Plastic Recycling Researcher (Junior-Level)

Job Description

DevTech is currently managing USAID/Indonesia’s Economic Growth Support Activity (EGSA). EGSA has three objectives: i) enabling evidence-based decision making through ongoing analysis that links together the United State Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), Journey to Self-Reliance (J2SR), and Government of Indonesia (GOI) priorities (CDCS); (ii) improving Government of Indonesia (GOI technical capacity in tax collection, public expenditure, and financial accountability; and (iii) improving the business enabling environment for foreign and domestic business entities.

USAID is assigning the Economic Growth Support Activity (EGSA) to conduct an initial study or market research focusing on capacity and capabilities in producing a heavy grade plastic sheeting in Indonesia. This heavy grade plastic sheeting is one of USAID/BHA’s (Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance) commodities used for disaster assistance, for example to provide temporary cover of damaged roofs and walls, and for other emergency applications as appropriate. USAID/BHA currently uses a type of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for this plastic sheeting (please see Annex A for technical specifications). Currently, the production of the plastic sheeting takes place in US.

The Junior Researcher will support the Plastic Recycling Business Expert in conducting market research to assess Indonesia capacity and capabilities of producing heavy grade plastic sheeting meeting USAID/BHA specification. The Researcher will support the data collection, analysis, and report development of the research.

• Updated knowledge of business plastic manufacturing and recycling practices and conditions in Indonesia.
• Previous experience in assisting research on plastic manufacturing and recycling.
• Good organizational, writing, and communications skills.

Services Provided

The Researcher will assist the Business Plastic Expert to:

• Identify the current and potential private actors involved in manufacturing plastic sheeting in Indonesia.
• Identify the existing technology to produce plastic sheeting in Indonesia.
• Data collection and analysis on possibility of producing plastic sheeting from recycled plastic in Indonesia.
• Analysis on implications for using recycled and non-recycled plastic as partial raw material for the plastic sheeting and recommendations.

• Undergraduate degree in relevant field.
• At least two years of work experience in supporting research, preferably in plastic waste management.
• Ability to conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings.
• Excellent English writing skills.
• Fluency in English and Indonesian both written and oral.

All deliverables must be prepared in USAID reporting format and must be acceptable by EGSA and USAID.

The Consultant will submit their invoice monthly along with output produced and monthly progress report as attachments to the invoice. The invoice, output and progress report will be reviewed and accepted by EGSA Project Director.

The Junior Researcher will provide services for up to 40 days of level of effort (LOE) from June – August 2022.

NOTE: This job posting should not be construed to imply that the requirements are the exclusive standards of the position nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law.

About the Organization

DevTech Systems, Inc. (DevTech) is an international consulting firm dedicated to development, with over 30 years of experience providing advisory services and technical assistance to government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in more than 100 countries. We are a data-driven evidence-based organization that specializes in informing policy making by delivering focused data-driven evidence-based analysis products and services. DevTech’s core practice areas include Data Services, Public Financial Management, Knowledge Management and Data Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation, Education, Gender and Youth, Security Transparency and Governance, and Energy and Environment.