Proposals open for Waste Wise Cities Tool Implementation in San Juan de Pasto (Colombia)

UN-Habitat is seeking eligible implementing partners to collect and manage data required for applying the Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT) in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia. The project supports sustainable municipal solid waste management, evidence-based urban planning, SDG 11.6.1 monitoring, circular economy approaches, waste recovery, and climate-resilient urban development through reliable waste data collection and analysis.

Overview of the UN-Habitat Waste Wise Cities Tool Project

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify qualified implementing partners for a cooperation agreement to support the implementation of the Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT) in the urban area of San Juan de Pasto, Colombia.

The initiative is part of the “Pasto: Emergency Action for Resilient Settlements” programme and focuses on improving municipal solid waste management through accurate data collection, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.

The selected implementing partner will support UN-Habitat by collecting, verifying, organizing, and delivering waste management information required for the WaCT methodology.

The project contributes to:

Improved municipal solid waste management systems.
Better waste collection and transportation planning.
Increased waste recovery and recycling.
Organic waste utilization.
Source separation practices.
Circular economy development.
Climate resilience.
Public health improvement.

What Is the Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT)?

The Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT) is a methodology developed to help cities measure and improve municipal solid waste management systems.

The tool supports cities in:

Understanding waste generation patterns.
Measuring waste collection coverage.
Assessing treatment and disposal systems.
Improving waste management planning.
Tracking progress toward global sustainability goals.

WaCT supports monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 11.6.1, which measures the proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and adequately managed.

Purpose of the UN-Habitat Partnership Opportunity

The purpose of this cooperation agreement is to select an organization capable of implementing key operational activities required for WaCT application in San Juan de Pasto.

The selected partner will help generate reliable waste management data that can support:

Municipal decision-making.
Sustainable waste strategies.
Improved waste services.
Circular economy initiatives.
Environmental protection.

Key Objectives of the Project

The project aims to strengthen urban waste management through:

Improving Waste Data Collection

The initiative will generate accurate information about:

Household waste generation.
Non-household waste generation.
Waste composition.
Collection systems.
Recovery facilities.
Final disposal practices.

Supporting Evidence-Based Planning

Collected data will help authorities design better waste management policies and improve service delivery.

Promoting Circular Economy Approaches

The project supports strategies that encourage:

Waste reduction.
Recycling.
Material recovery.
Organic waste utilization.

Strengthening Climate Resilience

Improved waste systems contribute to:

Reduced environmental impacts.
Better urban resilience.
Lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Scope of Activities Under the Project

The selected implementing partner will carry out activities related to WaCT Steps 1 to 6.

WaCT Step 7 will be completed directly by UN-Habitat.

Preparatory Activities

The partner will conduct initial preparation work, including:

Planning field activities.
Coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
Preparing data collection processes.
Organizing technical resources.

Household Waste Data Collection

Activities will include collecting information from households regarding:

Waste generation.
Waste disposal practices.
Source separation behaviour.
Waste collection access.

Non-Household Waste Data Collection

The project will collect data from non-residential sources such as:

Businesses.
Institutions.
Other waste generators.

Waste Composition Analysis

The partner will conduct waste analysis activities to understand:

Types of waste generated.
Organic waste proportion.
Recyclable materials.
Disposal patterns.

Assessment of Recovery and Disposal Facilities

The project will evaluate:

Waste recovery facilities.
Treatment systems.
Final disposal locations.
Operational conditions.

Data Organization and Submission

The implementing partner must submit:

Organized datasets.
Field records.
Photographic evidence.
Methodological reports.
Required documentation following UN-Habitat protocols.

Project Funding and Duration

The cooperation agreement provides financial support for implementation activities.

Maximum Funding Amount

The maximum agreement value is:

USD 40,000

Implementation Period

Estimated project duration:

3.5 months

Payment Structure

Payments will be released after approval of required deliverables.

Payment schedule:

30% payment after approval of Deliverable 1.
60% payment after approval of Deliverable 2.

Remaining payment arrangements will follow the cooperation agreement terms.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The opportunity is open to eligible implementing partners capable of delivering waste management data collection and analysis activities.

Applicants must demonstrate:

Legal eligibility.
Technical expertise.
Financial capacity.
Experience in solid waste management.
Qualified project personnel.

Required Organizational Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

Minimum Operational Experience

Organizations must have:

At least 7 years of operation.

Solid Waste Management Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

Minimum 5 years of experience in solid waste management systems.

Experience should include areas such as:

Waste collection.
Waste characterization.
Waste treatment.
Municipal waste planning.
Environmental data management.

Required Technical and Staffing Capacity

The proposed project team must include qualified professionals.

Required positions include:

Project Coordinator

The Project Coordinator should have experience in:

Managing technical projects.
Coordinating field activities.
Reporting and stakeholder communication.

Social Specialist

The Social Specialist should support:

Community engagement.
Household data collection.
Social considerations during implementation.

Solid Waste Characterization Technician

The technician should have expertise in:

Waste sampling.
Waste analysis.
Data recording.
Waste characterization methods.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit documentation demonstrating organizational eligibility and technical capacity.

Required documents include:

Legal Registration Documents

Applicants must provide:

Proof of legal registration.
Organizational identification documents.

Organizational Profile

Applicants should provide information about:

History.
Experience.
Technical areas.
Previous projects.

Financial Documentation

Applicants must submit:

Financial statements from the previous two years.
Evidence of financial stability.

Governance and Integrity Documentation

Applicants must provide:

Governance information.
Integrity policies.
Anti-fraud procedures.
Procurement procedures.

Partner Declaration Form

Applicants must submit:

Signed Partner Declaration Form.

Technical and Financial Proposals

Applications must include:

Technical Proposal

The proposal should explain:

Understanding of the assignment.
Methodology.
Work plan.
Staffing approach.
Data collection strategy.

Financial Proposal

The financial proposal should include:

Detailed costs.
Budget breakdown.
Resource allocation.

How to Apply for the UN-Habitat WaCT Partnership

Interested organizations should prepare and submit a complete application package according to UN-Habitat requirements.

Application process:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements

Organizations should confirm they meet:

Legal requirements.
Technical experience requirements.
Staffing requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Technical Proposal

Applicants should explain:

How they will implement WaCT activities.
How data quality will be ensured.
How field operations will be managed.

Step 3: Prepare Financial Proposal

Applicants should provide:

Realistic project costs.
Clear financial justification.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

Applicants must include:

Registration documents.
Financial records.
Experience information.
Required declarations.

Evaluation and Selection Process

UN-Habitat will evaluate proposals according to established implementing partner procedures.

Applications will be assessed based on:

Technical Capacity

Reviewers will consider:

Experience in waste management.
Technical knowledge.
Previous similar assignments.
Quality of proposed methodology.

Financial and Administrative Capacity

Assessment will examine:

Financial management systems.
Administrative capacity.
Sustainability.
Ability to manage funds.

Technical Proposal Quality

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Understanding of project requirements.
Implementation approach.
Data collection methodology.
Monitoring systems.

Financial Proposal

Evaluation will consider:

Cost effectiveness.
Budget efficiency.
Value for money.

Governance and Compliance Capacity

Applicants must demonstrate:

Procurement procedures.
Anti-fraud mechanisms.
Integrity standards.
Compliance systems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Insufficient Waste Management Experience

Applicants should clearly demonstrate relevant solid waste management experience.

Weak Technical Methodology

Proposals should explain how data collection, analysis, and reporting will be conducted.

Missing Required Documents

Incomplete applications may not meet eligibility requirements.

Poor Team Structure

Applicants should provide qualified personnel with clearly defined roles.

Unrealistic Budget Planning

Financial proposals should match project activities and demonstrate cost efficiency.

Benefits of Participating in the UN-Habitat Project

Selected partners will have the opportunity to:

Work with UN-Habitat on sustainable urban development.
Contribute to improved waste management systems in Colombia.
Support SDG 11.6.1 monitoring.
Strengthen environmental data systems.
Promote circular economy solutions.
Gain experience in international development cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the UN-Habitat WaCT project in San Juan de Pasto?

It is a project to collect and analyze waste management data required for implementing the Waste Wise Cities Tool in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia.

What is the purpose of the Waste Wise Cities Tool?

WaCT helps cities measure waste management performance and improve planning through reliable data collection and analysis.

Who can apply for this UN-Habitat opportunity?

Eligible implementing partners with experience in waste management, data collection, and technical project delivery can apply.

How much funding is available?

The maximum cooperation agreement value is USD 40,000.

How long will the project last?

The estimated implementation period is 3.5 months.

What experience is required from applicants?

Applicants must have at least seven years of operation and five years of experience in solid waste management systems.

What documents are required for application?

Applicants must submit legal registration proof, organizational profile, financial statements, governance documents, technical and financial proposals, and required declarations.

Conclusion

The UN-Habitat Waste Wise Cities Tool (WaCT) Partnership Opportunity in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia provides an important opportunity for qualified organizations to support sustainable urban waste management through accurate data collection and analysis.

By strengthening waste monitoring systems, improving municipal planning, and supporting circular economy approaches, the project will contribute to cleaner, healthier, and more resilient urban communities while advancing global sustainability goals.