National Policy Specialist - Invasive Alien Species (IAS)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Sri Lanka is implementing a project funded by the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) focused on the Prevention and Control of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) for Enhanced Biosecurity. The project aims to address biodiversity loss by establishing a national biosecurity framework to prevent invasions, mitigate impacts, and enhance ecosystem resilience. This involves updating policies, legal, operational, and institutional mechanisms for effective IAS management, aligning with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The National Policy Specialist will provide expert guidance to strengthen these frameworks.

Job Purpose

The National Policy Specialist - Invasive Alien Species (IAS) will provide crucial technical and expert guidance to enhance Sri Lanka's national policy, institutional, and biosecurity frameworks for the prevention and management of IAS. This role is instrumental in assisting the Government of Sri Lanka and FAO in establishing a robust and operational IAS biosecurity system. The objective is to prevent new introductions, mitigate existing impacts, and bolster long-term ecosystem resilience. Key focus areas include strengthening IAS policy, improving the biosecurity system, enhancing institutional coordination and governance, ensuring alignment with international IAS standards, and integrating cross-cutting considerations such as gender and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

The Specialist will conduct comprehensive reviews of national policies and institutional mandates related to IAS, comparing them with international and regional standards. This includes analyzing existing biodiversity, plant protection, and biosecurity policies to identify gaps, overlaps, and areas needing updates or harmonization for effective plant quarantine and phytosanitary measures. The role involves providing technical support to draft, revise, and harmonize IAS-related policies and guidelines in consultation with stakeholders. Support will be given to developing standard operating procedures, protocols for IAS prevention, monitoring, and rapid response, and strengthening institutional coordination and governance for IAS management. The Specialist will also advise on IAS risk assessments, border biosecurity measures, and contribute to developing guidance documents. Additionally, the role includes monitoring policy update progress, integrating cross-cutting issues like gender and community engagement, and facilitating knowledge sharing to align national policies with global best practices. Promoting awareness on policy compliance and biodiversity protection is also a key responsibility.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of experience in policy or biosecurity management is required. Strong knowledge of national and international policies related to invasive alien species (IAS) and biosecurity systems is essential. Experience in developing and implementing IAS or biodiversity-related policies and programs at the national or regional level is highly desirable. Experience in strengthening biosecurity systems and governance frameworks is also beneficial.

Skills

The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in IAS management, biosecurity systems, and relevant national and international policy frameworks. Proficiency in reviewing, analyzing, and harmonizing policies and institutional mandates is crucial. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills are needed to identify policy gaps and propose actionable solutions. Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills are required for effective coordination with government agencies and stakeholders. Proven experience in developing and implementing IAS or biodiversity-related policies and programs is highly valued. Familiarity with the UN System or the development sector is considered an asset.

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