Organizational Setting

FAO has secured funding from the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) to implement the project UNJP/SRL/009/UNJ “Prevention and Control of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) for Enhanced Biosecurity in Sri Lanka.” The project aims to drive transformational change by addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss associated with IAS. Its primary objective is to establish a comprehensive and institutionalized national biosecurity framework that prevents future invasions, mitigates existing impacts, and enhances ecosystem resilience. This will be achieved through updates to policy, legal, operational, and institutional mechanisms for effective IAS management, thereby accelerating Sri Lanka’s implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) with scalable, sustainable solutions.

To support this work, FAO Sri Lanka is recruiting a National Expert on Knowledge Management to compile ongoing work and lessons learnt with best practices in IAS management. The incumbent will systematically collate, synthesize, and document information from ongoing initiatives, previous experiences, and internationally recognized best practices, supporting capacity-building, policy development, and operational improvements in IAS management.

Reporting Lines

The National Expert on Knowledge Management will operate under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme). The incumbent will work in close coordination with the Project Management Unit (PMU), IAS Management Specialist, Protocol Development Specialist, IAS Monitoring & Reporting Specialist, and Policy and Legal Framework Specialist, while receiving technical guidance from the Environment and Climate Change Specialist and the Lead Technical Officer.

Technical Focus

•     Compile ongoing IAS management initiatives and lessons learnt
•     Identify and synthesize best practices and tools
•     Develop knowledge products for capacity-building and policy support
•     Integrate gender, community, and ecosystem considerations
•     Support dissemination of knowledge through workshops and consultations
•     Ensure alignment with national priorities and international standards

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Review and document ongoing and recently completed IAS management programs, projects and activities with geographic information at national and sub-national levels
•     Collect, collate, and analyze reports, data, and lessons learnt from IAS initiatives
•     Identify and synthesize best practices, tools, and methodologies
•     Develop structured knowledge products for capacity-building, training, and policy support
•     Support the PMU in the dissemination of knowledge through workshops, consultations, and stakeholder engagement
•     Ensure integration of gender, community engagement, and ecosystem resilience considerations
•     Align compiled knowledge with national priorities and international standards
•     Provide technical inputs and recommendations to strengthen IAS management
•     Work in close coordination with LTO of the project and obtain clearance as necessary. 
•     Undertake any other tasks as requested by the FAOR / AFAOR (Programme).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in Environmental Science, Biodiversity, or a related field.
•     Minimum of 7 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, or related environmental programmes.
•     Working knowledge of English and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil.   
•     National of Sri Lanka or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong expertise in knowledge management for IAS, biodiversity, and environmental programmes.
•     Skilled in reviewing, synthesizing, and developing technical reports, policy briefs, and training materials.
•     Good analytical and problem-solving skills to identify gaps and provide practical recommendations.
•     Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, able to coordinate effectively with stakeholders and work independently.

Selection Criteria

•     Strong knowledge of knowledge management methodologies and tools for organizing, synthesizing, and sharing technical knowledge to support policy and programme implementation. 
•     Proven experience in developing and implementing knowledge management strategies and programmes in environmental, biodiversity, or invasive alien species (IAS) contexts.
•     Proven expertise in reviewing, synthesizing, and producing technical knowledge products, policy briefs, and training materials to support capacity-building and policy development.
•     Experience in facilitating capacity-building, knowledge dissemination, and the use of technical knowledge to guide planning and implementation of environmental or biodiversity programmes.
•     Familiarity with the UN System and /or development sector will be considered an asset.