TERMS OF REFERENCE
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Activity Name |
Assessing the impact of technology and digital technology (mobile applications) on the livelihoods of informal waste collectors in Ho Chi Minh City |
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Implementation Period |
January 20, 2025 – May 23, 2025 |
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Type of Contract |
Consultancy |
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Deployment area |
Ho Chi Minh City |
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
The “Pioneering Company, Community & Consumer Responsibility in Plastic Waste Reduction in Vietnam” (P3CR) is one of six initiatives under the “Reducing Pollution Activity” project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through Winrock International. The initiative is managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), with the Pollution Control Department (PCD) serving as the project owner.
The P3CR initiative is currently led by Supporting Green Development Company Limited – GreenU (formerly known as the Centre for Supporting Green Development – GreenHub). Its primary objective is to support the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for plastic packaging waste by focusing on capacity building, multi-stakeholder dialogue mechanisms, and pilot models in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).
In Ho Chi Minh City, the model has been implemented since early 2023 in 02 districts (Phu Nhuan and District 1), achieving several key outcomes: (1) a connection between the EPR implementers involving MM Mega Market Vietnam Co., Ltd. (importer) and Duy Tân Recycling Plastics Joint Stock Company (recycler) is established; (2) plastic packaging waste sorted and collected through the VECA mobile application is collected and analyzed monthly; (3) 90 people in HCMC are trained about knowledge of sustainable waste management practices, and methods for conducting professional training and community-focused communication; (4) 5S (Sort – Set in order – Shine – Standardize – Sustain) training was provided to 03 partners in scrap collection to improve their 5S practices, workplace cleanliness, thereby enhancing labor productivity and the quality of life for workers involved in scrap collection and sorting.
This pilot model in HCMC is actively encouraging businesses, households, waste collectors to use mobile applications to enhance supply chain connectivity. Through VECA application, the current network includes: 45,000 households, 4 businesses with over 100 collection points, 50 waste collectors and a new application designed specifically for scrap collectors, facilitating their transformation into new facilities capable of issuing value-added invoices, ensuring safety, and adhering to 5S standards. This approach is expected to expand to other provinces in 2025. Additionally, to ensure sustainable outcomes for the initiative, Winrock and the P3CR Initiative have directly supported Saigon Co-op (SGC) in collaboration with ALTA to install 13 plastic bottle collection machines at SGC supermarkets and offices in HCMC.
In Hanoi, the pilot model is scheduled to begin implementation in January 2025.
Besides positive outcomes, there remains some negative impacts of technological measures and equipment. To assess these impacts, particularly on the livelihoods of informal waste collectors, GreenU is conducting a study titled “Assessing the impact of technology and digital technology (mobile applications) on the livelihoods of informal waste collectors in Ho Chi Minh City.”
Based on the findings of this study, the research team will develop recommendations to:
- Support the informal waste collection group by leveraging technology while safeguarding their livelihoods.
- Provide policy suggestions to assist informal waste collectors and businesses utilizing technology applications, mitigating potential conflicts of interest.
- Explore and propose innovative solutions that harmonize technological advancements with the needs of the informal waste collection workforce in future initiatives and projects.
To undertake this study effectively, the Initiative is seeking to recruit a consultant, with the specific requirements outlined as follows:
II. OBJECTIVES
- Assess the current status and development trends of technology in the sorting, collection, and recycling value chain in Vietnam
- Analyze the impact of technology on livelihoods of informal collectors in the recycling value chain in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Propose actionable recommendations to mitigate negative impacts and ensure the livelihoods of the informal collection group in the recycling value chain.
III. SCOPE OF RESEARCH
The research will be conducted in Ho Chi Minh City and focus on assessing the impacts of technology applications (including reverse vending machines), and digital technology (mobile applications) on the livelihoods of informal waste collectors in Ho Chi Minh City.
Main contents (but not limited to):
- Assess changes in income and financial opportunities or losses resulting from technology adoption.
- Evaluate the ability of informal waste collectors to participate in the formal value chain or cooperate with formal businesses.
- Examine how technology influences in working methods and practices, the perception and societal position of the informal waste collection group and their level of access to support policies and associated benefits.
Based on this analysis, impacts of technology on the income and livelihoods of the informal collection group will be identified.
IV. ACCEPTANCE PRODUCTS
- A complete set of research tools, finalized after incorporating feedback from GreenU and Winrock International.
- A detailed report titled “Assessing the impact of technology and digital technology (mobile applications) on the livelihoods of informal waste collectors in Ho Chi Minh City “, reviewed and approved by GreenU and the donor, Winrock International. Language: Vietnamese.
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A concise summary report (policy brief) highlighting key findings and policy recommendations. Language: English.
V. EXPECTED OUTPUT AND TIMELINE
|
STT |
Output |
Estimated time |
|
1 |
A draft comprehensive Inception Report along with an initial Assessment Toolkit |
Week 4 January 2025 |
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2 |
A finalized Inception Report A finalized set of Assessment Toolkit, developed through discussions and consensus with relevant stakeholders |
Week 3 February 2025 |
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3 |
Completion of a field survey |
Week 1 March 2025 |
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4 |
Draft Report 1: A preliminary report presenting findings from desk research and in-depth interviews |
Week 3 March 2025 |
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5 |
Draft Report 2: An analytical report based on quantitative data from 120 survey forms |
Week 1 April 2025 |
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6 |
Documented minutes of the consultation meeting discussing the draft report |
Week 3 April 2025 |
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7 |
A finalized report, incorporating all findings and stakeholder feedback, along with formal handover documentation |
May 23, 2025 |
The consultant will work under the guidance, supervision, and final approval of the Initiative Manager and the Director of the P3CR Initiative.
VI. REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSULTANTS
The consultant may be an individual or a team.
Requirements for the Team Leader:
- Educational Background: A Master’s degree or higher, with at least 10 years of experience in relevant fields such as sociology, economics, or environmental studies
- Relevant Experience: Knowledge and experience in the solid waste collection, sorting, and recycling system. Familiarity with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system is a strong advantage.
- Preferred Qualifications: Priority will be given to candidates who have previously participated in similar research and survey projects and possess strong analytical skills to interpret survey data in depth.
- Availability: The team leader must have the time and commitment to participate in the consulting tasks within the timeframe set by GreenU.
VII. IMPLEMENTATION TIME
The research is expected to be carried out in 4 months, from 20/1/2025 – 23/5/2025.
VIII. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The proposal (in Vietnamese) should includes:
- Letter of interest (no more than 1 page, describing why the consultant is well-suited for this task).
- Propose a research idea: reasons for conducting the research, research objectives and questions, research methods, process, and plan for implementation.
- Financial proposal: breakdown for the consultant’s services, including a quotation for the entire research process (with personal income tax included)
- Consultant’s CV(s)
IX. SUBMISSION INFORMATION
The proposal must be signed (and sealed if submitted by an organization) and sent to the following email address: [email protected]
Closing date for submission: before 17:00 on January 13, 2025.