Company Profile

TechnoServe Inc (http://(www.technoserve.org) is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty. A nonprofit organization operating in 29 countries, we work with enterprising men and women in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. By linking people to information, capital and markets, we have helped millions to create lasting prosperity for their families and communities.

Founded over 50 years ago, TechnoServe has been named the #1 nonprofit for fighting poverty by the ImpactMatters charity ratings agency.

Job Description

• Title: Environmental Specialist (ADVANCE II)
• Reporting to: Technical Director, ADVANCE II
• Location: Tamale
• Travel:  Domestic, up to 50%

• Provide advice on environmental risks, costs and legislative compliance associated with project activities; ensure particular compliance with USAID and Ghana EPA regulations.
• Conduct environmental screening for Sub-grant applications, and develop monitoring and mitigation plans for activities likely to pose risk to the environment. 
• Ensure compliance to the Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP); conduct pesticide use monitoring on demonstration plots to measure progress of compliance.
• Ensure proper reporting on the results and impacts of the project Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP)
• Support sub-grant beneficiaries to fully implement their Environmental Management Plans.

• Oversee the training, set up and monitoring of Spray Service Providers.
• Work to strengthen existing SSPs and ensure sustainability.
• Support the development and set up of pesticide container management centres.

• Provide technical advice on conservation farming technologies including minimum tillage, cover crop systems and agroforestry; train staff and stakeholders on best practices for sustainable agriculture.
• Provide technical advice for drought mitigation strategies including weather forecasting, water harvesting, and drought tolerant seed.
• Support the Production Team in the coordination of trainings and activities related to minimum tillage including model farms and demos.
• Work closely with Regional Coordinators to ensure successful implementation of agroforestry activities among Outgrower Businesses.
• Document success stories related to climate smart agriculture activities.

• Support in monitoring, collation and analysis of Fall Armyworm monitoring data from around the country.
• Support the development and dissemination of education materials on FAW and other pest disease problems.
• Support the set up and management of pesticide observation fields in collaboration with APOs
• Lead the coordination of training activities for Plant Doctors in collaboration with CABI and MoFA-PPRSD.
• Facilitate the organising of cluster meetings for Plant Doctors.
• Support the Agricultural Production Team in organising Plant Clinics using Plant Doctors and PPRSD.

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science or Natural Resources Management with 8 years experience in a relevant role, or a Masters degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management or Agriculture with 5 years experience in a relevant role.
• Strong knowledge in Environmental issues
• Background in food processing or the maize, rice and soya  value chains is a plus 
• Conversant with Government of Ghana Policies pertaining to the environment (eg: Seed Law)  
• Demonstrable experience in Climate Smart Agriculture approaches;
• Demonstrable experience in Integrated Pest Management;
• Knowledge in Gnana’s environmental policies and legislation; 
• Must be well informed on Pesticide use and application;
• Strong knowledge of PERSUAP a plus; 
• Knowledgeable in Food Traceability, Carbon Alternative and Land use pattern; 
• Strong skills in Microsoft business software (Word, Excel and PowerPoint); 
• Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English; 
• Ability to develop well written reports that concisely and clearly state the issues and recommendations.
• Proven capacity to engage senior audiences and influence decision makers in the private sector