JOB DETAILS:
Social Impact is seeking an experienced Senior Crop Protection Expert to guide the development, support, roll-out, and implementation of the USAID/Tanzania Mission-wide Programmatic PERSUAP (Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan). This is a consulting position with an estimated start date of October 1, 2023. The estimated level of effort (LOE) for the Expert will be 30-35 dayswith potential in-person data collection of up to 2 weeks in Tanzania (in addition to remote data collection). The Expert will report directly to the Team Leader.

Responsibilities:
The Crop Protection Expert will be responsible for contributing to all aspects of the assignment to guide the development, support, roll-out, and implementation of the USAID/Tanzania Mission-wide Programmatic PERSUAP (Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan). This would include desk review of strategic documents, data collection from stakeholders and development of the Mission-wide PERSUAP:
• Research & Analysis
• Conduct interviews with potential stakeholders such as Implementing Partners and government entities to understand the context of Pesticide Use
• Perform initial research to analyze active ingredients (AIs) in alignment with the Programmatic PERSUAP.
• Assess the registration status of pesticides in Tanzania, and review EPA, FAO and WHO guidelines.
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Lead bi-weekly discussions with contractors, USAID/Tanzania team, REA, and BEO.
• Gather essential background data by consulting with USAID/Tanzania staff and implementing partners.
• Risk & Methodology
• Create a guide for the 12-factor analysis needed in the Pesticide Evaluation Report (PER).
• Head the development of technical and methodological aspects for the PERSUAP.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
• Identify Tanzanian market products and AIs compatible with USAID/Tanzania initiatives.
• Assist in writing and reviewing content related to Tanzanian laws and emerging pest outbreaks.
• List Tanzanian Government restrictions on use of pesticides, and conditions required following an analysis of EPA registration of the same pesticides.
• Review existing local Tanzanian and USAID laws and regulations for pesticide management.
• Review Pesticide registrations processes in Tanzania and identify issues and best practices to be used in development of the Mission-wide PERSUAP.
• Training & Skill Development
• Train Mission staff and partners on how to create Activity PERSUAPs.
• Help outline the training and certification needs for pesticide handlers.
• Record activities supported by USAID/Tanzania, including safety protocols.
• Reporting & Review
• Prepare a consolidated draft of the Mission-wide Programmatic PERSUAP for evaluation.
• Address stakeholder feedback and facilitate any required adjustments.
• Review and study Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP) to ensure procurement and use of pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, or any other chemical will be issued in compliance with the PERSUAP.
• Work in coordination with USAID Mission Environmental Officer to develop PERSUAP.
• Contribute to producing a high-quality programmatic PERSUAP with the following sections:
• Programmatic PERSUAP including draft strategies for implementation of PERSUAPs with the following sections (~ 45 pages)
• Summary of scope, geography, and follow-on requirements for Mission
• Section 1 – USAID’s pesticide procedures
• Section 2 – key definitions and essential components of Activity PERSUAP
• Section 3 – scope, content, geography and methodology to develop
• Section 4 – Environmental and contextual use
• Section 5 – Local regulatory context and capacity
• Section 6 – Active Ingredient (AI) approvals and restrictions
• Section 7 – Guidance for Activity PERSUAPs

Qualifications and Skills:
The Crop Protection Expert must have/hold:
• Academic (Master’s or PhD is preferred) and professional background and experience in the fields of Agronomy, Plant Protection, Entomology or Integrated Pest Management will be an advantage, Toxicology, or any related field or related fields.
• 5 or more years of experience in pesticide management, or related areas, especially in Tanzania.
• Proven track record in the development and implementation of Pesticide Evaluation Reports and Safer Use Action Plans (PERSUAPs) or similar documents.
• Experience working in Tanzania or a similar context, understanding the local regulatory framework and cultural factors affecting pesticide use.
• Familiarity with USAID projects and guidelines with previous professional experience completing USAID IEEs/EMMPs/PERSUAPs is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of Tanzanian and international pesticide regulations.
• Experience in developing strategic documents is highly required.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with USAID, local organizations, other program partners and counterparts.
• Proficient in risk assessment methodologies and tools relevant to pesticide management.
• Comprehensive understanding of Tanzanian environmental regulations and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on pesticide use.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and facilitating discussions between multiple parties including government agencies such as Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPH) is required, NGOs, and local communities.
• Must be fluent (writing and speaking) in English; additional language proficiency in relevant languages (e.g. Kiswahili) would be an asset.