National Protocol Development Expert

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 a mission 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. With over 194 member countries, FAO works in more than 130 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members who are dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. The organization focuses on various areas including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity.

Job Overview:
The National Protocol Development Expert will play a pivotal role in the FAO's project aimed at enhancing biosecurity in Sri Lanka by developing and operationalizing national pre and post-entry invasive alien species (IAS) risk assessment systems. This position requires a deep understanding of IAS management and biosecurity frameworks, as the expert will be responsible for formulating and updating standardized protocols for IAS surveillance, identification, quarantine, risk assessment, and control. The expert will coordinate with national and regional authorities to ensure harmonized implementation of these protocols and will be instrumental in capacity building and awareness initiatives. The role also involves ensuring alignment with international frameworks such as the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), thereby enhancing national phytosanitary systems and promoting safe trade in plants and plant products. The expert will provide technical support to the Government of Sri Lanka and FAO in establishing a standardized and functional risk assessment framework that prevents new introductions of IAS, strengthens early detection and rapid response mechanisms, and enhances long-term biosecurity measures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Protocol Development Expert will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including conducting a thorough review of existing national systems, procedures, and institutional mandates related to IAS risk assessment and biosecurity. The expert will identify gaps and inconsistencies in current protocols and recommend necessary updates or the development of new standardized risk assessment tools. The expert will also be responsible for developing, revising, and operationalizing pre- and post-entry IAS risk assessment protocols, as well as procedures for eliminating captured IAS. Additionally, the expert will assist in creating screening tools, checklists, and decision-making frameworks for species risk categorization. The expert will support the Project Management Unit (PMU) in facilitating workshops, consultation meetings, and training sessions for various stakeholders, including government agencies and the private sector. Furthermore, the expert will provide technical advice on implementing species risk assessments and national biosecurity processes, contribute to developing guidance documents and manuals, and work closely with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the project to ensure compliance with necessary clearances. The expert may also undertake additional tasks as requested by the FAO Representative or Assistant FAO Representative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field such as environmental science, biosecurity, agriculture, or biology. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in invasive alien species management, biosecurity, or related risk assessment work is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil. Additionally, 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, specifically a Master’s degree or higher, in fields related to environmental science, biosecurity, agriculture, or biology. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of IAS risk assessment protocols and biosecurity measures.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of professional experience in the field of invasive alien species management, biosecurity, or related risk assessment work. This level of experience is crucial as it ensures that the candidate has a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in managing IAS and implementing effective biosecurity measures. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of working on similar projects and initiatives, showcasing their ability to navigate the challenges associated with IAS management.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English, which is essential for communication within the international context of the FAO. Additionally, fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is required, as these languages are important for effective communication with local stakeholders and government agencies in Sri Lanka. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate better engagement and collaboration with various partners involved in the project.

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 across different sectors. The FAO offers a collaborative work environment and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, and candidates should be aware that the selection process will assess their qualifications against the outlined criteria.