Overview
The Circular Economy Business Development Specialist will lead the identification and design of circular economy business interventions, focusing on plastics and organic waste streams, and linking them to potential business actors and investors. The role supports LGUs in developing inclusive and commercially viable circular economy solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the identification of circular economy business opportunities by updating value chain analyses, identifying market gaps and barriers, and recommending high-impact entry points.
- Map key stakeholders along the value chain, including LGUs, private sector actors, MSMEs, households, civil society organizations, and GEDSI groups.
- Assess the enabling environment, including local policies, procurement mechanisms, and access to finance.
- Lead the design and operationalization of circular economy business opportunities by developing a Local CE Business Development Framework and translating it into work and financial plans.
- Support LGUs in developing and operationalizing priority interventions for plastic circularity, including EPR readiness and piloting waste avoidance systems.
- Facilitate partnerships between LGUs, local waste diverters, EPR-obligated enterprises, and Producer Responsibility Organizations.
- Support LGUs in identifying CE business models and technology for organic waste diversion and resource valorization.
- Support LGUs in exploring larger-scale circular economy investment opportunities and formulation of business plans.
- Lead rapid feasibility assessments of priority business models and investment opportunities.
- Conduct technical reviews and provide supervision of consultants, firms, and contractors.
- Support business networking and matching, market access, innovation challenges, and partnerships.
- Document key activities, results, and next steps related to CE and business development work for project reporting.
- Provide analysis, strategic inputs, and technical advice to project communications and advocacy efforts.
- Collate and document lessons learned and recommendations for policy dialogue, public advocacy, and future programming.
- Develop background papers, briefs, blogs, presentations, and social media content related to circular economy and business development.
- Identify and document best practices and lessons learned to inform project improvements and future interventions.
- Develop CE business modules/capdev modules, case studies/impact stories as needed.
- Support knowledge sharing with partners and stakeholders on circular economy methodologies, achievements, and lessons learned.
- Provide additional project management support as required.
Required Experience
- Minimum five (5) years (with master's degree) or seven (7) years (with bachelor's degree) of relevant professional experience in circular economy, waste management, and business feasibility, market linkage assessments.
- At least three years of experience in leading a technical work in a circular economy, waste management, conducting value chain analysis, and exploring business partnership is required.
- At least five years demonstrated experience in conducting systematic analyses related to the circular economy, solid waste management, and/or extended producer responsibility (EPR) is considered an advantage.
- At least five years demonstrated ability in business mapping and development (e.g., EPR systems analysis, value chain assessments, business planning) is considered an advantage.
- At least three years demonstrated understanding of LGU processes, as well as the needs and perspectives of local stakeholders and businesses is considered an advantage.
- At least three years experience working with a United Nations agency, development cooperation organization, or international NGO is considered an advantage.
- At least three years experience working with government counterparts, international organizations, and stakeholders in entrepreneurship, business development, or logistics management is an advantage.
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Management, Policy, Business Administration, Enterprise Development, and any other relevant field OR
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
