Consultant for Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) for Feasibility on Plastic Waste Recycling Technologies

Consultant Environment Finance & Economy

Contract

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Result of Service

The ultimate result of the consultancy services is to provide a comprehensive LCA of plastic recycling technologies in Asian countries, identifying environmental risks and proposing mitigation measures and sustainable practices. The consultancy aims to enhance the capacity of stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and small and medium enterprise (SMEs), to implement sustainable recycling practices. It will produce detailed LCA reports, increase awareness, and offer guidance for impact investors, focusing on social impacts and benefits, especially in low and lower-middle-income countries. This work will support UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy goals, specifically under the project "UNEP One Plastics Initiative" contributing to broader environmental sustainability and socio-economic development.

Work Location

Remote (Home-based)

Expected duration

5 working months over a 6-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: UNEP- IETC is implementing a project in two Asian counties to support the advancement of plastic waste management initiatives in these countries by empowering SMEs, enhancing their capacity to implement sound recycling technologies, and fostering a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in the circular economy. In this context, the need for conducting a comprehensive Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) study has been identified to ensure that SMEs' plastic recycling practices are environmentally sustainable and align with circular economy objectives of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. The consultant will be working with two local partners in Cambodia and Pakistan to obtain necessary information. The purpose of this request is to engage a consultant to undertake comprehensive Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) study of plastic recycling technologies in two Asian countries. Responsibilities: (a) Conduct a detailed LCA examination of plastic recycling practices in the countries. (b) Identify environmental burdens and human health associated with different stages of the plastic life cycle. (c) Assess the effectiveness of various recycling technologies (mechanical, chemical, biological) and end-of-life management options. (d) Perform inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpret results based on established LCA methodologies. Expertise and Experience: (a) Possess strong knowledge in environmental science, and in-depth understanding of waste management practices and technologies. (b) Proficiency in LCA methodology and principles, including goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. (c) Demonstrated experience in conducting LCAs across diverse geographical contexts, particularly in Asian countries. Must have a license to at least one (d) LCA software tool (e.g., SimaPro, GaBi, OpenLCA). (e) Familiarity with input-output analysis and technical aspects of plastic recycling technologies. (f) Strong analytical skills for interpreting LCA results and identifying improvement opportunities. (g) Understanding of the policy landscape and regulatory frameworks related to plastic waste management in Asian countries. (h) Knowledge of existing policies, initiatives, and best practices promoting sustainable plastic recycling and reducing environmental pollution. The consultancy is expected to contribute valuable insights and recommendations to inform policy decisions and promote sustainable practices in plastic recycling across the region, as outlined in the work programme. By conducting a comprehensive LCA, the consultant will provide stakeholders with a holistic understanding of the environmental impacts of plastic recycling technologies, identify hotspots and potential improvement areas, and facilitate evidence-based decision-making towards more sustainable waste management practices. Ultimately, the consultant's work will play a crucial role in advancing the circular economy agenda and achieving the objectives outlined in the work programme. B. Duties: (A) Objectives: The consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive LCA of plastic recycling technologies within the national and local context of Asian countries. This assessment aims to evaluate not only the environmental impacts but also the economic and social implications of small and medium enterprise (SME) plastic recycling activities. SMEs play a significant role in the plastic recycling sector, often operating with limited resources and infrastructure compared to larger corporations. Therefore, understanding the specific challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs in adopting and implementing plastic recycling technologies is crucial for promoting sustainable practices and achieving overall sustainability goals. The LCA will assess the entire life cycle of plastic recycling technologies utilized by SMEs, from collection and sorting of plastic waste to processing, reprocessing, and final disposal of recycled materials. By quantifying the environmental impacts associated with each stage of the recycling process, the LCA will provide valuable insights into areas of improvement and opportunities for optimization. This includes assessing factors such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation, and potential impacts on human health and ecosystems. Furthermore, the LCA will take into account the unique challenges faced by SMEs, such as limited access to capital, technical expertise, and market opportunities. It will examine the feasibility and scalability of different recycling technologies for SMEs, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, resource efficiency, and compatibility with local waste management systems. By identifying barriers to adoption and implementation, the LCA will help inform the development of targeted strategies and interventions to support SMEs in transitioning towards more sustainable plastic recycling practices. The ultimate goal of the consultancy is to enhance the capacity of policymakers and practitioners in Asian countries to implement environmentally responsible recycling processes that not only minimize environmental impacts but also contribute to economic growth and social development. By integrating LCA findings with policy analysis and stakeholder engagement, the consultancy will develop evidence-based recommendations for promoting sustainable plastic recycling practices at the SME level. This holistic approach will enable policymakers and practitioners to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and create an enabling environment for SMEs to thrive in the circular economy. (B) Output expectations: The consultancy is expected to deliver a range of outputs to fulfil its objectives effectively. These outputs include comprehensive LCA reports detailing environmental impacts of plastic recycling technologies in selected Asian countries, along with mitigation strategies tailored to address identified challenges. Additionally, the consultancy will provide evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable practices within SMEs engaged in plastic recycling. Capacity building materials, stakeholder engagement plans, and a monitoring and evaluation framework will also be developed to enhance the capacity of policymakers and practitioners, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and track progress towards sustainability goals. (C) Performance indicators: Number of stakeholder consultations conducted with government agencies, industry associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, and other relevant entities to gather insights and feedback for a comprehensive LCA of plastic recycling technologies in Asian countries Completion and submission of a comprehensive LCA of plastic recycling technologies in Asian countries within the agreed-upon timeline. C. Specific tasks and responsibilities: The consultant will undertake specific tasks and responsibilities aimed at conducting a comprehensive LCA of plastic recycling technologies in Asian countries. This section delineates the detailed activities to be undertaken solely by the consultant, encompassing various stages of the LCA process. These tasks include data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and capacity building. The consultant will work independently to fulfil these responsibilities, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy throughout the study. The tasks outlined in this section are aligned with the overarching objective of informing policy and promoting sustainable practices in plastic recycling. Additionally, the section includes timelines, milestones, and resource allocations to facilitate effective project management and ensure the timely completion of project deliverables. The tasks are as follows: (A) Methodology Development: This task involves the development of a robust methodology for conducting LCA of plastic recycling technologies in Asian countries. The consultant will design a systematic approach for data collection, analysis, and interpretation, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the assessment results. Methodology development may include literature review, research design, selection of assessment tools and indicators, and consideration of stakeholder input to ensure comprehensive coverage and alignment with project objectives. (B) Content Creation: Under this task, the consultant will be responsible for creating content for various project deliverables, including reports, presentations, training materials, and educational resources. Content creation involves synthesizing research findings, data analysis results, and stakeholder input into clear, concise, and engaging formats. The consultant will develop content that effectively communicates key messages, recommendations, and insights to target audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders involved in plastic recycling initiatives. (C) Stakeholder Consultation: Stakeholder consultation entails engaging with relevant stakeholders throughout the consultancy process to gather input, feedback, and insights on plastic recycling technologies and practices. The consultant will conduct consultations with government agencies, industry associations, NGOs, community groups, and other stakeholders to ensure their perspectives are considered in the assessment and decision-making processes. Stakeholder consultation may involve meetings, workshops, surveys, interviews, and other participatory methods to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration. (D) Review and Revision: This task involves the review and revision of project deliverables to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with project objectives and stakeholder feedback. The consultant will conduct thorough reviews of draft reports, presentations, and other materials, identifying areas for improvement, correction, or clarification. Revision may involve incorporating additional data, refining analysis methods, updating content based on new information or stakeholder input, and addressing any concerns or questions raised during the review process. (E) Finalization and Delivery: This task involves finalizing project deliverables to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with project objectives and stakeholder feedback. The consultant will conduct a final review of reports, presentations, and other materials, making necessary revisions and adjustments. Finalization may involve formatting documents, preparing for dissemination, and ensuring compliance with project requirements. Once finalized, deliverables will be delivered to project partners, funders, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders through appropriate channels.

Qualifications/special skills

(1) Academic Qualifications: Masters or equivalent​ in the field of financial development for sustainable development, international development, or another relevant field in political or social sciences is required. (2) Experience - A minimum of 7 years of in environmental science, engineering, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on waste management and recycling processes. This experience should encompass extensive work in conducting LCA, particularly within the context of waste management and plastic recycling. - The consultant should have a proven track record of applying internationally recognised LCA methodologies and best practices to evaluate and mitigate environmental impacts. - Furthermore, the consultant should demonstrate a history of successful collaboration with international organisations and stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector.

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

International travel will be required for this consultancy.

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.

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Added 3 days ago - Updated 5 hours ago - Source: careers.un.org