Expert on Microbial Bio-Control Agents
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to defeating hunger and achieving food security globally. Working in over 130 countries, FAO supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. In Sri Lanka since 1979, FAO's current project focuses on community-based bio-control agents (BCAs) and bio-pesticides for eco-friendly pest management, aiming to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and promote sustainable agriculture.
Job Purpose
The Expert on Bio-Control Agents will provide crucial technical expertise and operational support for the successful implementation of the "Community-Based Bio-Control Agents (BCA) and Bio-Pesticides Production and Utilization System for Eco-Friendly Pest Management Programmes in Sri Lankan Agriculture" project. Working under the supervision of the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and in close collaboration with the Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes) and the Lead Technical Officer, the incumbent will liaise with the Horticultural Crops Research and Development Institute (HORDI) and other relevant facilities to achieve project objectives and expected outputs.
Responsibilities
The role involves conducting a baseline assessment of biological control agents, products, and systems in Sri Lanka, identifying technical and adoption gaps, and prioritizing pests for intervention. The expert will provide technical support for developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for identifying, evaluating, and mass-rearing microbial biological control agents, including EPNs. This includes assisting with isolation, characterization, efficacy testing, and validation. Furthermore, the expert will contribute to standardizing production, formulation, quality control, and application protocols, and support field demonstrations and performance assessments. Capacity building for researchers and technical personnel through training and material development is a key responsibility, alongside facilitating community-based production approaches. Finally, the expert will support scaling-up efforts by identifying agents for commercialization, recommending improvements in production and delivery mechanisms, and contributing to a roadmap for national capacity development in bio-control agents.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of research experience and professional exposure in microbial biological control (including entomopathogenic fungi/bacteria/NPV and nematodes), Plant Protection, microbial bio-pesticide formulations, and molecular biology is required. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable plant protection practices and the evaluation and application of biological control agents.
Skills
The role requires strong technical expertise in microbial biological control agents, including their identification, evaluation, efficacy assessment, mass rearing, and field application. Essential skills include the ability to develop and standardize protocols, conduct field trials, and contribute to capacity building and technology transfer. The incumbent must possess excellent communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills, with a focus on knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. A working knowledge of English is mandatory, and knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is required.