Description of the mission

Project Context

Plastic Odyssey and MakeSense Asia are collaborating on the Makesense Circle Academy program, a training and support initiative for plastic recycling entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

As part of this project, we are developing innovative construction material solutions from recycled plastics. To ensure the commercial viability and long-term impact for these entrepreneurs, we are launching a comprehensive market study of product-market opportunities for recycled plastics, with construction as a key focus.

Mission Objective

Conduct a comprehensive market study on recycled plastic construction materials (corrugated sheets, panels, profiles, etc.) and their various applications (urban equipment, housing, etc.) to identify viable commercial opportunities for Circle Academy program entrepreneurs.

This strategic mission will enable supported entrepreneurs to target the right products, the right customers, and the right distribution channels from their launch.

Main Responsibilities

Field Market Analysis

Conduct a minimum of 20 in-depth interviews with key construction sector stakeholders
Meet with LGUs (Local Government Units), retailers, wholesalers, and material distributors
Gather feedback from end-users on existing and competing products
Identify segment-specific market needs and pain points.

Technical Analysis

Document technical requirements for each material type and application
Identify applicable standards (mechanical, fire safety, local and international certifications)
Evaluate expected product characteristics (dimensions, aesthetics, durability)

Commercial Strategy

Map sales channels and margin structures
Define target selling prices by segment
Identify priority end-customers and their purchasing potential
Secure purchase commitments or collaboration agreements with potential clients

Network Management

Build and maintain a qualified contact network of potential stakeholder leads for potential buyers, offtakers, collaborators
Centralize all documentation and learnings in Database

Terms

Duration: 3 months full-time

Start date: As soon as possible

Location: Manila, Philippines (frequent field travel)

Management: Co-managed by Plastic Odyssey / MakeSense Asia

Profile

Your Profile

Experience and Methodological Skills

Proven experience (3+ years) in market research (preferably in construction materials, circular economy, or industrial products)
Strong background in qualitative research: in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), field observations, and stakeholder consultations
Ability to design and run a rigorous research approach: sampling strategy, interview guides, discussion guides, and structured note-taking
Familiarity with basic quantitative approaches: market sizing assumptions, simple surveys, competitor benchmarking, and price/channel mapping

Data Analysis and Visualisation

Strong data analysis skills to synthesize findings into clear insights and recommendations
Ability to produce clear visualisations (charts, dashboards, summary tables) to communicate results
Experience with tools such as Excel/Sheets, Power BI or similar is a plus

Sector Understanding

Good understanding of construction materials and their applications (or demonstrated ability to ramp up quickly)
Ability to understand technical specifications and navigate industry standards and certifications
Familiarity with the construction sector is a plus

Interpersonal Skills

Excellent communication skills and facilitation skills (one-to-one interviews and FGDs)
Comfortable scheduling appointments, working in the field, and engaging a diverse set of stakeholders (LGUs, retailers, contractors, engineers, end-users)
Ability to build trust and maintain a professional stakeholder network

Personal Qualities

Autonomous and able to structure your own approach
Proactive in identifying opportunities and information gaps
Analytical mindset to connect qualitative insights with commercial realities
Strong synthesis skills to produce clear and actionable recommendations

Mobility

Available for frequent field travel in Manila surroundings
Driver’s license appreciated

What would make you an outstanding candidate

Strategic Execution: Designs and runs research that guides actionable business decisions.
Stakeholder Engagement: Builds strong networks with government, private sector, and end-users.
Analytical & Synthesis Skills: Translates qualitative and quantitative insights into commercial strategy.
Results-Oriented: Delivers actionable recommendations with clear, measurable impact.
Inclusive Approach: Considers diverse user needs and promotes equitable access to opportunities.

Expected Deliverables

Complete database of contacts and market stakeholders
Structured interview reports (minimum 20)
Comparative analysis of competing products
Technical report on standards and requirements by product type
Sales channel mapping and pricing structure
Strategic recommendations with priority segments
List of potential clients with interest level and purchase commitments

makesense Asia

Makesense enables and empowers any actor in society to take concrete action on the advocacies and causes that matter to them.

💡 SSE organization

This structure is based on a principle of solidarity and social utility: its management is democratic and participative, and its profit-making potential is limited. It may be an association, cooperative, foundation, mutual or ESUS company.

Website
Nonprofit organization
Between 15 and 50 persons
Others

makesense Asia did not yet communicate its impact measurement.

This structure did not communicate to us the labels or certifications that it was able to obtain.

makesense Asia

Makesense enables and empowers any actor in society to take concrete action on the advocacies and causes that matter to them.

💡 SSE organization

Website
Nonprofit organization
Between 15 and 50 persons
Others

makesense Asia did not yet communicate its impact measurement.

This structure did not communicate to us the labels or certifications that it was able to obtain.

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