Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Improving waste management in Asia and the Pacific islands is a critical environmental issue due to increasing waste production, driven by urbanization, population growth, and consumerism. By 2030, waste in the region is projected to rise from 802 million tonnes (2016) to 1.1 trillion tonnes, exacerbating environmental challenges. Organic waste makes up 50-70% of municipal waste, while plastics, though a smaller fraction, pose significant long-term environmental and health risks. Despite efforts, waste management systems, particularly in rural areas, are underdeveloped, with informal sectors playing a key role in recycling. To address this, stronger waste management frameworks, including circular economy models and investment in infrastructure, are needed.
The Coca Cola Foundation is prioritizing the fight against plastic waste by investing in circular economy solutions, aiming to reduce waste leakage into rivers and oceans. Through a partnership with UNDP, the initiative will provide strategic support to over 9 Asia Pacific countries, fostering an enabling environment for circular interventions in the plastic lifecycle. The project is structured into regional and national components, with the Regional Component managed by UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub, which will coordinate the partnership and support national efforts. National Child Projects will focus on plastic waste collection, recycling, piloting innovative business models, and providing training and strategic assistance to governments and stakeholders.
In the Philippines, waste management is a growing concern, with municipal solid waste (MSW) expected to rise significantly by 2025. The country is a major contributor to marine plastic litter, and while the government has enacted policies like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 to tackle plastic pollution, challenges remain. Efforts such as the EU-PH Partnership for Green Economy and the Green LGUs Project aim to enhance circular waste practices at the local level, involving the private sector and civil society. The project will support marginalized groups, including youth and gender-focused initiatives, by providing opportunities through social enterprises and innovative business models that promote plastic waste reduction and recycling. These initiatives will help develop sustainable waste management systems that continue beyond the project’s lifespan.
The proposed interventions focus on developing an inclusive business model for targeted plastic waste collection and recovery from specific sources, institutionalizing a plastic waste system in a target area, and supporting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) groups, particularly in the informal sector. This includes providing storage facilities and seed capital, along with developing behavioral change modules and conducting training for targeted waste sources. Additionally, a digital app will be created to track waste diversion and incentivize plastic collection. Expected results include the collection of 1,460 metric tons of plastic waste, establishment of at least two inclusive business models, creation of a satellite recovery facility and a plastic recycling facility, support for two GEDSI groups, and the development of educational tools, with training provided to at least 750 individuals.
Core competencies:
Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:Business Management
Project Management. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Systems Thinking. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the systemBusiness Development
Knowledge Generation. Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations Communication. Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels2030 Agenda: Planet
Climate. Circular economy and green economy2030 Agenda: Prosperity
Inclusive Growth. Social inclusion2030 Agenda: People
Gender. Inclusive economies and the economic empowerment of womenRequired languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Filipino is required. Knowledge in the local language or dialect predominantly used in the Duty Station and project sites is preferred