CALL FOR OFFERS: Mapping and analysis of key actors and practical initiatives in the Western Balkans aimed at accelerating the Regions’ transition to the circular economy
Prijava do
2021-10-20
Opis
Terms of Reference
September 2021
Deadline for applications: 20 October 2021
Expected start date for this consultancy: 1 November 2021
Completion date: 30 November 2021
Number of days for this consultancy: maximum 10 days
About the Balkan Forum
The Balkan Forum (The BF) is a regional, multisector platform that works to advance cross- border dialogue and create a shared regional vision and agenda for cooperative action in the Balkan region based on economic integration, prosperity, and sustainable peace. We highlight good practices of regional cooperation to policy discussions and promote existing efforts to connect grassroots initiatives, knowledge, and successes to the decision-making levels that are responsible for policymaking and regional and/or EU integration. Together with our partners we focus our efforts on filling gaps and mobilizing action; facilitating consensus building and dialogue; and building political will for policy action on regional cooperation initiatives. In its Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025 the BF commits to working towards building human capital, strengthening a circular economy, and reducing unemployment and out-migration in the
Western Balkan region”.
In 2021, the BF conducted research on Circular Economy in the Western Balkan region, namely the Circular Economy in the Western Balkans region: Waste Management as a Challenge, and Circular Economy in the Western Balkan region: Waste Management legislation. In addition, the BF has undertaken initial research with the aim of mapping the key actors in the Western Balkans region working on Circular Economy, Environment and Climate related issues.
According to the EU, the Western Balkans is one of the regions in Europe most heavily affected by the impact of climate change and this trend is projected to continue. As noted by the EU Circular Economy Action Plan1, achieving climate-neutrality – to reduce climate change and its devastating effects – seems impossible without transitioning to a fully circular economy. In recent years, intensifying European and international policies and regulations have been undertaken, such as the Sustainable Development Goals2, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the
European Green Deal3 (and Green Agenda for the Western Balkans4), and the European Plastics Strategy5, aimed at implementing the circular economy as a sustainable model worldwide. Such a transition is a major challenge that requires much stronger understanding, commitment and action from all actors in the Western Balkans.
1. Introduction
The Balkan Forum is seeking to recruit a Civil Society Organization, an individual consultant or a team of consultants, to undertake research on mapping and analysis of key actors and practical initiatives in the Western Balkans aimed at accelerating the Regions’ transition to the circular economy.
2. Background:
The past 150 years of industrialization have been characterized by a linear economic model
relying on the principle of ‘take-make-waste’. This model has fostered increased dependency on scarce resources, resulting in both environmental degradation and egregious amounts of waste. To counter these far-reaching consequences, the development of circular economy, based on the principle of reduced resource use, has become nothing short of a necessity. Often referred
to as “circularity”, this economic model intends to create a closed-loop system through consistently reusing, resharing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, and recycling. The key elements that make the transition from a linear to a circular economy possible include: improvement of prevention, management, and recycling of waste; renewable energy sources; enhanced biodiversity; extraction and sustainable cycling of water resources; responsible consumption; extension of the useful life of products environmental ecosystems, with bringing economical and societal profits.
3. Objective of the consultancy
Expand on the initial research undertaken by the BF in July-August 2021 focusing on mapping and analysis of key actors and practical initiatives in the Western Balkans aimed at accelerating the Regions’ transition to the circular economy.
4. Role of the consultant – Expected results
Enhance the initial research undertaken by the BF (not published) by also drawing on existing and available documents and the expertise of the consultant. The consultancy may include 10 semi-structured, Key Informant Interviews (KII), to be conducted online.
In view of the above consultant will undertake the following tasks:
- Expand on the initial research undertaken by the BF;
- Outline conclusions and recommendations for civil society, governments and private sector;
- Identify existing research gaps on circular economy to inform areas that require further analysis and review.
5. Deliverables
Consultant will deliver:
- An enhanced research report of max. 15 pages, making visible the input provided in the
BF’s initial research (not published).
- Consultant will also be available after the delivery of the above for purposes of clarification.
6. Consultancy period
The duration of the consultancy is a maximum of 10 days, between 1 – 30 November 2021.
7. Required experience
Interested CSOs/consultants should have:
- Solid knowledge of the circular economy model, key actors involved and their roles.
- Demonstrated research experience. Interested consultant(s) will be requested to share previous research/analysis that they have undertaken.
- Previous research on circular economy will be considered an asset.
- Excellent knowledge of English language.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, sensitivity and attention to detail.
- Ability to deliver high quality work, within the agreed time-frame.
8. Interested applicants are requested to submit
- An offer which includes a gross cost estimate (number of days for the consultancy and daily fee), and a detailed plan for the required consultancy (i.e. activities and time- frames to deliver this consultancy).
- Curriculum Vitae for individual(s). A statement on relevant previous experience.
- At least one example of previous research/analysis undertaken by the consultant(s).
Application procedure and selection criteria
Applications should be sent electronically to info@thebalkanforum.org Applications that do not contain all the required documents under 8 above will not be considered.
The deadline for applications is 20 October 2021.
We regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.