Invasive Alien Species Management and Control Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that was established in 194

• Its mission is to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. 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 agrifood systems. FAO aims to ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives, while also promoting better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, leaving no one behind. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and resources to deliver technical assistance and develop capacities while adhering to international standards of accountability.

Job Overview:
The Invasive Alien Species Management and Control Expert will play a crucial role in the implementation of the KBF-supported project titled 'Effective Management of Invasive Alien Species for Ecosystem Benefits in Nepal.' This position focuses on providing technical support for the prevention, control, and field management of invasive alien species (IAS) in Nepal. The expert will assist in designing, implementing, and documenting IAS management strategies, including risk assessments, pathway management, and community-based control measures. The overarching goal of the project is to strengthen national policies and capacities for effective IAS management, promote science-based approaches, and enhance ecosystem services and benefits. The expert will work closely with various stakeholders, including government institutions, local communities, and international partners, to ensure the successful execution of project objectives and contribute to the sustainable management of Nepal's rich biodiversity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The expert will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including: reviewing project documents and frameworks related to IAS management; developing methodologies for biodiversity threat assessments; providing technical support for field assessments in priority sites; preparing technical reports based on findings from field assessments; assisting in site-specific IAS control demonstrations; implementing early warning and rapid response mechanisms; supporting capacity-building activities; and preparing training materials and knowledge products. The expert will also be involved in documenting best practices and lessons learned to strengthen future IAS management efforts in Nepal. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders and a commitment to promoting participatory approaches in IAS management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in relevant fields such as ecology, biodiversity conservation, botany, zoology, forestry, agriculture, plant protection, natural resource management, or environmental science. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in invasive alien species management, biodiversity conservation, or related fields. A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The role requires strong competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in disciplines related to ecology, biodiversity conservation, botany, zoology, forestry, agriculture, plant protection, natural resource management, or environmental science. This advanced education is essential for understanding the complexities of invasive alien species management and biodiversity conservation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in fields such as invasive alien species management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, plant protection, pest management, or forest/agriculture ecology. This experience should include practical involvement in IAS prevention, control, and field-level management, as well as familiarity with biodiversity threat assessment and ecological restoration.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in Nepali is essential, as the expert will be required to communicate effectively with local communities and stakeholders. Knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve travel to various project districts under diverse field conditions. The expert will be expected to work collaboratively with government institutions, local governments, research institutions, and community groups. The role may also involve preparing high-quality technical reports, guidelines, training materials, and knowledge products related to IAS management. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job posting.