Reducing plastic waste in the Americas – Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns

The action aims to strengthen the cooperation of the EU with selected countries in the region, via a set of activities that will support a transition towards a more circular economy, in line with the EU Plastic Strategy.

This action will support a transition to sustainable consumption and production of plastic, particularly concerning waste prevention and management aspects of plastic waste (waste hierarchy, extended producer responsibility) entering into the marine environment, and favouring green public procurement.

The overall objective of the project is to strengthen the EU’s leading role in the transition to the plastics of the future and to contribute to more competitive resilient plastics and recycling industries. The action will contribute for the EU to reach its global climate commitments and industrial policy objectives, by supporting the international aspects of the EU Plastic Strategy in the Americas Region.

Results to be achieved:

• Result 1. Basis for relevant EU policy dialogues concerning plastic production and management are enhanced.
• Result 2. Implementation of waste hierarchy, extended producer responsibility and deposit return schemes for plastic products and plastic waste is supported.
• Result 3. Activities for sustainable consumption and production of plastic are implemented.
• Result 4. Green procurement policies, processes and cooperation are strengthened.
• Result 5. Awareness of public authorities and consumers about sustainable consumption and production of plastic and impacts on the environment is increased.

TASKS TO ACHIEVE RESULT 2

• Task 2.1: Legislative and, where appropriate, technical assistance to the national and to the extent possible local authorities in: (a) Supporting the development of well-designed and well-functioning waste management systems. (b) Supporting the adoption of the waste hierarchy and its effective implementation, with a particular focus on plastic and plastic waste. (c) Supporting the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to relieve public authorities of the cost of managing a specific waste stream. (d) Supporting the implementation of deposit return schemes (DRS).
• Task 2.2: Increased awareness, via communication campaigns to producers and consumers, of the importance of sewage collection and waste water treatment.
• Task 2.3: Identification, of opportunities for EU businesses in providing European solutions, approaches, technologies and know-how for the activities above.
• Task 2.4: Implement one to two pilot projects in each of the selected countries, supporting the implementation of an EPR scheme and/or the implementation of a DRS.

TASKS TO ACHIEVE RESULT 3

• Task 3.1: Working with relevant public authorities as well as the local plastic industry to support the design of plastic-containing products.
• Task 3.2: Supporting, initiatives to promote the uptake of recycled plastics in new products and the development of appropriate standards for plastic recycles.
• Task 3.3: Show-casing European approaches related to innovative operational processes, products or business concepts.
• Task 3.4: Implementing one to two pilot projects in each of the selected countries addressing the unsustainable use of plastic bags or other single-use plastic products and encouraging their reduction and elimination.

TASKS TO ACHIEVE RESULT 4

• Task 4.1. Share best practice and relevant experience, inter alia through workshops, on how to drive the circular economy in the plastic sector.
• Task 4.2: Working with EU chamber of Commerce and Clusters (trough fairs or exhibitions), identify opportunities for EU businesses in providing European solutions, approaches, technologies.

TASKS TO ACHIEVE RESULT 5

• Task 5.1: Supporting the design and implementation of a comprehensive communication and awareness raising campaign at national level.
• Task 5.2: Organise a high-level event per country to disseminate the results of the projects and support increased EU visibility in circular economy model applied to the plastic sector.
• Task 5.3: Organise study visits to the EU for officials and key stakeholders.

The Programme coordinator is in charge of coordinating and facilitating the development of the action in both Brazil and Colombia on the valuable steering and inputs of Key Expert 2 and Non Key Experts as well as the stakeholders working on the plastic supply chain in those countries. The Programme Coordinator is responsible for the overall management of the action and the achievement of results as well as for its overall communication and visibility. S/he will be responsible for coordinating individual experts’ inputs and for reporting, including financial reporting. In addition to the overall responsibility for the programme of work, the Programme Coordinator (based in Brasilia) should lead the implementation of the Action in Brazil while KE2 will be leading the implementation of the Action in Colombia.

• Advanced university degree (Master degree) or equivalent in a discipline relevant to the scope of the assignment such as social sciences, economics, urban planning /development, architecture, engineering, or equivalent.
• Fluency in English (C1 level); Portuguese (C1 level) and Spanish (B2 level).

General professional experience:

• At least 2 years of proved experience as a team leader in managing technical assistance projects /programmes.
• Minimum 7 years of general professional experience in a sector relevant to the scope of the assignment (e.g. circular economy, climate action, sustainable energy, etc.).
• At least 2 years working experience in a sector relevant to the scope of the assignment (e.g. circular economy, climate action, sustainable energy, etc.) in a country of Latin America.
• Participation in at least one project in the field of international affairs.
• Participation in at least one project implying knowledge and understanding of Project Cycle Management and Logical Framework approach.

Specific professional experience:

• At least 2 years of specific professional experience working with EU procedures, in particular related to service contracts, monitoring and evaluation.

Additional requirements:

• Knowledge of EU affairs (EU policies https://ec.europa.eu/info/index_en ).

Assets:

• Proven experience in a Circular Economy project specifically focusing on the plastic supply chain.
• Proven experience in Public Diplomacy and/or communication and media.
• Working experience in or on one of the EU Strategic Partners in the Americas (i.e. Canada, the USA, Mexico, Brazil).

• Advanced university degree (Master degree) or equivalent in a discipline relevant to the scope of the assignment such as social sciences, economics, urban planning /development, architecture, engineering, or equivalent.
• Fluency in English (C1 level) and Spanish (B2 level).
• Asset : Fluency in Portuguese.

General professional experience:

• Minimum 7 years of general professional experience in a sector relevant to the scope of the assignment (e.g. circular economy, climate action, sustainable energy, etc.).
• At least 2 years working experience in a sector relevant to the scope of the assignment (e.g. circular economy, climate action, sustainable energy, etc.) in a country of Latin America.
• Participation in at least one project in the field of international affairs.
• Participation in at least one project implying knowledge and understanding of Project Cycle Management and Logical Framework approach.

Specific professional experience:

• At least 2 years of specific professional experience working with EU procedures, in particular related to service contracts, monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge of EU affairs (EU policies https://ec.europa.eu/info/index_en ).

Assets:

• Proven experience in a Circular Economy project specifically focusing on the plastic supply chain.
• Working experience in or on one of the EU Strategic Partners in the Americas (i.e. Canada, the USA, Mexico, Brazil) or in Colombia.