Result of Service

The objective of this assignment is to ensure that the implementation of the GEF ISLANDS Programme is informed by guidance on how to use Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practices (BAT/BEP) on circular economy approaches to improve recycling across SIDS.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

15 July 2021 – 31 October 2021, for approximately 13-14 days per month

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

The Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) is hosted by UNEP, in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). These organizations serve as the joint host of the GGKP Secretariat (www.greengrowthknowledge.org) on behalf of the GGKP Steering Committee (UNEP, GGGI, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the World Bank). The GGKP is a global network of over 70 international organisations, research institutes, and think tanks focused on promoting a green economy transition by:

• Identifying major knowledge gaps in green growth theory and practice and addressing these gaps through the promotion of collaboration and coordinated research; and
• Using world-class knowledge management and communication tools to provide practitioners, policymakers, and other experts with opportunities to access, share, and utilize green growth policy analysis, guidance, information, and data.

The aim of this consultancy is to provide technical guidance, expertise and support to the GEF Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in Small Island Developing States” (ISLANDS) CCKM project for the development of a best practice guidance on recycling for the GEF ISLANDS Programme. This will contribute directly to Output 2.1 in the CCKM project document.

A Technical Specialist is sought to develop best practice guidance on improving recycling in SIDS, particularly for end-of-life vehicles, waste oil, plastics, and e-waste. This will require research on circular economy approaches across the full value chain, including reduction of the waste stream via material innovation, product design, and consumer behaviour change interventions or incentives, as well as reuse, recycling and remanufacturing via improved collection methods and increased use of technology and innovation such as chemical, mechanical, and thermal recycling. The consultant will identify lessons from previous experience, conduct baseline research on existing recycling activities in SIDS, identify tailored recommendations and potential activities related to recycling in SIDS, and prepare case studies. Particular focus will be put on the required economy of scale for each waste stream and providing advice on the various options for national and regional (pre)processing centers.

Under the direct supervision of the CCKM Project Coordinator and the overall coordination and guidance of the Head of GGKP, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
1) Conduct baseline desk research on existing recycling activities in SIDS, focusing on end-of-life vehicles, used oil, plastics, and e-waste, and identify lessons and learning from previous experiences.

2) Prepare best practice guidance with targeted recommendations on improving recycling through circular economy approaches, across the full waste value chain, in order to offer SIDS a variety of approaches to sustainably manage waste including division of labor between national and regional processing centers, taking into account the necessary economies of scale and local job creation for the various waste streams. The consultant will need to take into account the unique challenges faced by SIDS (e.g. limited scale and reduced cost-effectiveness due to small population sizes, geographic isolation and associated high shipping cost (although the ISLANDS programme has identified cost reduction options with shipping companies), limited land area, limited recycling facilities). The report will also elaborate the potential costs and benefits of implementing the recommendations (e.g. anticipated impacts on total emissions and ecosystems, financial costs). The report will be written in English, and the consultant will first prepare a draft outline to be approved by the CCKM team before drafting the report. Once drafted, the consultant will discuss the draft report with the CCKM team and regional child project teams, and take into account their feedback in finalising the report.

3) Prepare at least five SIDS case studies, covering a range of countries and regions, themes and/or sectors. The consultant will propose the focus areas and outlines for the case studies, but potential areas could include product design and labeling, extended producer responsibility (EPR), plastic waste in the tourism and retail sectors, re-manufacturing, or chemical recycling, or waste-to-energy (as a last option). The consultant will also consult with relevant focal points identified by the child projects as well as the CCKM team in the finalisation of the case studies.

4) Deliver a presentation of the key findings and recommendations, as detailed in the guidance document and case studies, for key government representatives and other development partners engaged in the regional SIDS child projects.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: An advanced degree in environmental management or economics, environment engineering, environmental science, waste management, circular economy, or related field is required. Two additional years of relevant work experience, along with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in the field of waste management, circular economy, recycling, and/or environmental management.
• Strong analytical skills as well as the ability to effectively articulate and present research and analytical findings in writing are required.
• Understanding of the chemicals covered by the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions.
• Experience working with international organizations is required.
• Experience working in the context of SIDS is strongly preferred.

Language: Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be an asset.