Overview
Provide technical and expert guidance to strengthen Sri Lanka’s national policy, institutional, and biosecurity frameworks for the prevention and management of Invasive Alien Species (IAS).
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct a comprehensive review of existing national policies and institutional mandates related to Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in comparison with the International/ Regional policies.
- Review and analyze existing national biodiversity, plant protection, and biosecurity policies related to IAS prevention and management.
- Identify policy gaps, overlaps, and areas requiring updates, harmonization, or new instruments to strengthen the effective implementation of plant quarantine and phytosanitary measures.
- Provide technical support to FAO to draft, revise, and harmonize IAS-related policies guidelines in consultation with stakeholders.
- Support the development of standard operating procedures and protocols for IAS prevention, monitoring, and rapid response.
- Provide technical and operational support to FAO to liaise with government agencies in strengthening institutional coordination and governance for IAS management.
- Support organizing and facilitating workshops and consultation meetings for stakeholders.
- Provide technical advice on the implementation of IAS risk assessments and border biosecurity measures.
- Support the development of guidance documents, manuals, and templates to support consistent application of IAS policies.
- Assist the PMU to monitor and report progress on policy updates, providing recommendations for improvements.
- Assist the project on the integration of cross-cutting issues, such as gender, community engagement, and ecosystem resilience, into IAS management.
- Assist FAO to contribute to regional and international knowledge sharing, ensuring national policies align with the best global practices and frameworks.
- Promote awareness on policy compliance and the importance of biodiversity protection through effective plant quarantine measures.
- Work in close coordination with LTO of the project and obtain clearance as necessary.
- Undertake any other tasks as requested by the FAOR / AFAOR (Programme).
Required Experience
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in policy or biosecurity management.
- Strong knowledge on national and international policy related to invasive alien species (IAS) and biosecurity systems.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing IAS or biodiversity-related policies and programs at the national or regional level.
- Proven expertise in reviewing, drafting, and harmonizing IAS-related policies and institutional mandates.
- Experience in strengthening biosecurity systems, governance frameworks, and coordinating effectively with government agencies and stakeholders.
- Familiarity with the UN System and /or development sector will be considered an asset.
Qualifications
• Advanced degree (master’s or higher) in Environmental Science, Biodiversity, Biosecurity, or a related field.
