Expert on Microbial Biocontrol Agents

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to defeat hunger. With a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, FAO ensures that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Founded in 1945, FAO has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. In Sri Lanka, FAO has been active since 1979, with its Representation (Country Office) located in Colombo. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems, focusing on four key areas: Better production, Better nutrition, a Better environment, and a Better life, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Job Overview:
The position of Expert on Microbial Biocontrol Agents is integral to the project titled 'Community-Based Bio-Control Agents (BCA) and Bio-Pesticides Production and Utilization System for Eco-Friendly Pest Management Programmes in Sri Lankan Agriculture.' This project aims to identify effective bio-control agents (BCAs), develop protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for mass rearing, upgrade selected production and rearing facilities, and promote the adoption of BCAs as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides in Sri Lankan agriculture. The expert will provide technical expertise and operational support to ensure the successful implementation of project activities and the achievement of expected outputs. Key activities include conducting baseline assessments, developing SOPs for the identification and evaluation of biological control agents, providing technical support for production and field validation, and facilitating capacity building and technology transfer. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Horticultural Crops Research and Development Institute (HORDI) and other relevant facilities, to strengthen environmentally sustainable pest management approaches that reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides while enhancing crop productivity, food safety, and ecosystem health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Expert on Microbial Biocontrol Agents will undertake a variety of tasks and responsibilities, including:

• Conducting baseline assessments and situation analyses to evaluate the current status of biological control agents, products, technologies, and production systems in Sri Lanka.
• Identifying technical, institutional, regulatory, commercial, and adoption-related gaps in the use of biological control agents.
• Supporting the prioritization of key horticultural pests and diseases for biological control interventions.
• Providing technical support for the development of SOPs on the identification and evaluation of biological control agents, including assisting institutions with the isolation, identification, characterization, and maintenance of promising indigenous biological control agents.
• Conducting laboratory, greenhouse, and field evaluations of selected biological control agents to assess their efficacy, adaptability, persistence, environmental safety, and compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
• Developing and standardizing protocols for the production, formulation, quality control, storage, handling, and application of biological control agents.
• Supporting capacity-building activities for researchers and technical personnel on biological control research, evaluation, and production.
• Facilitating the delivery of Training of Trainers (ToT) programs for relevant technical personnel.
• Providing technical recommendations for scaling up production, formulation, packaging, storage, and application of biological control products. 1
• Contributing to the development of a roadmap for strengthening national capacity in the production, quality assurance, commercialization, and wider adoption of microbial biological control agents.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• An advanced university degree in Agriculture, Plant Genetics, or a related field.
• Postgraduate training and specialized expertise in Plant Protection, with demonstrated knowledge of microbial biological control and sustainable plant protection practices.
• A minimum of 5 years of research experience and professional exposure in microbial biological control, including entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, NPV, nematodes, and microbial bio pesticide formulations.
• A working knowledge of English is essential, while proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is required.
• Candidates must be nationals of Sri Lanka or residents of the country with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Agriculture, Plant Genetics, or a closely related field. Additionally, candidates should have undergone postgraduate training that provides specialized expertise in Plant Protection, particularly in the area of microbial biological control and sustainable plant protection practices. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of biological control agents and their application in agricultural practices.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant research experience and professional exposure in the field of microbial biological control. This includes hands-on experience with entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, NPV, and nematodes, as well as knowledge of microbial bio pesticide formulations and molecular biology. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in Plant Protection and related areas, showcasing their ability to contribute effectively to the project's objectives.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is required, as these languages are essential for effective communication and collaboration within the local context of Sri Lanka.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project's timeline. The role is focused on national recruitment, specifically targeting candidates who are nationals of Sri Lanka or residents with valid work permits. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job description, but candidates can expect to receive a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with their qualifications and experience.