Invasive Alien Species Management and Control Expert

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems to achieve global food security and improve livelihoods. Operating in over 130 countries, FAO provides policy advice, technical assistance, and facilitates partnerships to support national agrifood priorities. In Nepal, FAO is implementing a project to manage invasive alien species (IAS) which threaten biodiversity, agriculture, and livelihoods. This initiative, supported by KBF, aims to strengthen national capacities and promote science-based control measures for IAS.

Job Purpose

The Invasive Alien Species Management and Control Expert will provide crucial technical support for the "Effective Management of Invasive Alien Species for Ecosystem Benefits in Nepal" project. The role focuses on implementing IAS prevention, control, and field-level management strategies. This includes assisting with risk and threat assessments, managing invasion pathways, establishing early warning and rapid response systems, demonstrating science-based control measures, and documenting best practices. The expert's contributions will be guided by FAO and the project team, aiming to mitigate IAS threats, disrupt invasion pathways, and enhance ecosystem services and benefits through coordinated, evidence-based interventions.

Responsibilities

The expert will review project documents, work plans, and national/global guidance on IAS management, including threat assessment and pathway management. Responsibilities include supporting the development of a practical IAS biodiversity threat assessment methodology and criteria for species prioritization. The role involves providing technical and documentation support for field assessments in the Trishuli River Corridor, identifying priority IAS, affected areas, and suitable demonstration sites. The expert will assist in preparing technical reports based on field findings and consultations. Additionally, the expert will support site-specific IAS control demonstrations, including prevention, pathway disruption, and restoration efforts, potentially using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or Farmer Field School (FFS) approaches. The role also entails assisting in implementing early warning, rapid response, and monitoring mechanisms, and supporting capacity-building activities by preparing training materials, technical notes, awareness messages, best practices, case studies, and the final technical report.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required, specifically in areas such as invasive alien species management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, plant protection, pest management, or forest/agriculture ecology. Experience should align with the advanced university degree in a relevant discipline.

Skills

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in invasive alien species prevention, control, field management, pathway disruption, biodiversity threat assessment, and ecological restoration. Demonstrated knowledge of Nepal’s IAS management priorities, including national strategies and global commitments, is essential. Proven experience in field assessments, participatory surveys, ecological monitoring, and community-based natural resource management is required. Familiarity with IAS risk assessment tools, early warning systems, and control approaches is necessary. Knowledge of Farmer Field School, IPM, community-based monitoring, or participatory learning approaches is an asset. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government institutions and local communities, is beneficial. Strong analytical, facilitation, coordination, and report-writing skills in English and Nepali are crucial.

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