Result of Service

The ultimate result of this consultancy is the successful collection and organisation of data on plastic recycling technologies relevant to SMEs in Cambodia, providing UNEP-IETC with foundational insights into the feasibility of these technologies. The consultant will deliver an initial analysis, including key data on environmental impacts, technical requirements, costs, and infrastructure needs for various recycling methods, tailored to the Cambodian context. This information will support UNEP-IETC’s feasibility study by highlighting promising technologies and informing further LCA work. The consultant’s contributions will enable UNEP-IETC to develop targeted recommendations for sustainable, SME-led plastic recycling models that align with circular economy principles and advance sustainable waste

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: The project requires a consultant with foundational expertise in plastic waste recycling technologies and Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to assist in a feasibility study on SME-led recycling initiatives in Cambodia. This consultant will support UNEP-IETC by collecting and organising data on available recycling technologies, including mechanical, chemical, and biological methods, tailored to the Cambodian context. They will focus on understanding the local relevance, scalability, and potential environmental impacts of these technologies to inform UNEP’s feasibility study. The consultant will be responsible for gathering preliminary information on the technical requirements, costs, and infrastructure needs of different recycling technologies by using the methodologies to be provided, assisting UNEP-IETC in identifying which methods are most applicable for SMEs. In addition, the consultant will collect data for LCA of these technologies, focusing on early-stage analysis to evaluate the environmental footprint of different plastic recycling approaches. This work will be carried out in collaboration with UNEP teams partners, including the Secretariat of the Life Cycle Initiative, ensuring alignment with best practices and internationally recognised LCA standards and methodologies. By focusing on data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, this consultancy will support UNEP-IETC’s work on sustainable waste management and technology assessment. For this purpose, the consultant will work a Feasibility Study on Plastic Recycling Towards a Circular Future in Cambodia with the UNEP Programme Management Officer and a Waste Management Expert who will develop a feasibility study. Responsibilities: (1) Data Collection and Organisation: Collect and organise relevant data on plastic waste recycling technologies, focusing on mechanical, chemical, and biological methods by using the methodologies to be provided. This includes compiling information on each technology’s local relevance, scalability, and environmental impacts within the Cambodian context. (2) Preliminary Analysis for Feasibility Assessment: Support an initial assessment of the technical requirements, cost considerations, and infrastructure needs of identified recycling technologies, using UNEP-provided methodologies. This information will assist UNEP-IETC in identifying the most suitable methods for SME-led recycling initiatives in Cambodia. (3) LCA Preparation: Collect and prepare preliminary data for the Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) of different recycling approaches, ensuring alignment with internationally recognized LCA methodologies. Work collaboratively with UNEP teams and the Life Cycle Initiative Secretariat to incorporate best practices ensuring robust and accurate assessment of environmental impacts at early stages. (4) Stakeholder Engagement and Information Gathering: Engage with local stakeholders, including SMEs, government bodies, and waste sector participants, to gather insights and context-specific information on current recycling practices and challenges. Support UNEP-IETC’s stakeholder engagement efforts by ensuring diverse perspectives are included in the feasibility study. (5) Report Preparation and Presentation of Findings: Prepare and present preliminary findings in a structured format, highlighting key data, initial assessments, and identified trends or challenges. Support UNEP-IETC’s feasibility study by ensuring findings are clear, comprehensive, and aligned with UNEP’s sustainability and circular economy objectives. Expertise and Experience: (1) Foundational Knowledge in Waste Management and Recycling Technologies: Basic understanding of plastic waste recycling technologies, including mechanical, chemical, and biological processes, with experience in collecting and analyzing data related to environmental impacts and feasibility. (2) Experience in LCA : Familiarity with LCA methodologies (including internationally recognized standards and LCA software tools), including experience in data collection, and data quality assessment. Knowledge of Life Cycle Inventory Analysis and Life Cycle Impact Assessment is desirable. (3) Analytical Skills and Report Preparation: Experience in conducting initial feasibility analyses, particularly for environmental or waste management projects. Ability to compile data, perform basic analyses, and prepare clear, organised reports that summarise findings effectively. (4) Stakeholder Engagement: Experience supporting stakeholder engagement efforts, ideally within the context of waste management or environmental projects. Skills in gathering and integrating diverse insights from local stakeholders, including government agencies and SMEs, are essential. B. Duties: Objectives: 1. To gather and analyse data on available plastic recycling technologies, focusing on their feasibility and environmental impacts for SMEs in Cambodia. 2. To conduct preliminary lifecycle assessments and economic evaluations for these recycling processes to support UNEP’s feasibility study. 3. To coordinate and integrate stakeholder insights, ensuring local applicability and alignment with circular economy principles. (B) Output expectations: 1. A preliminary report that summarises initial data collection, recycling technology options, and early stakeholder feedback. 2. A draft preliminary feasibility report providing in-depth analysis of recycling technologies, economic viability, and stakeholder perspectives. 3. A final report that consolidates findings, recommendations, and an executive summary, guiding UNEP’s decision-making for recycling practices in Cambodia. (C) Performance indicators: 1. Timely submission of each report, meeting all deliverable deadlines. 2. Clear, actionable recommendations in line with UNEP’s sustainability and circular economy goals. 3. Stakeholder satisfaction, as demonstrated through positive feedback from SME and government engagement efforts. C. Specific tasks and responsibilities: (1) Data Collection and Preliminary Analysis Collect relevant data on plastic recycling technologies, including mechanical, chemical, and biological processes, focusing on their scalability, technical requirements, and environmental impacts. Conduct initial consultations with local SMEs, government agencies, and waste collectors to gather insights on recycling challenges and opportunities. Provide UNEP with a structured summary of findings, establishing a foundation for further feasibility analysis. (2) Preliminary Feasibility Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement Build upon initial findings by conducting a feasibility analysis, assessing economic and environmental factors that affect the viability of various recycling technologies for SMEs. Continue stakeholder engagement to refine insights and address specific needs or challenges faced by the Cambodian recycling sector. Develop draft recommendations, prioritising technologies that align with UNEP’s objectives and local market conditions. (3) Final Report and Presentation of Findings Consolidate all research, analysis, and stakeholder feedback into a final report that includes clear, actionable recommendations. Prepare an executive summary and a presentation that highlights key findings and proposed strategies. Ensure that the report is formatted according to UNEP standards and ready for dissemination to stakeholders.

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.