable recommendations for the project’s next steps. Expertise and Experience: • Possess strong knowledge and extensive experience in waste management, particularly in plastic waste and circular economy approaches. • Demonstrated ability to conduct market analysis and economic feasibility studies. • Expertise in stakeholder engagement and facilitation with diverse groups. • Strong analytical skills and the ability to produce comprehensive reports. • Familiarity with Cambodia’s waste management and regulatory landscape, or similar regional experience. The consultant should possess strong knowledge and extensive experience in waste management, particularly focusing on plastic waste recycling and circular economy principles, ensuring they can effectively address both technical and practical challenges in Cambodia’s context. Their ability to conduct market analysis and economic feasibility studies is crucial for assessing the viability of plastic recycling initiatives, analysing business models, and providing guidance to SMEs. Additionally, expertise in stakeholder engagement is essential, as the consultant will need to interact with diverse groups such as local businesses, government agencies, and waste collectors, fostering collaboration and gathering valuable insights to support project goals. Strong analytical skills are required to translate market data and stakeholder feedback into actionable recommendations, alongside the capability to draft detailed reports that clearly communicate findings. Familiarity with Cambodia’s waste management systems, regulatory frameworks, and local market dynamics—or comparable experience in similar regions—ensures the proposed solutions will be tailored to the local context and sustainable in the long term. B. Duties: (A) Objectives: The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on plastic recycling for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia, with the aim of promoting circular economy practices and sustainable waste management. The consultancy will focus on: (1) Market Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement: Assess the current landscape of plastic waste management in Cambodia, specifically focusing on SMEs’ involvement in collection, sorting, and recycling activities. The consultant will engage with key stakeholders, including SMEs, local businesses, waste collectors, and government agencies, to gather insights and foster collaboration. (2) Economic Viability and Feasibility Study: Evaluate the financial and operational feasibility of SME plastic recycling initiatives, providing an in-depth analysis of business models, market dynamics, and opportunities for enhancing sustainability and profitability within the plastic recycling value chain. (3) Recommendations and Strategic Planning: Develop actionable recommendations and strategies to improve SME participation in plastic waste recycling, focusing on business optimisation, market opportunities, and sustainable practices that align with circular economy principles. The ultimate goal of the consultancy is to empower SMEs in Cambodia to adopt sustainable plastic recycling practices, thereby contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and fostering the transition to a circular economy. By providing strategic insights and practical recommendations, the consultancy aims to support the long-term sustainability and scalability of plastic recycling initiatives in Cambodia, ensuring environmental protection and economic growth. (B) Output expectations: The consultancy is expected to deliver a comprehensive market analysis report that assesses the plastic waste management landscape in Cambodia, with a focus on SME involvement. Additionally, an economic viability and feasibility study will evaluate the financial sustainability of SME-led recycling initiatives, providing strategic recommendations for cost optimisation and revenue generation. A stakeholder engagement report will summarise consultations with local businesses, waste collectors, and government agencies, offering a strategy for ongoing collaboration. Finally, the consultant will produce a final strategic report with actionable recommendations to improve plastic recycling practices and a presentation summarising key findings for UNEP-IETC and project stakeholders. (C) Performance indicators: (1) Timely Delivery of Key Outputs: All deliverables, including the market analysis report, economic viability study, stakeholder engagement report, and final strategic report, are submitted according to the agreed timeline, ensuring the consultancy meets all project deadlines. (2) Quality and Practicality of Recommendations: The actionable recommendations provided in the final report are clear, evidence-based, and tailored to the local context, offering practical strategies for enhancing SME plastic recycling practices and aligning with circular economy principles. (3) Stakeholder Engagement and Satisfaction: Effective engagement with key stakeholders, including SMEs, waste collectors, and government agencies, is evidenced by constructive feedback and their willingness to collaborate on project implementation, ensuring the solutions are inclusive and supported by all relevant parties. C. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will be tasked with carrying out a series of key activities essential to the successful execution of the feasibility study on plastic waste recycling for SMEs in Cambodia. These tasks involve conducting in-depth market research, evaluating the economic feasibility of recycling initiatives, engaging with relevant stakeholders, and developing practical, evidence-based recommendations. The consultant’s responsibilities are designed to ensure that the project delivers a thorough understanding of the local recycling ecosystem and provides strategic guidance to promote sustainable practices among SMEs. The following tasks outline the specific responsibilities to be fulfilled during the consultancy. The tasks are as follows: (1) Conduct a Comprehensive Market Analysis: The consultant will perform a detailed market analysis of plastic waste management in Cambodia, focusing on SME participation in the collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic waste. This will include identifying key challenges, market opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and potential areas for growth within the recycling sector. (2) Perform an Economic Feasibility Study: The consultant will assess the economic viability of SME plastic recycling initiatives, including cost-benefit analysis, business model evaluations, and potential revenue streams. The study will identify financial challenges and opportunities for SMEs and provide strategic recommendations to improve their profitability and sustainability. (3) Engage and Consult with Key Stakeholders: The consultant will actively engage with stakeholders such as SMEs, local businesses, waste collectors, community representatives, and government agencies. The aim is to gather insights, foster partnerships, and develop a collaborative approach for enhancing the plastic waste recycling ecosystem in Cambodia. A report summarising the stakeholder consultations and their contributions will be developed. (4) Develop Actionable Recommendations: Based on the market analysis, feasibility study, and stakeholder consultations, the consultant will develop clear, actionable recommendations for improving plastic waste recycling practices among SMEs. These recommendations will focus on enhancing sustainability, scalability, and alignment with circular economy principles. (5) Prepare and Present a Final Report: The consultant will consolidate all findings into a final strategic report, including market analysis, economic viability, stakeholder insights, and recommendations. The report will be presented to UNEP-IETC and relevant stakeholders, along with a summary presentation to facilitate project alignment and implementation. These specific tasks and responsibilities are essential to achieving the overall objectives and ensuring the success of the plastic recycling feasibility study in Cambodia.

Qualifications/special skills

​​Education: Masters or equivalent​ in the field of environment, sustainable development, international development, 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 experience in designing, implementing, and improving waste management systems, particularly in plastic waste recycling and circular economy approaches. The consultant should possess in-depth knowledge of plastic waste recycling technologies, processes, and market dynamics, with a proven ability to assess the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of recycling initiatives. (2) Additionally, the consultant should have demonstrated expertise in conducting market analyses and feasibility studies, particularly in the waste management or environmental sector. This includes assessing business models, economic viability, and financial sustainability, with a focus on identifying SMEs in the recycling value chain. A strong understanding of the local context and the ability to tailor solutions accordingly is essential. (3) The role also requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups such as SMEs, waste collectors, government agencies, and community representatives. The consultant should have a proven track record of facilitating dialogues, building partnerships, and providing comprehensive reports with actionable recommendations, synthesizing data and stakeholder inputs into practical, clear guidance for sustainable waste management solutions.

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.