Job Description – National Protocol Development Expert (2600440)
FAO Sri Lanka is recruiting a National Protocol Development Expert to provide technical leadership in developing and operationalizing national pre- and post-entry IAS risk assessment systems and managing captured IAS.
Job Posting
Posted: 27/Feb/2026 | Closure: 13/Mar/2026, 10:59:00 PM
Job Information
Organizational Unit: FASRL | Job Type: Non-staff opportunities (PSA) | Primary Location: Home-Based | Duration: 90 days | Post Number: N/A
Important Notice
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device.
Diversity & Inclusion
* FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
* Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
* Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values.
* FAO has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
* All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
* All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.
* FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General.
Organizational Setting
FAO has secured funding from the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) to implement the project UNJP/SRL/009/UNJ “Prevention and Control of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) for Enhanced Biosecurity in Sri Lanka.” The project aims to drive transformational change by addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss associated with IAS, establishing a comprehensive national biosecurity framework, and enhancing ecosystem resilience under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Reporting Lines
* Supervisor: FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives (overall), Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) (direct).
* Collaborators: Project Management Unit (PMU), National Expert on Policy and Legal Framework – IAS Management, IAS Monitoring & Reporting Specialist, IAS Management Specialist.
* Technical supervision: Environment and Climate Change Specialist, Lead Technical Officer.
Technical Focus
* Support the development of IAS pre- and post-entry risk assessment protocols.
* Support the development of protocols for eliminating captured IAS.
* Science‑based species screening and risk categorization.
* Strengthening national biosecurity assessment mechanism.
* Alignment with international IAS risk assessment standards.
* Integration of cross‑cutting considerations (gender, resilience, stakeholders).
Tasks and Responsibilities
* Conduct a comprehensive review of existing national systems, procedures, and institutional mandates related to IAS risk assessment and biosecurity.
* Identify gaps and inconsistencies, and develop standardized risk assessment protocols and tools.
* Monitor and report progress on protocol development and application, recommending improvements.
* Develop, revise, and operationalize pre- and post-entry IAS risk assessment protocols, including procedures for eliminating captured IAS.
* Assist in developing screening tools, checklists, and decision‑making frameworks for species risk categorization; support the PMU in strengthening institutional capacity.
* Support the PMU with technical knowledge for workshops, consultation meetings, and training sessions for stakeholders.
* Provide technical advice on species risk assessments, border control measures, and national biosecurity processes.
* Contribute to guidance documents, manuals, and templates for consistent IAS risk assessment methodology.
* Work in close coordination with LTO of the project and obtain clearance as necessary.
* Undertake any other tasks as requested by FAOR/AFAOR (Programme).
Candidate Assessment
* Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in environmental science, biosecurity, agriculture, or biology.
* At least 7 years of professional experience in invasive alien species management, biosecurity, or related risk assessment work.
* Working knowledge of English and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil.
* National of Sri Lanka or resident with valid work permit.
> FAO Core Competencies
o Results Focus
o Teamwork
o Communication
o Building Effective Relationships
o Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
o Expertise in IAS surveillance, identification, and control measures.
o Knowledge of international biosecurity and phytosanitary standards.
o Ability to integrate cross‑cutting issues like gender, resilience, and community engagement.
o Experience in monitoring and evaluating IAS management interventions.
o Strong analytical skills for risk assessment and evidence‑based recommendations.
Selection Criteria
o Expertise in IAS surveillance, identification, and control measures.
o Demonstrated expertise in environment and biodiversity projects.
o Knowledge of international biosecurity and phytosanitary standards.
o Experience in IAS management interventions.
o Strong analytical skills for risk assessment and evidence‑based recommendations.
o Familiarity with the UN System and/or development sector considered an asset.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
Additional Information
o FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
o Incomplete applications will not be considered. For help or queries, contact .
o Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
o Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted.
o Appointment will require medical fitness, accreditation, residency/visa and security clearances.
How to Apply
o To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Ensure your profile includes employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
o Attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
o Submit your application through the portal. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
o Candidates may be asked to provide performance assessments and authorizations for verification checks.
o Personal information may be shared within FAO and with partner companies for screening and background checks. Consent will be requested before submission and can be withdrawn at any time.
o Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
o Your application will be screened based on the information provided.
o We encourage applicants to submit well before the deadline.
For assistance, create a one‑time registration with FAO’s client support team: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
#J-18808-Ljbffr