JOB DETAILS:
Social Impact is seeking a Team Lead 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 40-50 days with the potential for in-person data collection of up to 2 weeks in Tanzania (in combination with remote data collection). The Expert will report directly to the Senior Assessment and Evaluation Specialist.

The Team Lead will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team including an Environmental Specialist and Crop Protection Expert in the development of the USAID/Tanzania Mission-wide Programmatic Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP). This role includes comprehensive strategic planning, meticulous research, robust stakeholder engagement, and the formulation of technical guidelines in the realms of environmental protection, integrated pest management, and crop protection.

Responsibilities:
The Team Lead 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:
• Strategic Planning and Leadership
• Formulate and implement a strategic roadmap for PERSUAP development.
• Set specific objectives and key results to measure performance at different project stages.
• Desk Research, Data Collection and Data Analysis
• Perform initial research to analyze active ingredients (AIs) in alignment with the Programmatic PERSUAP.
• Conduct in-depth research on pesticide active ingredients (AIs), their ecological impact, and compliance with international standards.

• Conduct interviews with potential stakeholders such as Implementing Partners and government entities to understand the context of Pesticide Use
• Assess the registration status of pesticides in Tanzania, and review EPA, FAO and WHO guidelines.
• Create data-driven reports that guide the PERSUAP process, including risk assessments and methodological approaches.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
• Lead engagement with a diverse stakeholder group including governmental bodies, NGOs, farmers, and USAID staff.
• Organize and facilitate bi-weekly calls with stakeholders, drafting agendas and distributing minutes.
• Regulatory and Compliance
• Scrutinize all aspects of the PERSUAP for compliance with Tanzanian laws and international guidelines.
• Produce documentation and legal justifications for selected AIs and pesticide management strategies.
• Develop supplemental materials like draft strategies for implementation of PERSUAP.
• 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 and all subsequent versions of the PERSUAP, incorporating stakeholder feedback and legal requirements.
• 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.
• Lead the development of a high quality report including 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 Team Lead / Senior Integrated Pesticide Management Specialist 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 crop production, and basic entomology, ecology, 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.