Organizational Setting

The Smallholder Rubber Revitalization Project (SRRP) focuses on improving productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the smallholder rubber sector through better agronomic practices and integrated plant protection strategies. Declining productivity, poor replanting quality, and emerging leaf (such as Circular Leaf Spot Disease – CLSD) and root diseases (such as white root and brown root diseases) threaten the sustainability of smallholder cultivation. To address these issues, SRRP seeks the services of a National Expert on Rubber Production and Plant Protection to provide technical support, field supervision, and capacity building aimed at improving plantation health and productivity.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Project Director, Smallholder Rubber Revitalization Project (SRRP) / FAO, the expert will report to Director/Actg. Director, RRISL / FAO Officials.

Technical Focus

Provide expert technical support on rubber cultivation, fertility management, disease and pest management, and productivity enhancement in smallholder rubber systems. The expert will help implement integrated disease management programs, develop updated field manuals, and support national training and awareness activities for smallholders and extension staff.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assess current smallholder production and plant protection practices in target diseases. 
•     Support ongoing Integrated Disease Management (IDM) activities for major diseases (CLSD and root diseases).
•     Assist with current Plant Nutrient Management activities.
•     Conduct training sessions and workshops for Technical staff, Rubber Extension Officers of RRISL and Rubber Development Officers, 
•     Assist technical staff, RRISL Rubber Extension Officers, and Rubber Development Officers with pest, disease, and nutrient management matters.
•     Monitor field progress, prepare reports, and provide feedback to the Project Management Unit (PMU). (Project team)

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in Biological Sciences/ Agriculture (PhD/MSc)
•     Minimum 5 years of experience in rubber agronomy, pest/disease management
•     Working knowledge in English and Sinhala.
•     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

Selection Criteria

•     Demonstrated experience in field-level implementation and smallholder trials.
•     Familiarity with rubber diseases such as CLSD and knowledge of integrated control strategies.