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 Protocol Development Expert to provide technical leadership in developing and operationalizing national pre and post-entry IAS risk assessment systems and managing captured IAS. The Specialist will formulate and update standardized protocols for IAS surveillance, identification, quarantine, risk assessment, and control; coordinate with national and regional authorities for harmonized implementation; and strengthen capacity building and awareness initiatives. The role also ensures alignment with international frameworks such as the IPPC and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to enhance national phytosanitary systems, biosecurity, and safe trade in plants and plant products. The Expert will provide technical support the Government of Sri Lanka and FAO in establishing a standardized and functional risk assessment framework that prevents new introductions, strengthens early detection and rapid response, and enhances long-term biosecurity. This includes the development of national protocols, tools, and guidelines that enable consistent species screening, risk categorization, and decision-making, aligned with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), international standards, and national priorities.

Reporting Lines

The National Protocol Development Expert will work 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 Expert will work in close coordination with the Project Management Unit (PMU), National Expert on Policy and Legal Framework – IAS Management, IAS Monitoring & Reporting Specialist, and IAS Management Specialist, and will receive overall technical supervision from the Environment and Climate Change Specialist and the Lead Technical Officer.

Technical Focus

·  Support the development of IAS pre- and post-entry risk assessment protocols
·  Support the development of protocol for eliminating captured IAS
·  Science-based species screening and risk categorization
·  Strengthening national biosecurity assessment mechanism
·  Alignment with international IAS risk assessment standards
·  Integration of cross-cutting considerations (gender, resilience, stakeholders)

Tasks and responsibilities

·  Conduct a comprehensive review of existing national systems, procedures, and institutional mandates related to IAS risk assessment and biosecurity.
·  Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas requiring updates or development of standardized risk assessment protocols and tools. Monitor and report progress on the development and application of risk assessment protocols, providing recommendations for improvement.
·  Develop, revise, and operationalize pre- and post-entry IAS risk assessment protocols, along with procedures for eliminating captured IAS.
·  Assist in the development of screening tools, checklists, and decision-making frameworks for species risk categorization, and support the PMU in facilitating government agencies and FAO in strengthening institutional capacity for IAS risk assessment, early detection, and rapid response within the plant quarantine system.
·  Support the PMU with technical knowledge in organizing and facilitating workshops, consultation meetings, and training sessions for government, private sector, and community stakeholders in the development of pre- and post-risk assessment protocols.
·  Provide technical advice on the implementation of species risk assessments, border control measures, and national biosecurity processes.
·  Contribute to developing guidance documents, manuals, and templates to support consistent application of IAS risk assessment methodologies.
·  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

·  An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field such as environmental science, biosecurity, agriculture, or biology is required.
·  At least 7 years of professional experience in invasive alien species management, biosecurity, or related risk assessment work is required.
·  Working knowledge of English and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil.
·  National of Sri Lanka or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

·  Expertise in IAS surveillance, identification, and control measures.
·  Knowledge of international biosecurity and phytosanitary standards.
·  Ability to integrate cross-cutting issues like gender, resilience, and community engagement into technical work.
·  Experience in monitoring and evaluating IAS management interventions.
·  Strong analytical skills for assessing risks and making evidence-based recommendations.

Selection Criteria

·  Expertise in IAS surveillance, identification, and control measures.
·  Demonstrated expertise in working in environment and biodiversity related projects.
·  Knowledge of international biosecurity and phytosanitary standards.
·  Experience in IAS management interventions.
·  Strong analytical skills for assessing risks and making evidence-based recommendations.
·  Familiarity with the UN System and /or development sector will be considered an asset.