Technical Project Coordinator- Pesticide risk management

ABOUT US:

sharing knowledge and science, CABI tackles global issues like poverty, hunger, education, equality, sustainability, climate change and biodiversity. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting natural habitats from invasive species, and improving access to scientific knowledge.

CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-for- profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills, and tools into people’s hands. CABI’s 48 Member Countries guide and influence our work which is delivered by scientific staff based in our global network of centres.

CABI is committed to making a difference, playing its part in creating a brighter, more equitable and sustainable future.

THE ROLE:

The purpose of this role is to ensure that CABI’s ambition to reduce the risks to human health and the environment from pesticides used in the agriculture and agri-food industry, harmonization of regulations and facilitate compliance and contribute to fair and safe trade is being realised through concerted strategies and action. CABI has strategies in place that aim to protect plant and animal health and the environment – ensuring food safety and enhancing intra-regional and global trade. The coordinator will lead the implementation of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) project with CABI Africa, focusing on building the capacity of African countries and regional bodies to utilize international standards and guidelines and adopt science-based pesticide policies and regulations. CABI, in partnership with the USDA, the Inter-African Phytosanitary Council, the East African Community, the Economic Community of West African States, the Southern African Development Community and African countries, will support risk-based SPS measures, harmonization of international standards and regional and international trade facilitation. The coordinator will be responsible for (a) managing individual project teams (b) coordinating execution of project work plan and field monitoring and (c) providing regular updates and reporting to USDA on project progress under a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) project with CABI Africa. They will also lead on-ground implementation of agreed workplan including (a) coordination with AU-IAPSC, EAC, ECOWAS and SADC secretariates, local experts and respective departments/stakeholders, (b) design training programs and workshops and (c) support the M&E team in monitoring the project outcomes.

The job holder will manage work efficiently and successfully with both public, regional, international and private sector individuals/bodies and will work in a variety of countries and different cultural contexts.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The Technical coordinator will be responsible but not limited to:

• Manage individual project teams (b)
• Coordinate execution of project work plan and field monitoring
• Provide regular updates and reporting to USDA on project progress under a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) project with CABI Africa.
• Lead on-ground implementation of agreed workplan including (a) coordination with AU-IAPSC, EAC, ECOWAS and SADC secretariates, local experts and respective departments/stakeholders, (b) design training programs and workshops and (c) support the M&E team in monitoring the project outcomes
• Lead the development and management of technical assistance projects and programmes and provide technical advice and training on the life cycle management of pesticides at the Continental, REC, and national levels
• Support the identification of existing and potential pesticide and MRL-related trade opportunities and barriers in Africa
• Support the development, implementation, and approval of continental guidelines for registration of plant protection products in Africa
• Support the development, operationalize and domestication of harmonized pesticide regulatory system in EAC, ECOWAS, and SADC
• Improve adoption of science-based pesticide regulatory systems and MRL setting in priority topics and regions throughout Africa.
• Support the design of the overarching technical strategy for the project
• Help to identify technical experts to meet project needs
• Design training approach, modules, and presentations for specific activities
• Provide technical feedback on invitations, agendas, papers emails, and funding
• Provide advice on pesticide policy and the implementation of regulatory processes for plant protection products, in particular, lower-risk products, including aligning regional and national regulations
• Work with public and private sector partners to identify appropriate lower-risk pest management products and practices for specific crop-pest combinations
• Support project proposal development activities for public and private-sector stakeholders in collaboration with CABI’s Project Development Group
• Synthesize and consolidate technical data into concise reports and presentations
• Provide support to write news items, blogs, technical notes and press releases in demonstrating the impact of CABI’s pesticide risk reduction work
• Adhere to CABI policies and procedures at the centre, including access to biodiversity, quarantine, HR and Health and Safety requirements, financial and project management procedures, risk management and Intellectual Property Rights.

ABOUT YOU:

• 12 years’ relevant professional working experience in the field of pesticide regulation, risk reduction and food safety
• Demonstrate experience in Pesticide residue data MRL generation
• Knowledge of Codex subsidiary bodies e.g JMPR and processes specific to Codex Committee on Pesticides Residues (CCPR) is a must Experience in working with Standard Setting International Organizations or Institutions and Regional Economics Communities
• Knowledge and understanding of instruments and mechanisms relevant to pesticides and chemicals management under different frameworks at the international, regional and / or national levels
• Knowledge and relevant experience related to policy analysis, policy formulation, implementation monitoring and enforcement, harmonisation of policies for pest and pesticides registration
• Experience in project management and in leading and managing cross-functional projects
• Experience in planning and delivering training to target audiences
• Demonstratable experience in preparation of clear, concise technical documents and reports in English and French

Qualifications and Language Skills

• PhD in Natural Sciences or Agriculture/Agronomy/ Food Safety or related field, in addition to 3 years of related experience post PhD qualification.
• A MSc degree in Natural Sciences or Agriculture/Agronomy/ Food Safety or related field will be considered if the candidate has 8 years of related experience post qualification.
• PRINCE2 project management qualifications/experience will be an added advantage
• Fluent in spoken and written English and French.

Personal Skills and Characteristics

• Strong team player with excellent technical, management and communication skills, and having a strong desire to work in a multi-cultural team
• Self-motivated
• Strong social and representational skills that ultimately build fruitful and enduring relationships with public and private sector partners
• Capable of handling a demanding workload
• Willing to travel to remote and challenging locations in less developed countries
• Strong personal organisation skills
• Effective information management skills
• Willing to acquire new knowledge and skills
• Flexible and creative in planning and problem-solving
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and writing skills

ROLE DETAILS:

Grade: HAY Band 6

Reporting to: Project Executive

Direct reports: None

Key peer group: Climate Change Experts, Gender Manager, Youth Manager, Socio

Economists and MEL Experts.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

We are a thriving international organisation that attracts a diverse range of talented people worldwide. Our staff currently comprises over 30 nationalities. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. No applicant will be disadvantaged by conditions that cannot be justified, and selection will be based on merit.