ANNEX I

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Services/Work Description: Consulting Firm

Project/Program Title: Nationwide GIS mapping of waste facilities, data collection of
waste streams inclusive of plastic waste and GHG emissions from
waste sector.
Type of the Contract: Professional Services (Firm)

Scope of Advertisement: Open

Duration: 70 person professional days (spread from 20 November

2024 to 30 June 2025)
Expected Start Date: 20 November, 2024

I. BACKGROUND / RATIONALE

Background

As a result of rapid urbanization and shifting consumption habits, waste generation has
significantly increased in Bhutan. A total of 172,161.09 kg of waste is produced every day,
according to the National Waste Inventory Survey conducted in 2019, out of which 50% is food
waste, 17.1% of plastic, and 15.8% of paper. Due to the lack of recycling facilities in Bhutan,
roughly 80% of waste produced is directly sent to landfills. The surge in waste poses several
challenges to the environment, including threats to the water supply, increase in pollution, and
adverse impacts on the health of flora, fauna, and humans.

Waste presents a significant challenge in Bhutan, but it also offers new opportunities. Bhutan is
in a strong position to make significant long-term changes and move closer towards achieving
sustainable development through a circular economy. The Royal Government of Bhutan has an
initiative titled “Zero Waste” with a goal to eliminate all waste by 2030. The goal is now being
pursued through numerous initiatives. Under the National Waste Management Strategy 2019,
and the Waste Management and Stray Dog Population Control Flagship Program Bhutan has set
the goal to achieve Zero Waste Bhutan whereby the current trend of disposing over 80% to the
landfill is reversed to less than 20% by the year 2030 based on the principles of circular economy.

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Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the waste sector was 126.50 GgCO2e in 2015 and
represented 3.317 % of total national GHG emissions. The waste sector GHG emission saw an
increase of 127% from 1994 and 86% from 2000 levels. Following the increase in the trend of
GHG emissions in the Waste category due to rapid urbanization and increase in the waste
generation rates, projections for this category are 179 GgCO2e by 2030 and 263 GgCO2e by
2050. By 2025, all countries are expected to submit increasingly ambitious Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDC) every five years, a process often referred to as the “ratchet
mechanism.”

Globally, UNDP has announced plans to leverage its extensive climate portfolio to provide
enhanced support for NDC updates. As a part of this plan, UNDP Bhutan will support in updating
Bhutan’s NDC 3.0 by conducting GHG emissions assessments in the waste sector up to 2050.

II. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The following are the key objectives of this assignment:

A. Nationwide GIS mapping of solid and plastic waste facilities.
B. Update National Waste Inventory Survey Report 2019.
C. Development of nationwide solid and plastic waste management infrastructure master plan.
D. Calculation of GHG emission and a mitigation plan of the waste sector. The identified
mitigation and master plan will be used as input into the formulation of Nationally
Determined Contributions 3.0

III. KEY TASKS

1. Nationwide GIS mapping of solid and plastic waste facilities, and waste data collection
inclusive of plastic waste

The following are the key tasks of this assignment:

i. Conduct consultation with all relevant stakeholders including government agencies,
private sectors, CSOs, and communities for collecting accurate data of waste
infrastructures such as material recovery facilities, dump sites, recycling sites, etc.

ii. Develop GIS based Data Inventory of solid waste infrastructures in the country based
on the existing data collected by the Water and Sanitation Division under the Ministry
of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), 2024 which includes coordinates of the location
of landfill, distance from the town, capacity of landfill, lifespan of landfill, number of
garbage trucks, and number of waste compactor equipment. The firm, in consultation
with MoIT and relevant agencies, will collect the missing as well as additional data
through consultation or site visits to produce a comprehensive inventory. This includes
the collection of data and mapping of plastic waste facilities.

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 iii. The inventory should have different classifications by type, condition, capacity, and
ownerships and any other relevant categorization.

iv. Perform spatial analysis to analyze proximity to infrastructures to the population centers,
service areas, and potential environmental risks as well as identify patterns, coverage
gaps, or redundancies in waste infrastructure across urban and rural areas. The firm
needs to conduct site visits to validate the data collected.

v. Gather information on the waste stream, including plastic waste, by categorization,

distribution, types, and quantities as per the National Waste policy and guidelines and
UNFCCC.

vi. Undertake a field survey on composition analysis of plastics. Based on the field survey,
the consultant will identify waste composition (e.g. percentage of wet weight) at source
and at waste disposal sites (landfills) with a focus on plastics (categorized by type).

vii. Analyze the collected data to identify patterns and generation and disposal trends of the
waste stream inclusive of plastic waste.

viii. Provide recommendations for waste management based on the GIS analysis with special
focus on plastic waste.

ix. Prepare detailed reports on findings including maps. Must reflect comprehensive data
to enable the design of the pipeline project.

x. Design data collection methodology to institutionalize the data collection management

system. This will combine quantitative and qualitative research methods, including
surveys, interviews and assessments, incorporating secondary data and published
reports.

xi. Identify both challenges and opportunities to address issues related to waste
management with a special focus to plastic waste.

2. Development of Nationwide Solid and Plastic Waste Infrastructure Master Plan.

a) Gap Analysis and Identification of Infrastructure Needs
1. Assess the current performance of waste management infrastructures in terms of
capacity, service delivery, and environmental impact and any other relevant attributes.
2. Compare current performance with international standards and best practices. A special
focus should be given to study the waste management infrastructures through the lens of
circular economy including plastic waste.
3. Project future waste generation trends based on population growth, urbanization,

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 industrial development and other relevant factors.
4. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of plastic waste and its impact on the ecosystem
with recommendations to address the impact.
5. Based on the projection, identify infrastructure needs and provide recommendations to
address the gaps.
6. Analyze underserved regions, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas and develop
strategies to improve access and support

b) Standards and Benchmarks Development for Solid Waste Infrastructure including

plastic waste

1. Conduct a comparative study of global standards and benchmarks for waste management
infrastructures, including collection, processing, and disposal facilities.
2. Examine standards for sanitary landfill, design and O&M leachate management, waste
segregation, and recycling.
3. Develop national benchmarks for solid and plastic waste infrastructures tailored to
Bhutan’s geographic, economic, and cultural context.
4. Conduct workshops and consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders (Government
agencies, CSO and private sectors) for review, feedback and finalization of the standards.

The Nationwide Solid and Plastic Waste Infrastructure Master Plan should include the
following details

1. Develop clear objectives for waste management infrastructure planning, considering

immediate needs and long-term sustainability to support a circular economy.
2. Prioritize key interventions based on population density, waste generation rates, and
environmental risks.
3. Propose phased infrastructure development for potential waste management solutions,
including recycling, composting, waste-to-energy, and other innovative practices based
on regional needs including clear timelines for each phase.
4. Include strategies for land acquisition, facility upgrades, new construction, and capacity
building.
5. Include recommendations for solid and plastic waste reduction, recycling, and resource
recovery to support a circular economy.
6. Estimate the cost of upgrading existing infrastructures and constructing new facilities for
collection, transport and safe processing and disposal of different types of solid waste.
7. Develop a financial strategy with options for government funding, public-private
partnerships (PPP), and donor support. The strategy will explore the financial
sustainability of potential waste management solutions, including recycling, composting,
waste-to-energy, and other innovative practices.
8. Propose key performance indicators (KPIs) for waste management infrastructures.

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 9. Develop a framework for ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
10. Identify key areas where capacity building is needed.
11. Assess the capacity and gaps of the relevant stakeholders including government and
private sectors in managing waste including PPP model and prioritize the gaps and needs,
to build their capacity. Based on the assessment, develop and conduct customized
training programs for government officials, municipal staff, and other relevant
stakeholders.

3. Nationwide calculation of GHG emissions from the waste sector

The following are the key tasks of this assignment:

1. Conduct stakeholder consultations to analyze the current conditions and provide an
overview of the waste sector’s development including plastic waste in Bhutan,
establishing a baseline scenario.
2. Conduct desk review of all existing documents/reports and publications on waste
management including policy, act, legal frameworks, national communications, Biennial
Transparency Report (BTR) / Biennial Update Reports (BUR), and waste flagship.
3. Develop projections of future GHG emissions from the waste sector under different
scenarios, including business-as-usual, enhanced mitigation measures, and technological
advancements until 2050.
4. Identify potential measures and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the waste
sector.
5. Consult with the central agencies, local governments, private sector, and key stakeholders
on the key findings and suggested actions and incorporate the feedback received.
6. Analyze the calculated GHG emissions data to identify the major sources of emission
within the waste sector.
7. Ensure compliance of GHG emissions calculations with national and international
reporting standards, and adherence to (UNFCCC) reporting guidelines.
8. Prepare detailed reports that include all steps of the calculation process, proposed
measures, and actions in accordance with the UNFCCC template.
9. The expert of this assignment will work closely with DHS, DECC and UNDP to present
key findings and prepare waste sector inputs in Bhutan’s NDC 3.0

Note:

1. The firm shall be responsible for the preparation and submission of the following four
reports in accordance with the completion of the key tasks outlines in the ToR.

i. GIS mapping of the solid and plastic waste facilities

ii. National Waste Inventory Survey Report
iii. GHG emissions and future projections from waste sector until 2050 and implementation

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 plan.
iv. Nationwide solid waste infrastructure master plan inclusive of plastic waste

2. The cost of stakeholders' consultations workshop and training in Thimphu will be

covered by UNDP

IV. EXPECTED OUTPUTS / DELIVERABLES, PAYMENT MILESTONES AND

AUTHORITY

The consulting team shall receive lump sum service fees upon certification and approval of the
completed tasks as per the following payment schedule.

Expected Outputs/deliverables Payment schedule

Submission of Inception Report with detailed work plan and 20 %
methodology
Submission of the first three draft reports
(Expected to be ready as an input to formulation of NDC 3. Therefore,
the firm must prioritize the collection, compilation and projection of
reliable data.) 25%
1. GIS mapping of the solid and plastic waste facilities
2. National Waste Inventory Survey Report
3. GHG emissions and future projections from waste sector until
2050 and implementation plan
Submission of the first draft of the following reports:
1. Nationwide solid and plastic waste infrastructure master plan
i. Gap Analysis and Identification of Infrastructure
Needs 25%
ii. Standards and Benchmarks Development for Solid
Waste Infrastructure including plastic waste
Submission and acceptance of the final four reports:
1. Final report on GIS mapping of the solid and plastic waste 30%
facilities
2. Final National Waste Inventory Survey Report
3. Final report on GHG emissions and future projections from the
waste sector until 2050 and implementation plan.
4. Final nationwide solid and plastic waste infrastructure master
plan.

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V. APPROACH OF THE WORK

The Consulting Firm will strictly follow the workplan and the schedule agreed with UNDP in
undertaking the contract assignment. The firm will work under the direct supervision of the
Environment and Livelihood team lead in UNDP.
The Firm will:
1. Nationwide GIS mapping of solid and plastic waste facilities, and waste data collection
inclusive of plastic waste.
● The DHS under MoIT and DECC under Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources
(MoENR) will facilitate collection of data/information with required official letters and
contact with the focal person(s) wherever required.
● The National Statistics Bureau and DECC will provide technical support in survey
methodology and training.
● Undertake GIS mapping of the solid and plastic waste facilities and data collection of
waste streams inclusive of plastic waste.
● Facilitate presentations and coordination of the survey and stakeholder workshops as per
the agreed work schedule; and
● Keep minutes of meetings/workshops.
The methodology of work should include comprehensive details of the following:
● Survey/focus group discussions and meetings conducted.
● Consultations held with all key stakeholders; and
● Techniques and approaches used for information gathering, verification, and analysis.

2. Development of Nationwide Solid and Plastic Waste Infrastructure Master Plan

The development of nationwide solid waste infrastructure master plan will be inclusive of the
following two tasks:
a) Gap Analysis and Identification of Infrastructure Needs
b) Standards and Benchmarks Development for Solid and Plastic Waste Infrastructures
● Consult with key stakeholders (government agencies, CSO and private sectors) for the
assessment of existing waste infrastructures and its performance.
● Conduct assessment on the impact of plastic waste on ecosystems and provide
recommendations
● Conduct consultative workshops with the relevant key stakeholders for review, feedback
and finalization of the reports.
● Provide capacity building to relevant stakeholders.
● Keep minutes of meetings/workshops/consultations.
The methodology of work should include comprehensive details of the following
● Assessment of current performance of waste management infrastructures including
plastic waste infrastructure.
● Comparative study of global standards and benchmarks.
● Documents reviewed (internal and external)

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 ● Consultations held with all the key stakeholders.
● Training report

3. Nationwide calculation of GHG emissions from the waste sector

● The DECC under the MoENR will facilitate the collection of data/information with
required official letters and contact with officials wherever required.
● Undertake GHG emissions and future projections from the waste sector until 2050 and
implementation plan.
● Facilitate presentations, coordination of surveys, and stakeholder consultations as per the
agreed work plan.
● Keep minutes of meetings/workshops/consultations.
The methodology of work should include comprehensive details of the following:
● Documents reviewed (internal and external analyses)
● Survey and meetings conducted.
● Consultations held with all the key stakeholders.
● Techniques and approaches used for projection of future GHG emissions, data,
information gathering, verification, and analysis.

VI. DURATION AND TIMEFRAME OF THE WORK

The duration of the contract shall be 70-person professional days spread from 20 November 2024
to 30 June 2025 and work as per the agreed schedule.

Activities Indicative Timeline

Finalization and submission of the detailed work plan and November 29, 2024
methodologies for the key tasks.
Submission of the first three draft reports
(Expected to be ready as an input to the formulation of NDC 3. January 15, 2025
Therefore, the firm must prioritize the collection, compilation and
projection of reliable data.)
1. GIS mapping of the solid and plastic waste facilities
2. National Waste Inventory Survey Report
3. GHG emissions and future projections from the waste sector
until 2050 and implementation plan.
Submission of the first draft
1. Nationwide solid and plastic waste infrastructure master plan.
i. Gap Analysis and Identification of Infrastructure Needs April 30, 2025
ii. Standards and Benchmarks Development for Solid and plastic
Waste Infrastructure
Submission and acceptance of the final four reports
1. GIS mapping of the solid and plastic waste facilities
2. National Waste Inventory Survey Report June 30, 2025

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 3. GHG emissions and future projections from waste sector until
2050 and implementation plan
4. Nationwide solid and plastic waste infrastructure master plan

VII. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT / REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The consulting firm shall work under the direct supervision of the Environment and Livelihood
lead team, UNDP, and in close coordination with the DHS and DECC for this assignment. All
the deliverables shall be verified by UNDP after due consultation with the project technical team.
Monthly progress update meetings will be held between the consulting firm and project technical
team. Payments will be certified by UNDP.

VIII. DUTY STATION

The assignment will entail frequent consultations with institutions, stakeholders, agencies and
staff based in Thimphu and outside Thimphu. The remaining tasks will be home-based. UNDP
will not provide office space. An international expert will be required to undertake a one-week
field mission.

IX. TEAM COMPOSITION AND QUALIFICATION

The proposed assignment shall be carried out by a consulting firm comprising of:
1. One National Expert in Waste and GHG emission (Team Lead)
2. One National GIS Expert
3. One International Expert in Solid and Plastic Waste Management
The Consulting firm should be a registered firm with at least three years of experience in waste
and GHG assignments. The firm should have prior experience in the following among others:
i. Solid Waste management (Inventory, Assessment, Gap analysis and Mapping)
ii. Plastic Waste management (Inventory, Assessment, Gap analysis and Mapping)
iii. Calculation of GHG emissions and mitigation measures skill set.
iv. Carrying out modeling and projections
v. GIS mapping and data analysis.
vi. Development of master plan
vii. Survey

1. The National Waste Management Expert (Team Lead) should possess the following
qualifications and experience:
i. At least a master's degree in environmental science, climate change, sustainable
development, public policy, and development studies with advanced studies in waste
management and resource management.

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 ii. At least three years of relevant experience in waste management, recycling, or
environmental consultancy.
iii. Should have experience in GHG emissions calculations, modeling and projections.
iv. Knowledge of sustainable waste management practices and circular economy concepts.
v. Knowledge of global and local policies related to waste management and climate
change, and global good practices.
vi. Have a good understanding and knowledge of UNFCCC processes.
vii. Ability to communicate complex environmental concepts to stakeholders, including the
public, government agencies, CSO, and the private sector.
viii. Ethical standards and presentation and reporting skills.

2. The National GIS Expert should possess the following qualifications and experiences
i. At least bachelor's degree with experience in GIS mapping and waste management
principles.
ii. Proficiency in ArcGIS data collection, analysis, management, and visualization.
iii. Familiarity with GPS equipment and field data collection methods.
iv. Has prior experience in developing GIS maps and reports.

3. International Expert in Solid and Plastic Waste Management and Development of

Master Plan
i. At least a master’s degree in environmental science, waste management, environmental
engineering, urban planning and sustainability.
ii. At least seven years of experience in solid and plastic waste management, waste policy
development, or master planning of urban infrastructure.
iii. Experience working on solid and plastic waste management projects in various
international contexts, especially in developing countries.
iv. Familiarity with circular economy principles and sustainable waste management
practices.
v. Experience in training national personnel and building capacity for long -term waste
management solutions.
vi. Demonstrated experience in modelling and projections.

X. RECOMMENDED PRESENTATION OF PROPOSAL

The consulting firm will indicate the lump sum cost of services for each deliverable when
applying for this consultancy. In accordance with UNDP rules, the lump sum contract amount to
be offered should consider the professional fee inclusive of travel, communications, survey, out
of pocket expenses, and other ancillary costs. The consultation workshop costs for stakeholders
based in Thimphu will be paid by UNDP. The Technical Proposal document must be submitted
along with the following documents:

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 ● A brief background of the company profile.
● Detailed CVs of the proposed three experts.
● Evidence of experience in undertaking similar works (provide executive summary of two
to three related works)
● Technical proposal: A detailed three-page document outlining the methodologies and
timelines to ensure the completion of the work within the specified timeline.
● Financial proposal (all-inclusive lump sum amount with cost breakdown (eg. Fees,
travel, data collection and analysis and other related costs may be essential to carry out
the assignment. Please refer to the financial proposal template)

Important Note: Technical and Financial proposals should be submitted separately – please
do not mention the financial offer in the technical proposal to avoid the risk of rejection.

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XI. CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF THE BEST OFFER
The selection of the best offer will be based on the Combined Scoring method – where the
qualifications, experience and methodology will be weighted a maximum of 70% and combined
with the price offer which will be weighted a maximum of 30%.
Section 1: Experience of the firm in (i) waste management expert. Points Obtainable
(ii) GIS consultant (iii) International waste expert
1.1 Should be a registered firm with at least three years of consulting Pass/fail basis
waste management resources and climate change (Pass/Fail)
Points allocation:
Not completed at least three years = Fail
Completed at least three years = Pass

1.2 Should have completed at least more than one project in the last 15
five years in i. waste management resources planning and
mitigation or ii. GHG emission calculation and projection or iii.
GIS mapping. (maximum points 15)
Points allocation:
Completed at least one project = 10 points
Completed more than one project = 15 points
TOTAL SECTION 1 15

Section 2: Technical competency of the experts Points Obtainable

2.1 Technical competency of the experts
a. The National Waste Management Expert with GHG
emission calculation knowledge: At least master’s degree in
environmental science, climate change, sustainable development,
public policy, and development studies with advanced studies in
waste management and resource management. (maximum points
10 ) 10
Points allocation:
Master’s degree with at least three years of experience in waste
management with knowledge of GHG emissions, and experience
of working as a Team Leader = 8 Points
Master’s degree with more than three years of experience in waste
management with knowledge of GHG emissions, and experience
working as a Team Leader = 10 Points

b. National GIS Expert

At least bachelor's degree with relevant experience in GIS
mapping and waste management principles.

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 (Maximum points = 10 Points)
Point allocation: 10
A minimum of three years of relevant experience in conducting
GIS mapping and data analysis
= 8 Points
More than three years of relevant experience in conducting GIS
mapping and data analysis = 10 points

c. International solid and plastic waste expert

At least a master’s degree in environmental science, Waste
management, Environmental Engineering, urban planning,
sustainability, or a related field. (Maximum points = 10 Points)
Point allocation: 10
Master’s degree with at least seven years of experience in solid
and plastic waste management and master planning of urban
infrastructure = 8 points
Master’s degree with more than seven years’ experience in solid
and plastic waste management and master planning of urban
infrastructure = 10 points

TOTAL SECTION 2 30

Section 3: Quality of technical proposal (methodology) Points obtainable

3.1 Detail elaboration and understanding of requirements (maximum
points 12.5)
Points allocation:
12.5
Fully addresses all key tasks specified under section III of the ToR
and demonstrates only a few minor weaknesses = 10 points

Fully addresses all tasks specified under section III of ToR and
demonstrates no weaknesses = 12.5 points
3.2 Appropriateness and feasibility of the proposed timeline
(Maximum 12.5 points)
Points allocation: 12.5
Proposed timeline is slightly deviating from the tasks as specified
under section VI of ToR and demonstrated minor weaknesses =
10 points

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Docusign Envelope ID: 6888B005-9ABE-4FE5-A08B-077BB3898D2B

Proposed timeline is in line with the tasks as specified under

section VI of ToR and supported by clear evidence to demonstrate
feasibility = 12.5 points
TOTAL SECTION 3 25
Sub Total Technical 70
Sub-Total Financial 30
Total (Technical + Financial) 100

Approval

This TOR is approved by Khurshid Alam, Dy Representative, UNDP, Bhutan

22-Oct-2024

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