TOR — Research Associate (Islamabad)

Position: Research Associate

Location: Islamabad

Contract Duration: 6 months

Salary range: 100,000 – 140,000

Position Objective: To provide analytical, field, and coordination support for the project’s implementation, including research on plastic value chains, SME diagnostics, environmental compliance monitoring, and development of project deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and analytical research related to plastic waste, recycling systems, circular economy, and informal sector dynamics.
• Support development of baseline assessment, stakeholder maps, and waste-flow diagrams
• Assist in documenting transparent SME selection criteria and profiles.
• Conduct field surveys, KIIs, and data collection with SMEs, informal recyclers, and municipal departments.
• Support SME diagnostic assessments (technical, environmental, operational, and economic)
• Contribute to adaptation of localized business models for SMEs.
• Assist in delivery of trainings on safe and environmentally sound recycling practices.
• Apply Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) or Material Flow Analysis (MFA) approaches to evaluate the environmental impacts of plastic products and recycling processes across their life cycle (from collection to end-use).
• Maintain operational monitoring logs, environmental checklists, and informal actor engagement records.
• Support preparation of all project deliverables.
• Coordinate logistics for field missions, workshops, and CCP meetings.
• Support internal documentation, data analysis, and knowledge products.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree holders in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, or a closely related discipline must have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree holders in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, or a closely related discipline must have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

Required Skills & Expertise:

• Research and analysis in plastic value chains.
• Knowledge of solid waste management and municipal waste systems.
• Familiarity with circular economy, recycling sector, or informal waste sector engagement.
• Conducting fieldwork, KIIs, and stakeholder coordination.
• Data analysis, documentation, and report writing.

Added Advantage (Not Mandatory):

• Working knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Material Flow Analysis (MFA) or other environmental assessment tools.
• Experience with environmental compliance, safety monitoring, or EHS documentation.
• Experience working with SMEs or local government entities.