Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy will be the development and successful implementation of a sustainable plastic waste recycling business model tailored to SMEs in Cambodia. The model will encompass the entire value chain, from the collection and sorting of plastic waste to the processing and sale of recycled materials, ensuring that it aligns with local market conditions and stakeholder needs. Through comprehensive stakeholder engagement, capacity-building initiatives, and the formulation of an exit strategy, the model will empower SMEs to adopt and sustain environmentally responsible recycling practices. Additionally, the consultant will deliver a strategy to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the initiative through innovative financing mechanisms and partnerships. Ultimately, this work will contribute to the reduction of plastic pollution, promote circular economy practices, and create a scalable model that can be replicated across other regions.

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 management and the development of sustainable business models for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia. The consultant will be responsible for designing a comprehensive and inclusive plastic waste recycling model tailored to the SME sector in Cambodia. This model will encompass the entire value chain, from collection and sorting to the processing and sale of recycled materials. The consultant must engage extensively with local stakeholders, including SMEs, entrepreneurs, waste collectors, treatment facilities, and financial institutions, ensuring that the model aligns with local market needs, business dynamics, and priorities. The consultant will also focus on building the capacity of SMEs by developing training programs and strategies that equip them with the knowledge and skills required to implement sustainable plastic recycling practices. Moreover, the consultant will formulate an exit strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiatives beyond the project’s duration, including securing additional funding from various sources and fostering public-private partnerships. The consultant will be expected to develop innovative financing models and mechanisms to ensure ongoing support for plastic waste recycling efforts. This consultancy aligns with UNEP-IETC’s work programme on sustainable waste management and the promotion of circular economy practices. By developing a sustainable business model and fostering local ownership of plastic recycling initiatives, the consultant’s work will directly contribute to UNEP’s objectives of reducing plastic pollution and promoting long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Responsibilities: (1) Extensive experience in developing business models for SMEs, with a focus on sustainable waste management practices and circular economy approaches. The consultant should have a strong track record of designing and implementing models that are viable within local market contexts, particularly in developing countries. (2) Strong knowledge of plastic waste management and recycling processes, including collection, sorting, processing, and the sale of recycled materials. The consultant must be able to assess the plastic waste value chain and apply best practices to develop a comprehensive recycling business model for SMEs. (3) Proven expertise in stakeholder engagement and facilitation, including experience working with local businesses, waste collectors, financial institutions, and government agencies. The consultant should be skilled at facilitating inclusive discussions and ensuring that all stakeholder perspectives are reflected in the business model. (4) Experience in capacity building and training programme design focused on sustainable plastic recycling practices. The consultant should have the ability to create and implement training programs that provide SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully adopt and maintain sustainable recycling operations. (5) Demonstrated experience in developing sustainable financing mechanisms and exit strategies, including public-private partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and innovative financial models such as revolving funds and social impact bonds. The consultant must ensure that the business model is financially sustainable and can be scaled or replicated beyond the project duration. Expertise and Experience: (1) Extensive experience in developing business models for SMEs, particularly in the waste management and recycling sectors. The consultant should be well-versed in designing practical and sustainable models that are aligned with market dynamics and local business conditions, ensuring the viability and scalability of the model in the Cambodian context. (2) Strong knowledge of plastic waste management and recycling processes, including collection, sorting, processing, and the sale of recycled materials. This expertise ensures the consultant can assess the full recycling value chain and develop a model that integrates all stages of plastic waste recycling for SMEs. (3) Proven ability in stakeholder engagement and facilitation, with demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups, including local businesses, government agencies, waste collectors, and financial institutions. The consultant should have a track record of gathering input from various stakeholders to ensure that the model is inclusive and reflects the needs and priorities of all participants. (4) Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs, particularly for SMEs, with a focus on sustainable waste management practices. The consultant must be able to create training initiatives that equip SMEs with the necessary skills to adopt and sustain effective plastic recycling operations. (5) Expertise in sustainable financing mechanisms and exit strategies, including experience in developing public-private partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and innovative financial models such as revolving funds and social impact bonds. The consultant should ensure that the business model is financially sustainable and capable of securing ongoing funding to support long-term recycling efforts. The consultant must possess extensive experience in developing business models for SMEs, specifically in waste management and recycling sectors, ensuring that the model is practical, scalable, and sustainable within Cambodia’s unique market environment. They should have deep knowledge of plastic waste recycling processes, covering the entire value chain, to ensure that the model addresses every aspect from collection to sale. Proven expertise in engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders is critical, as the consultant will need to facilitate inclusive discussions to ensure that the model reflects the needs of all involved parties. Additionally, the consultant should have experience designing and delivering training programs to build the capacity of SMEs, enabling them to adopt sustainable recycling practices. Finally, expertise in developing sustainable financing mechanisms and exit strategies is crucial, ensuring that the business model remains viable in the long term by securing ongoing funding and partnerships. B. Duties: (A) Objectives: The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive and sustainable plastic waste recycling business model for SMEs in Cambodia. The model will encompass the entire plastic recycling value chain, from collection and sorting to processing and the sale of recycled materials. The consultancy aims to foster the adoption of circular economy principles within the SME sector, empowering them to effectively manage plastic waste and reduce environmental impacts. Specific objectives include: (1) Designing a Viable and Scalable Business Model: Create a business model that is adaptable to local market conditions, ensuring it is both economically viable and scalable for SMEs operating in plastic waste recycling. (2) Stakeholder Engagement and Inclusion: Engage with a diverse group of stakeholders, including local businesses, waste collectors, government agencies, and financial institutions, to ensure the business model is inclusive and reflects the priorities and challenges faced by these groups. (3) Capacity Building for SMEs: Develop and implement capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of SMEs to adopt sustainable plastic recycling practices, thereby improving their operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. (4) Developing Sustainable Financing and Exit Strategies: Formulate an exit strategy and sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure the continuity of recycling initiatives beyond the project duration, by securing additional funding sources and fostering partnerships. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable and replicable business model that enables SMEs to play a key role in reducing plastic waste, promoting circular economy principles, and contributing to Cambodia’s long-term environmental sustainability. (B) Output expectations: The consultancy is expected to deliver a comprehensive sustainable business model for SMEs in Cambodia, covering the entire plastic waste recycling value chain—from collection and sorting to processing and the sale of recycled materials—ensuring economic viability and scalability within the local market context. Additionally, the consultant will produce a stakeholder engagement report summarising consultations with local businesses, waste collectors, government agencies, and financial institutions, ensuring the model reflects diverse needs and priorities. A key output will also be a capacity-building plan aimed at equipping SMEs with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt and maintain sustainable recycling practices. Finally, the consultant will develop a sustainable financing and exit strategy, outlining mechanisms such as public-private partnerships and innovative financial models to ensure the long-term sustainability of the recycling initiatives and smooth transition of responsibilities to local stakeholders. These outputs will form the foundation for a robust, sustainable plastic recycling ecosystem in Cambodia. (C) Performance indicators: (1) Timely Submission of Deliverables: All key outputs, including the sustainable business model, stakeholder engagement report, capacity-building plan, and sustainable financing and exit strategy, are delivered according to the agreed timeline, ensuring the project progresses as scheduled. (2) Quality and Practicality of the Business Model: The developed business model is both economically viable and scalable, receiving positive feedback from SMEs and stakeholders. It should provide practical solutions that address local market dynamics and enable SMEs to adopt sustainable plastic recycling practices. (3) Effective Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building: Successful engagement of key stakeholders, with evidence of active participation and collaboration from local businesses, waste collectors, government agencies, and financial institutions. Additionally, the capacity-building program should demonstrate its impact by equipping SMEs with the skills and knowledge to implement the business model effectively. C. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following specific tasks to ensure the successful development of a sustainable plastic waste recycling business model for SMEs in Cambodia: (1) Develop a Comprehensive Business Model: Design a sustainable business model for plastic waste recycling that encompasses the entire value chain, from collection and sorting to processing and selling recycled materials. The model should be adaptable to local market conditions and economically viable for SMEs. (2) Conduct Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including local businesses, waste collectors, government agencies, and financial institutions, to gather insights and ensure the business model reflects their needs and priorities. Facilitate discussions to build consensus and foster collaboration among stakeholders. (3) Design and Implement Capacity-Building Programs: Develop a capacity-building plan aimed at equipping SMEs with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt and implement sustainable plastic recycling practices. The program should include training materials and a roadmap for building SME capacity in waste management and recycling. (4) Formulate a Sustainable Financing and Exit Strategy: Create a long-term exit strategy that ensures the sustainability of the plastic recycling initiatives beyond the project’s duration. This should include identifying potential funding sources, developing public-private partnerships, and proposing innovative financial models, such as revolving funds or social impact bonds. (5) Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the business model and capacity-building efforts. Develop performance indicators and reporting structures to track the success of the project and ensure continuous improvement over time. These tasks are designed to ensure that the consultant delivers a robust and sustainable plastic waste recycling business model for SMEs in Cambodia, along with the necessary tools and strategies for long-term success.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: Masters or equivalent in the field of environment, sustainable development, international development, business operation and 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 experience should include designing and implementing sustainable waste management systems, particularly in developing country contexts. (2) Extensive experience in developing business models for SMEs in the waste management and recycling sectors, with a focus on plastic waste. The consultant must have a proven track record of designing sustainable and scalable business models that address local market dynamics and stakeholder needs, particularly in developing countries. (3) Experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration, working with diverse groups such as local businesses, waste collectors, government agencies, and financial institutions. The consultant should have demonstrated success in facilitating inclusive dialogues and ensuring the integration of various stakeholder perspectives into project design and execution.

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.