National Legal Specialist - IAS

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is implementing a project funded by the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) to prevent and control Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Sri Lanka. The initiative aims to establish a national biosecurity framework to prevent invasions, mitigate impacts, and enhance ecosystem resilience. This involves updating policy, legal, operational, and institutional mechanisms for effective IAS management, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. FAO Sri Lanka seeks a National Legal Specialist to provide technical guidance for strengthening these frameworks.

Job Purpose

The National Legal Specialist - IAS will provide crucial technical guidance to enhance Sri Lanka's national institutional and legal biosecurity frameworks for the prevention and management of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). The role involves assisting the Government of Sri Lanka in developing a robust and operational IAS legal system to prevent new introductions, mitigate existing impacts, and foster long-term ecosystem resilience. Key objectives include ensuring national legislation and institutional mandates are updated, harmonized, and aligned with international standards, particularly the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while also integrating cross-cutting considerations such as gender, resilience, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

Conduct a comprehensive review of existing national legislation and institutional mandates concerning IAS control, including biodiversity and plant protection laws. Identify legal gaps, overlaps, and areas needing updates or new instruments for effective IAS control. Support the development or updating of legal instruments and institutional frameworks, considering cross-cutting issues like gender, community engagement, and ecosystem resilience. Assist in developing standard operating procedures and protocols for IAS prevention, monitoring, and rapid response. Liaise with government agencies to strengthen institutional coordination and governance for IAS management. Facilitate workshops and consultation meetings for stakeholders. Provide technical support for IAS risk assessments and border biosecurity measures. Develop guidance documents, manuals, and templates for consistent application of IAS legislation. Promote awareness on legislative compliance and the importance of IAS control. Undertake other tasks as requested by FAO.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of experience in reviewing legal frameworks, including drafting and reviewing environment-related legislation. Strong knowledge of national and international legal instruments related to biodiversity/invasive alien species (IAS) and biosecurity systems is essential. Experience in legislative review and drafting, and strengthening biodiversity governance frameworks is highly valued. Familiarity with the UN System or the development sector is considered an asset.

Skills

Proficiency in reviewing, analyzing, and harmonizing legislation and institutional mandates related to IAS management and biosecurity systems. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify legal gaps and propose actionable solutions. Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills for effective coordination with government agencies and stakeholders. Proven expertise in reviewing, drafting, or harmonizing IAS-related legislation and institutional mandates. Experience in legislative review and drafting, and strengthening biodiversity governance frameworks. Familiarity with the UN System and/or development sector is an asset. Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing are core competencies.

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