Department: Acopian Center for the Environment (ACE)

Contract type: Service contract

Job location: Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia

Application deadline: 05/04/2026

Program name: Waste Policy Armenia

Start Date: May 2026

End Date: August 2026

Job Location: Remote / Yerevan, Armenia (as applicable)

 

Program background

Waste Policy Armenia is a 4-year Program aimed at improving Armenia’s waste management sector capacity to implement more environmentally sound waste management practices through:

• Providing technical assistance to the RA Government in developing and adopting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation for several specific waste streams in line with EU Waste legislation and best practices (Program Component 1);
• Providing technical assistance to the RA Government in developing a national model on waste source separation and introducing it as a system in pilot municipalities (Program Component 2);
• Building sector capacities to implement Component 1 and Component 2, as well as to scale up the achieved results (Program Component 3).
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The current phase of WPA was informed by market systems assessments conducted in 2021–2022, including analysis of dry recyclables in municipal solid waste, automotive acid batteries, and agricultural manure. As WPA prepares for a possible next phase, it is important to revisit and update the market systems analysis in order to identify the most critical points of intervention and ensure that future programming is evidence-based and strategically focused.

 

Objective

To support WPA in conducting a renewed Market Systems Analysis (MSA) for selected waste-related markets in Armenia and to provide strategic recommendations that can inform the design of a possible next phase of the Program.

Scope of work and responsibilities

Methodology and analytical framework

• Develop a clear methodology and analytical framework for the market systems analysis, including priority research questions, approach to market mapping, and criteria for identifying systemic constraints and opportunities.
• Provide guidance to the WPA team on data needs, stakeholder consultations, and the analytical process required for the assignment.

Analytical work

• Review previous WPA market systems assessments and other relevant background materials.
• Analyze selected waste-related markets, identify key actors, functions, bottlenecks, opportunities, and leverage points, and assess implications for future WPA programming.
• Lead the analytical work and produce the core findings, interpretation, and recommendations.

Markets to be reviewed

The assignment is expected to cover the following markets: 

1. Municipal solid waste, including recyclables, organic waste, and residual non-recyclable waste
2. Organic waste and biomass in general
3. WEEE and batteries
4. Automotive waste, particularly car tires, oils, and filters

Support from WPA

The expert will be supported by the WPA team throughout the assignment. Data provision, and, where necessary, data collection support, will be the responsibility of the WPA Program. The consultant will guide this process through a clear methodology and instructions, while WPA will assist in organizing information, consultations, and background inputs.

Previous analytical work completed by AUA, WPA, and external experts will be made available to the consultant as background material for the assignment.

 Reporting and documentation

• Prepare a short inception note with methodology and proposed approach.
• Provide brief intermediate updates and analytical reflections during the assignment.
• Prepare a draft Market Systems Analysis report covering the selected markets and priority intervention areas.
• Present findings to the WPA team and selected stakeholders.
• Submit a final report with strategic recommendations for future WPA programming.

Deliverables

1. Inception note with methodology and work plan
2. Intermediate analytical updates / brief progress notes
3. Draft Market Systems Analysis report
4. Presentation of findings to the WPA team and selected stakeholders
5. Final Market Systems Analysis report with recommendations for future program design

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in economics, development studies, environmental policy, circular economy, waste management, or related field.
• Proven experience in market systems analysis/market systems development / M4P approaches.
• Strong analytical experience in circular economy, waste management, or related value chains.
• Experience in identifying systemic constraints, market opportunities, and intervention areas.
• Experience supporting donor-funded program design is an asset.
• Experience in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, or comparable contexts is an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary team and translate analysis into practical programming recommendations.

Additional Information

Please submit Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter, including the names and contact information of three referees via our platform.

AUA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active non-discrimination program within the institution.

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