[Hiring] National Policy Specialist – Invasive Alien Species (IAS) @Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Role Description

FAO Sri Lanka is recruiting a National Policy Specialist – IAS Management, tasked with providing technical and expert guidance to strengthen Sri Lanka’s national policy, institutional, and biosecurity frameworks for the prevention and management of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). The Specialist will assist the Government of Sri Lanka and FAO in establishing a robust, coherent, and operational IAS biosecurity system that prevents new introductions, mitigates existing impacts, and enhances long-term ecosystem resilience.

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing national policies and institutional mandates related to Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in comparison with the International/ Regional policies.
• Review and analyze existing national biodiversity, plant protection, and biosecurity policies related to IAS prevention and management.
• Identify policy gaps, overlaps, and areas requiring updates, harmonization, or new instruments to strengthen the effective implementation of plant quarantine and phytosanitary measures.
• Provide technical support to FAO to draft, revise, and harmonize IAS-related policies guidelines in consultation with stakeholders.
• Support the development of standard operating procedures and protocols for IAS prevention, monitoring, and rapid response.
• Provide technical and operational support to FAO to liaise with government agencies in strengthening institutional coordination and governance for IAS management.
• Support organizing and facilitating workshops and consultation meetings for stakeholders.
• Provide technical advice on the implementation of IAS risk assessments and border biosecurity measures.
• Support the development of guidance documents, manuals, and templates to support consistent application of IAS policies.
• Assist the PMU to monitor and report progress on policy updates, providing recommendations for improvements.
• Assist the project on the integration of cross-cutting issues, such as gender, community engagement, and ecosystem resilience, into IAS management.
• Assist FAO to contribute to regional and international knowledge sharing, ensuring national policies align with the best global practices and frameworks.
• Promote awareness on policy compliance and the importance of biodiversity protection through effective plant quarantine measures.
• 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).

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master’s or higher) in Environmental Science, Biodiversity, Biosecurity, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in policy or biosecurity management.
• Strong knowledge on national and international policy related to invasive alien species (IAS) and biosecurity systems.
• Working knowledge of English and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil.
• National of Sri Lanka or resident of the country with valid work permit.

Requirements

• Strong expertise in IAS management, biosecurity systems, and relevant national and international policy frameworks.
• Proficient in reviewing, analyzing, and harmonizing policies and institutional mandates.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify gaps and propose actionable policy solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work independently and coordinate effectively with government agencies and stakeholders.

Selection Criteria

• Proven experience in developing and implementing IAS or biodiversity-related policies and programs at the national or regional level.
• Proven expertise in reviewing, drafting, and harmonizing IAS-related policies and institutional mandates.
• Experience in strengthening biosecurity systems, governance frameworks, and coordinating effectively with government agencies and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the UN System and/or development sector will be considered an asset.