Merchant Acquisition Field Staff for Plastic Waste Trading Platform (ECOPIA)

Background of the Assignment:

The ECOPIA app is a Blockchain-enabled platform designed to revolutionize plastic waste management. Beyond its role in ensuring traceability and accountability across the entire plastic waste value chain—from
collection to recycling—ECOPIA also functions as a dynamic trading platform. It connects all plastic waste actors, enabling them to trade within a unified system. By integrating both informal and formal waste management actors onto this single platform, ECOPIA fosters collaboration and supports a circular economy. The app facilitates the efficient recycling of plastic waste and its reintegration into the economy, while also empowering local waste actors with the tools and support needed to enhance their livelihoods.The successful onboarding of plastic waste market actors in the Chittagong City Corporation area onto the
ECOPIA platform is vital for achieving these transformative objectives and ensuring the project's long-term success. This job circular outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations for the recruitment of five
skilled Merchant Acquisition Field Staff, who will be instrumental in achieving the Forerunner Project's objectives in Chittagong City Corporation. 

A. Duties and Responsibilities of Positions:

1) Regular field visits within Chittagong City Corporation to identify potential plastic waste market actors, and market research is carried out to gather information on existing plastic waste trading practices, dynamics, and key players.
2) Connect with potential actors in the plastic waste market, build trust, and show them how ECOPIA app can help.
3) Onboard Market Actors in the ECOPIA App by facilitating registration, ensuring accurate information and documentation, providing hands-on assistance (including profile setup and feature guidance), ensuring understanding of the ECOPIA app for effective trading, and accompanying and guiding actors during trading activities for successful transactions.
4) Monitor trading activities regularly to track participation and assess impact. Prepare monthly reports detailing onboarded traders, trading activities, and plastic waste circulated. Collect feedback from market actors to identify areas for improvement and suggest enhancements.
5) Collaborate closely with project staff, including the project manager, technical support team, and communication team, to ensure a coordinated approach to merchant acquisition and platform onboarding. Participate in regular project meetings to share updates, discuss challenges, and align on strategies for achieving project objectives.
6) Ensure compliance with project guidelines, maintain accurate records of market actors, and conduct regular quality checks to verify platform usage and adherence to terms of service.
7) Advocate for the environmental and economic benefits of plastic waste recycling and circular economy practices, aligning with the broader Forerunner project objectives.

Requirements

B. Academic Qualifications:

 Minimum bachelor's degree in any subject, preferably Environmental Science, Urban & Regional Planning.

C. Experience:

 Fieldwork: At least 1 year of experience in fieldwork or community-based work, particularly in engaging with local businesses, traders, or market actors.
 Communication Skills: Strong communication skills, with experience in interacting with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local businesses, community members, and project teams.
 Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with mobile apps and digital platforms, with the ability to train and guide users in the onboarding process.
 Problem-Solving: Ability to identify challenges in the field and propose practical solutions, especially in the context of onboarding and engaging new users.

D. Timeframe and Deadlines:

 The contract will start on 11 September 2024 and end on 10 January 2025. The timeline for key deliverables will be outlined as per the project's requirements.

E. Work Modality:

 In person, 6 days a week (Saturday to Thursday).

F. Age:
 Candidates must be below 30 years of age.

G. Location and Language

 Candidates must be residents of Chittagong metropolitan city and need to be able to speak and understand the local dialect of Chittagong.
 Participants in this role must have an updated Android mobile phone to effectively perform their duties.

H. Adaptation and Flexibility

 Be adaptable to the evolving needs of the project, taking on additional responsibilities as required to support the successful implementation of the ECOPIA platform.
 Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in plastic waste management and circular economy initiatives, applying this knowledge to improve the effectiveness of merchant acquisition efforts.

I. Duration

 Contract Duration: The contract duration of the Merchant Acquisition Field Staff will be 4 months, from 11 September 2024 to 10 January 2025.

J. Supervision and Performance Evaluation:

 The Merchant Acquisition Field Staff will work in collaboration with the Forerunner Project Team under the overall supervision of the Project Manager.
 They will directly report to the Project Manager for coordination and reporting.

Reporting authority:

The Merchant Acquisition Field Staff will be working in collaboration with the Forerunner Project Team under the overall supervision of the Project Manager. Merchant Acquisition Field Staff will directly report to the Project Manager for coordination and reporting.

Tentative Payment Schedule:
The Merchant Acquisition Field Staff will be paid monthly upon certification of the work completion report.