Consultant for Research on Bottlenecks and Identifying Profitable Business Solutions for Waste Management and Segregation
- Career Category: Consultancy
- Location: Phnom Penh
Objective:
Primary Objective:
To identify key barriers and opportunities in Cambodia’s waste management and segregation systems and develop at least two profitable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable business models for waste sorting and recycling.
Specific objectives include:
- Map current waste management, waste flows (collection, segregation, recycling) and quantify plastic waste volumes, recycling rates, and GHG emissions in target areas
- Identify financial, operational, and institutional bottlenecks in the waste value chain
- Assess the role and challenges of informal waste collectors and recycling enterprises.
- Identify market opportunities and supply-demand gaps for recyclable materials.
- Design at least two business models that are feasible, profitable, and gender responsive, prioritizing circular economy principles, cost-effectiveness, and inclusivity.
- Provide recommendations for piloting, scaling, and policy engagement.
Scope of Work:
Geographical Focus:
- Urban and peri-urban areas surrounding garment factories in Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, and Kampong Cham provinces.
Target Groups:
- Informal waste collectors (edjai), recycling depots, waste management companies, local authorities, and community members.
Key Research Questions
- What are the current practices and inefficiencies in waste segregation and collection?
- What are the main financial, logistical, and policy-related bottlenecks?
- What are the roles, needs, and constraints of informal waste collectors?
- What are the market dynamics for recyclable materials?
- What business models can improve profitability and sustainability in waste management?
- How can these models be gender-responsive and scalable?
Methodology
The consultant will employ a participatory, mixed-methods research approach to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the waste management ecosystem, with a focus on informal actors, market dynamics, and scalable business solutions. The methodology should be inclusive, gender-sensitive, and grounded in both qualitative and quantitative evidence.
Bidder Eligibility
- Essential Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in environmental science, business, economics, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in Minimum 5 years of experience in waste management, circular economy, or MSME development.
- Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills and business model development.
- Fluency in English is mandatory, proficiency in Khmer is preferred.
- Preferred Experience:
- Previous work in Cambodia or similar contexts.
- Knowledge of Cambodian waste management policies and actors, supply chain analysis, financial modeling, and cost-benefit analysis.
- Examples of successfully implemented sustainable business models catering to similar vendor ecosystems.
