National Expert on Knowledge Management

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries, two associate members, and one member organization, the European Union. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, providing expertise and support in various areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food security. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving nutrition, thereby contributing to the eradication of poverty and hunger globally.

Job Overview:
The National Expert on Knowledge Management will play a crucial role in the FAO's project aimed at preventing and controlling Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Sri Lanka. This position is designed to compile ongoing work and lessons learned in IAS management, focusing on synthesizing best practices and developing knowledge products that support capacity-building and policy development. The expert will be responsible for systematically collating and documenting information from various initiatives, ensuring that the knowledge generated aligns with national priorities and international standards. The role requires close collaboration with various specialists and stakeholders to enhance ecosystem resilience and mitigate the impacts of IAS on biodiversity. The incumbent will also be expected to integrate gender and community considerations into the knowledge management processes, ensuring a holistic approach to environmental management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Expert on Knowledge Management include: reviewing and documenting ongoing and recently completed IAS management programs and activities at both national and sub-national levels; collecting, collating, and analyzing reports, data, and lessons learned from IAS initiatives; identifying and synthesizing best practices, tools, and methodologies; developing structured knowledge products for capacity-building, training, and policy support; supporting the Project Management Unit (PMU) in disseminating knowledge through workshops, consultations, and stakeholder engagement; ensuring the integration of gender, community engagement, and ecosystem resilience considerations; aligning compiled knowledge with national priorities and international standards; providing technical inputs and recommendations to strengthen IAS management; coordinating closely with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the project and obtaining necessary clearances; and undertaking any other tasks as requested by the FAO Representative or Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in Environmental Science, Biodiversity, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, or related environmental programs. A working knowledge of English and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is required. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of Sri Lanka or residents of the country with a valid work permit. The FAO core competencies expected include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in Environmental Science, Biodiversity, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management, which are critical to the role of National Expert on Knowledge Management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, or related environmental programs. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the incumbent has the expertise to effectively manage knowledge related to IAS and contribute to the development of policies and practices that enhance biosecurity in Sri Lanka.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include a working knowledge of English and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and for the dissemination of knowledge products. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders through virtual platforms. The FAO emphasizes the importance of integrating gender and community considerations into all aspects of its work, and this will be a key focus for the National Expert on Knowledge Management. The position may involve collaboration with international partners and stakeholders, enhancing the global perspective on IAS management.