Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI's Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI's experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.

SG&R’s Water portfolio has delivered innovative, breakthrough solutions in key development sectors, including water sector governance, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, solid waste management, urbanization, economic livelihood development, community engagement, and institutional capacity building. Our work spans the Africa continent with a growing presence in South Asia.

Project Description

The purpose of the recently awarded USAID Sri Lanka & Maldives Ocean Plastic Reduction Program (Ocean Plastics Reduction) Activity is to minimize ocean plastics pollution in Sri Lanka and the Maldives by reducing reliance on plastic products while improving integrated solid waste management (SWM) practices. The project will provide programming to both Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Position Description

RTI is seeking a Plastics Reduction Team Leader for the recently awarded USAID Sri Lanka & Maldives Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity. The Plastics Reduction Team Lead will be responsible for providing technical oversight and innovative practices to reduce virgin plastics inputs and products through 3Rs and extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiatives.

This position will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and report to the Deputy Chief of Party – Sri Lanka.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead activities that reduce reliance on virgin plastic inputs and products (Objective 1) in Sri Lanka; oversee Objective 1 activities in the Maldives.
  • Foster and sustain a culture of private sector innovation to reduce and reuse solid waste and plastic, using grants, mentorship and other capacity building activities.
  • Assist with structuring private sector engagement and partnerships to further expand and strengthen plastic recycling initiatives.
  • Support the development and strengthening of EPR, polluter pay principles and other approaches.
  • Ensure gender equality and social inclusion are mainstreamed throughout all Objective 1 activities.
  • Support implementation of a learning approach for the program, including identifying operational priorities and best practices/lessons and windows of opportunity to improve or scale as needed.
  • Ensure timely achievement of program activities in adherence to annual work plan and budget.
  • Provide technical writing support to and review key program deliverables and reports.

    Qualifications:

    • Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience, Master's degree and 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
    • Five years’ relevant professional experience supporting circular economy, plastics recycling or other relevant initiatives in Sri Lanka.
    • Demonstrated experience supporting private sector, non-governmental organizations and/or other civil society organizations to develop business ideas, innovations, or other entrepreneurship models in the SWM sector.
    • Familiarity with EPR and other polluter-pay principles.
    • Prior experience with USAID- or other donor-funded programs preferred.
    • Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
    • Fluency in English and Sinhala or Tamil required.
    • Ability to travel and work throughout Sri Lanka; ability to travel to the Maldives, as requested.

This vacancy is archived.

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