International Consultant on Waste Management and Circular Economy

Country: Kazakhstan

Description of the Assignment: International Consultant on Waste Management and Circular Economy

Period of assignment: 40 working days including travel

Place of Work: Home based with missions to Kazakhstan

Contract type: Individual Contract 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Kazakhstan is undertaking significant efforts to modernize its waste management system and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy in line with national environmental priorities and international commitments. Despite considerable progress in recent years, the country continues to face challenges related to municipal solid waste management, plastic pollution, insufficient recycling infrastructure, limited recovery of secondary raw materials, and the need for stronger institutional and policy frameworks.

Particular attention is being given to preventing plastic leakage into the Caspian Sea, where marine litter has become an increasing environmental concern. Land-based waste streams, inadequate collection and recycling systems, and insufficient infrastructure in coastal and remote settlements contribute significantly to pollution of the marine environment. Addressing these challenges requires integrated solutions combining policy reforms, improved infrastructure planning, investment mobilization, behavioral change, and strengthened institutional capacities.

At the same time, the transition to a circular economy requires reliable data, comprehensive technical assessments, and evidence-based planning to support decision-making at both the national and local levels. Strengthening waste management systems requires a better understanding of waste generation and composition, existing infrastructure, service coverage, material recovery potential, and the feasibility of implementing circular economy approaches. Such information is essential for developing effective policies, prioritizing investments, and implementing scalable solutions tailored to local conditions.

SCOPE OF THE WORK

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager(s), and in close coordination with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, national experts, UNDP project teams, and other relevant stakeholders, the International Expert shall perform the following tasks.

Task 1. Provide strategic technical advisory, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing support to UNDP, government counterparts and stakeholders on waste management and circular economy through technical consultations, mentoring, training activities, participation in workshops and stakeholder dialogues, transfer of international best practices, and support to the design and implementation of pilot solutions under the Small Grants Programme.

Task 2. Review and provide technical quality assurance for project deliverables, including analytical reports, methodologies, policy recommendations, technical concepts, pilot-related documents, roadmaps and other knowledge products prepared under the projects.

Task 3. Conduct technical, policy and market analyses and provide recommendations on priority waste management, circular economy, plastic pollution and marine litter issues, including international benchmarking, assessment of international best practices and identification of opportunities for improving waste management policies, systems and interventions in Kazakhstan

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