IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

  • FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
  • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
  • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
  • FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
  • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
  • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
  • FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

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.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
  • Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
  • For other issues, visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.