Kenya EPR Policy & Technical Assessment Consultant

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

Kenya has entered a period of unprecedented transformation in its environmental governance. The enactment of the Sustainable Waste Management (SWM) Act in 2022 and the subsequent gazettement of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations in 2024 represent a fundamental shift from a linear "take-make-dispose" model toward a circular economy. These instruments are designed to address the escalating crisis of plastic pollution. Kenya generates approximately 8 million tonnes of waste annually, with plastic accounting for roughly 20% of the total waste stream. Despite these volumes, the national recycling rate for plastic remains low at approximately 8%, and an estimated 37,000 tonnes of plastic leak into the environment annually.

While the legal framework is in place, significant implementation challenges persist. The infrastructure for waste recovery is underdeveloped, with critical gaps in source segregation and material recovery facilities. Furthermore, the "data gap" regarding waste volumes and the "free rider" problem in producer registration hinder the effective operationalization of the EPR system. To bridge these gaps, Kenya requires robust financial mechanisms and investment-ready projects that can operationalize the statutory mandates of the 2024 EPR Regulations.

To address these challenges, GGGI is implementing the "Plastic Circular Investment Initiative: Accelerating Plastic Pricing and Financing Mechanisms" funded by the Korea Green New Deal Trust Fund (KGNDTF). This project employs the Plastic pricing methodology, which aims to channel revenues from market-based instruments, such as EPR fees and levies, into a pipeline of circular economy investments.

The project focuses on creating an enabling environment where producer payments are not just collected but are effectively reinvested into infrastructure that reduces plastic leakage. This involves a four-stage sequence: landscape analysis, pilot design, pilot implementation, and policy scale-up. By validating cost-recovery logic and governance models through a pilot, the project aims to de-risk future large-scale investments and attract private capital into Kenya's waste sector.

The primary objective of this consultancy is to support the Government of Kenya (specifically MoECCF and NEMA) in operationalizing the 2024 EPR Regulations by assessing regulatory and data readiness, designing an investment-ready pilot concept, and providing policy advisory support.

Work package 1. Readiness Assessment & Pilot Scoping: The objective of this work package for the selected consultant is to conduct a supportive role to GGGI Kenya country team to translate the findings of the initial readiness assessment into a concrete, operational pilot concept that tests the cost-recovery logic of the EPR regulations.

• Sub-activity 1.1. Inception Report and Detailed Work Plan: To initiate the assignment, the Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive Inception Report that establishes the strategic roadmap for the consultancy. This document must detail the general methodological approach, defining how the Consultant intends to execute the assignment. The report is required to include the proposed structure for all subsequent deliverables, a timeline including specific reporting milestones, and confirmation of the work plan.
• Sub-activity 1.2. Desk-Based Legal and Data Review: The Consultant shall support the project team with the validation of the current legal and data landscape through a targeted review and stakeholder engagement. This involves shortlisting and conducting key informant interviews with core stakeholders, including MoECCF, NEMA, PROs, NGOs, CBOs, and waste-picker representatives. The output will be a summary of findings that informs the subsequent readiness assessment.
• Sub-activity 1.3. Concise Readiness Brief: The Consultant is responsible for supporting the project team with the production of a "Readiness Brief" that identifies the most critical regulatory and data gaps preventing full EPR operationalization. Key tasks include building regulatory and data requirement checklists, defining the minimum dataset for plastics EPR, and conducting a gap analysis. The brief summarizes the baseline status and present recommendations to address identified deficiencies.
• Sub-activity 1.4. Pilot Concept Note: Based on the readiness findings and stakeholder consultations, the Consultant shall support the project team with the draft concept notes for an EPR-based pilot project. This document must outline the project scope, sketch the rough cost-recovery logic (analyzing revenue streams versus cost blocks), and develop a headline risk and mitigation matrix to ensure the pilot's viability.

Work package 2. Policy Support and High-Level Knowledge Sharing: The objective of this work package is to support the Government of Kenya in refining the operational frameworks for EPR and to facilitate stakeholder consensus through knowledge exchange.

• Sub-activity 2.1. Policy Support with EPR Guidelines & Manuals: The Consultant shall support the policy advisory for the EPR operationalization. This entails reviewing existing frameworks to identify policy and operational gaps, particularly regarding digital reporting systems, procedural guidelines and county implementation manuals.
• Sub-activity 2.2. One-Day Hybrid Workshop: The Consultant shall support the delivery of a one-day hybrid workshop with GGGI Kenya Country Office to validate findings and recommendations. Responsibilities include preparing an event concept note, coordinating with the line ministry on the agenda and invitations, and developing all workshop materials (presentation decks, handouts). Following the event, the Consultant must prepare a workshop report summarizing outcomes.

GGGI requires the services of a qualified Consultant to implement key components of the Plastic Circular Investment Initiative. The Consultant will work on two primary work packages with the GGGI project team: i) Readiness Assessment & Pilot Scoping, and ii) Policy Support and High-Level Knowledge Sharing. The consultant will play a vital role in delivering specific activities, ensuring that all activities align with GGGI’s objectives to support the operationalization of Kenya's 2024 EPR Regulations by assessing regulatory and data readiness, designing an investment-ready pilot concept, and providing policy advisory support.

Notes:

• The Consultant is to provide his/her own equipment to produce all deliverables.
• The Consultant shall submit the report in electronic versions readable by a Microsoft Office application.
• All outputs must be in English.
• The Inception report must be approved by the GGGI project coordinator and project manager. The Consultant shall submit the Inception report which should include the proposed structure for all subsequent deliverables, a timeline including specific reporting milestones, and confirmation of the work plan.
• The Consultant’s work progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings, the precise schedule of which is to be determined based on consultation with the Consultant. The Consultant is also expected to produce a progress report that includes: an overview of the project, a narrative description of project activities, detailed information on project objectives and milestones, actual achievements made against the timeline set, etc.
• The Consultant shall submit the Final Report which should reflect the outcome of all activities prepared by the consultant.
• All relevant technical papers, reports, and other documents prepared from the start to the end of the assignment shall be attached to the Final Report.
• Final report must be approved by the GGGI project coordinator and project manager. The Consultant shall consider the comments and necessary revisions proposed. Within 14 days from the receipt of the comments or modification proposal from the GGGI, the Consultant shall prepare and submit the final versions of the report.

Education and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics, Environmental Law, Waste Management, Circular Economy, or a related field, or other related fields.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in environmental policy, or technical advisory related to circular economy, sustainable waste management.
• Proven experience in conducting desk-based legal and data reviews, readiness assessments, or gap analyses within the environmental, waste, or circular economy sector.
• Demonstrable understanding of the Kenyan context, specifically the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022, the EPR Regulations 2024, and the NEMA reporting and licensing processes.
• Previous work experience engaging with Kenyan government entities (such as MoECCF and NEMA), Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and related private sector.
• Experience in preparing, facilitating, and collecting inputs/feedback from multi-stakeholder consultations and workshops.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required, with strong analytical and report-writing skills.

Functional

• A proactive attitude, with an ability to find workable solutions promptly.
• Punctual, professional, and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with multicultural and interdisciplinary staff.
• Ability to independently synthesize complex legal, regulatory, and technical data into concise concept notes and policy advisories.
• Corporate
• Understands and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision, and values.
• Commits to team goals and works effectively across the organization with individuals of different views, cultures, nationality, gender, and age.
• Excellent problem solver.
• Exemplifies the highest standard of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

In order to be considered for the position, the candidate must meet the minimum qualification listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the evaluation criteria factor below. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted. GGGI does not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre-authorized. Reference checks will be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities.

Interviews may be requested. Applicants are required to prepare a brief narrative demonstrating how prior experience and/or education and training address selection criteria factors listed below:

• Professional Competency (10 points): At least a master’s degree in in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics, Environmental Law, Waste Management, Circular Economy, or a related field, or other related fields.
• Experience (40 points): A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in policy, or technical advisory related to EPR, circular economy, and sustainable waste management. Proven track record in conducting desk-based legal and data reviews, readiness assessments, and gap analyses. Prior experience engaging and working with Kenyan government entities (such as MoECCF and NEMA), PROs, and related private sector is highly desirable.
• Communication (10 points): Strong ability to communicate in multi-stakeholder consultations, both written and verbally, in English. Previous experience preparing technical reports (e.g., readiness briefs, pilot concept notes), policy advisories, or facilitating workshops for government, private sector, and civil society partners is essential.
• Technical Knowledge (40 points): Demonstrated understanding and practical experience in plastic waste, EPR operationalization and environmental policy. Deep understanding on the Kenyan regulatory context, specifically the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022, the EPR Regulations 2024, and NEMA reporting and licensing processes, is essential.

Maximum Points Available: 100

At GGGI’s discretion, reference checks and interviews shall be conducted as part of the evaluation process.

Applicants must also include in their application package as follows:

1. A cover letter of no more than 2 pages demonstrates how the candidate’s qualifications meet the work requirements.
2. A curriculum vitae of no more than 3 pages which, to a minimum, describes education, the latest experience and career achievements.
3. Names, current and accurate contract numbers (email and phone) of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant’s abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation.

All of the above information must be included in the application package in order for the package to be considered complete.

Interest candidates should send the above information directly in the link https://careers.gggi.org/vacancy/

All applications submitted by GGGI website must be no later than 27 MAR 2026, at 23:59 p.m. Korean Standard Time (KST). Application submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment