TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

 Introduction/Background                                                                                                               

Pak Mission Society (PMS) is a national relief and development, non-governmental, and not-for-profit organization established in 2004 and registered on 13th February 2008 under the Societies Registration Act 1860.  Since its establishment, PMS has reached and served unreached and underprivileged communities regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, class, religion, and social background. PMS has also a triannual Memorandum of Understanding that is also referred to as NOC from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), that allows work status until November 2024.  Moreover, PMS has secured three years’ membership with the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy (PCP) after completing its qualifying partnership rounds as well. 

The Pak Mission Society (PMS) through a transformative initiative aimed at converting various types of waste into economically viable and environmentally sustainable products and services. The project aligns with the principles of the circular economy and seeks to promote sustainable livelihoods, green entrepreneurship, and community-based waste management systems. By harnessing waste as a resource, the project endeavors to create employment, reduce environmental degradation, and contribute to climate resilience.

To design effective interventions, the project requires a detailed Market Assessment and Feasibility Study that will explore viable business models, market dynamics, and technical feasibility for waste to value products and enterprises. The study will guide the feasibility of the proposed interventions, strategic planning, investment decisions on proposed equipment, and implementation approaches which will inform sustainability of the model.

 Objectives                                                                                                                            

The primary objectives of this consultancy are to: 

• Conduct a comprehensive market assessment of waste streams (e.g. single use plastic, organic, metal, paper, glass, pet bottles). This will include the identification of market players, waste collectors, recyclers and buyers.
• Assess the technical, financial, social, and environmental feasibility of at least three specific waste-to-value business models (pet bottle, single use plastic) with the potential for scalability and replication in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
• Identifying the most appropriate waste-to value technologies for the local context.
• Evaluating the potential for job creation and income generation, particularly for marginalized groups (informal urban settlement).
• Assessing the potential for green house (GHG) emission reduction.
• Analysing the policy and regulatory environment and identifying any barriers to implementation.
• Provide actionable recommendations and a roadmap for implementing and scaling waste to value project.

 Scope of Work                                                                                                                                

The consultant will undertake the following task:

1. Desk Review

• Review national and local waste management strategies, existing policies, legal frameworks, and relevant literature.
• Analyse previous studies and review best practices in waste-to-value initiatives, such as decentralized organic waste management in India, the use of plastic waste in construction in Nigeria, and relevant market intelligence reports on waste reuse and recycling.
• Assess waste recycling options, and products as per available context and machinery

1. Market Assessment

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of solid waste (Specifically PET bottles and single use plastic) in Islamabad and Rawalpindi by quantifying daily and annual generation volumes, analyzing seasonal and demographic trends, classifying waste composition by type, identifying major sources, evaluating temporal changes due to urbanization and economic shifts, and presenting geospatial visualizations to support localized waste profiling.
• Identify and analyze the key actors, including waste pickers, aggregators, recyclers, SMEs, the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and potential buyers. Also involve the informal sector to assess their capacity, best practices, challenges they face, and any other relevant information.
• An analysis of consumer preferences (buyer industries), market size, growth potential, and the competitive landscape for recycled and upcycled products.
• Assess demand-supply gaps, pricing structures, and distribution channels through formal and informal channels.

1. Feasibility Study

• Assess the technical feasibility of waste-to-value solutions such as solar thermal recycling and solar-powered shredding, while can propose alternative equipment and technologies. Include analysis of infrastructure requirements and value addition opportunities where feasible.
• Evaluate the technical feasibility of each technology option, including an assessment of input material requirements (type, quantity, and quality of waste), process descriptions and technical specifications, energy requirements and efficiency, characteristics of output products, infrastructure needs (such as space and utilities), operational requirements (including labor and maintenance), and potential environmental impacts (such as air emissions, wastewater discharge, and solid waste generation).
• Analyze financial viability: Capital expenditures (CAPEX) for equipment, infrastructure, and land. Operating expenses (OPEX) for raw materials, labor, energy, maintenance, and marketing. Revenue projections based on realistic market prices and sales volumes. Discount rate and payback period. Sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of changes in key variables (e.g., waste availability, product prices, operating costs).
• Assess potential financing options, including grants, loans from banks or microfinance institutions, equity investments, potential donors, and public-private partnerships.
• Assess environmental and social sustainability: Conduct an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and a detailed assessment of the potential environmental and social impacts of each waste-to-value business model, including its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction potential compared to current waste disposal practices, impacts on air, water, and soil pollution; resource efficiency in terms of energy and water use; job creation (number, types, and quality of employment), gender inclusion and social equity; occupational health and safety risks; and overall community acceptance and social implications.
• Develop strategies to mitigate negative impacts and maximize positive environmental and social outcomes.
• Identify existing relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing waste management, recycling, and business operations in Pakistan.
• Assess the capacity and willingness of key government agencies such as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support waste-to-value initiatives.
• Identify any legal or institutional barriers to the establishment and scale-up of waste-to-value enterprises and recommend necessary policy or regulatory reforms to enable and strengthen such initiatives.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct interviews, surveys, and FGDs with Government departments such as federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Capital Development Authority (CDA), Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC), Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, community groups, marketing stakeholders, and I/NGOs.
• Facilitate stakeholder validation meetings to present key findings, gather feedback and insights, and incorporate relevant inputs into the final Feasibility Study.
• Develop a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan to ensure inclusive and sustained collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

1. Business Model Development and Recommendations

• Propose suitable waste-to-value business models such as shredder machines, hybrid solar-powered recycling plants, and composting units, based on different waste streams, appropriate technologies, and market opportunities. Evaluate and select the most appropriate models using criteria such as financial viability, environmental sustainability, social impact, scalability, and replicability.
• A detailed roadmap for project implementation, including specific activities, timelines, and responsibilities.
• A clear investment strategy, including potential sources of funding and financing mechanisms.
• A capacity-building plan for project staff, entrepreneurs, and community members.
• A monitoring and evaluation framework to track project progress and impact.
• Policy recommendations for creating an enabling environment for waste-to-value initiatives.

Timeframe                                                                                                                                        

The consultancy is expected to be completed within the following time frame:

• Start Date: 30^th May 2025
• End Date:  30^th June 2025

 Deliverables                                                                                                                                    

The Contract services are expected to cover the following:

• Inception Report with Work Plan – An overview of the consultant’s understanding, methodology, and work plan, to be submitted within 05 days of signing the contract.

 Selection Criteria                                                                                                                             

The consultant/firm must demonstrate the following qualifications and expertise:

• Master’s degree in environmental studies, Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in market assessments, feasibility studies, or enterprise development.
• Proven expertise in waste management, recycling, and circular economy initiatives.
• Experience working with donor-funded projects, NGOs, or public-private partnerships.
• Strong analytical, report writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of the local context and fluency in local languages will be an added advantage.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, particularly in delivering participatory and interactive training sessions, are required.
• Only applicants meeting the minimum technical score threshold will be considered for financial evaluation.
• The financial proposal should be cost-effective, realistic, and aligned with the scope of work.
• Final selection will be based on a combined assessment of technical merit and financial value.

Evaluation Criteria                                                                                                                           

The following are the evaluation criteria for the consultant/firm:

Technical Proposal                                                                                                                          

The bidder must submit the following document with the technical proposal.

-          Company/consultant profile – including the list of relevant experiences

-          CV of proposed staff

-          One pager – plan of action for the proposed assignment

-          Work plan

-          Sample report of previously completed similar assignment.

Financial Proposal                                                                                                                           

-          Proposed financial offer with complete breakdown of activities

-          The financial proposal must be submitted in PKR with applicable taxes. 

 How to Apply                                                                                                                                   

Interested firms/consultants are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals in sealed envelopes, clearly marked “Technical and Financial Proposal – Procurement Committee”, via courier service or by hand to:

House No. 333, Street 29, Sector G14/4, Islamabad, Pakistan on or before 26^th May 2025 by the close of business (COB).  

Late submissions will not be entertained.

For inquiries, please contact the Procurement Committee at:

[email protected]   or by phone at +92-51-8446166.