Organizational Setting

FAO has secured funding from the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) to implement the project UNJP/SRL/009/UNJ “Prevention and Control of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) for Enhanced Biosecurity in Sri Lanka.” The project aims to drive transformational change by addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss associated with IAS. Its primary objective is to establish a comprehensive and institutionalized national biosecurity framework that prevents future invasions, mitigates existing impacts, and enhances ecosystem resilience. This will be achieved through updates to policy, legal, operational, and institutional mechanisms for effective IAS management, thereby accelerating Sri Lanka’s implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) with scalable, sustainable solutions.

To support this work, FAO Sri Lanka is recruiting a National Specialist in IAS Monitoring, Reporting and Communication to provide technical expertise in establishing a sustainable national monitoring and reporting system for Invasive Alien Species (IAS) while leading communication and public awareness initiatives that promote biosecurity.

Reporting Lines

The National Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme). The National Specialist will work in close coordination with the Project Management Unit (PMU), FAO Sri Lanka Communications Analyst, Biodiversity Expert, National Expert on Protocol Development, National Legal Specialist, National Policy Specialist, Knowledge Management Specialist, and relevant project stakeholders. The National Specialist will receive technical guidance and oversight from the Environment and Climate Change Specialist and the Lead Technical Officer throughout the assignment.

Technical Focus

•    Sustainable IAS monitoring and reporting system development
•    Management and updating of IAS-related data and information and strengthening of IAS information management system.
•    Digital dashboard and repository development for IAS management
•    Technical oversight and quality assurance of digital tool development
•    Support for knowledge sharing and information management related to IAS monitoring and reporting
•    Strengthening communication and knowledge-sharing approaches to support national IAS awareness
•    Creation of communication materials and digital awareness content
•    Strengthening communication channels and public information on IAS
•    Facilitation of knowledge exchange and information-sharing on IAS
•    Support for public awareness initiatives and communication activities related to IAS

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support the Project Manager in developing the functional and technical requirements and specifications for the procurement of a service provider to develop the IAS Digital Dashboard and Centralized Repository.
•    Provide technical support for the preparation of Terms of Reference, evaluation criteria, and selection of a qualified service provider for IAS digital dashboard and repository development.
•    Provide technical support to the contracted service provider responsible for developing the IAS digital dashboard and repository.
•    Work closely with the Biodiversity Expert to incorporate information from the National IAS Assessment, IAS occurrence, distribution, impacts, pathways of introduction, and management actions into the IAS monitoring and reporting system.
•    Collaborate with the National Expert on Protocol Development to incorporate standardized protocols, procedures, and tools for IAS data collection, monitoring, reporting, and information management into the IAS monitoring and reporting system.
•    Work with the National Legal Specialist to obtain relevant information and inputs to ensure that monitoring, reporting, data-sharing mechanisms, and IAS declaration requirements are aligned with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
•    Work with the National Policy Specialist to obtain relevant policy inputs and ensure that the IAS monitoring and reporting system supports national policy priorities, strategic planning processes, and reporting obligations.
•    Collaborate with the Knowledge Management Specialist to obtain relevant inputs and establish mechanisms for organizing, managing, updating, and sharing IAS-related research, projects, datasets, reports, and knowledge products.
•    Assist the Project Manager in reviewing and validating the outputs delivered by the service provider, and provide technical recommendations and prepare technical reports to support the sustainability and institutionalization of the IAS monitoring and reporting system.
•    Collaborate with the FAO Communication Analyst in the development and implementation of a communication and awareness strategy to promote understanding of invasive alien species (IAS), biosecurity measures, and the importance of prevention and early detection among key stakeholders.
•    Contribute to the development of targeted communication approaches and key messages for different stakeholder groups, including government agencies, border authorities, farmers, traders, students, local communities, and the general public.
•    Assist the FAO Communication Analyst in planning and implementing nationwide IAS awareness campaigns through appropriate communication channels, including digital platforms, media, community outreach, workshops, and public events.
•    Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of communication materials, including brochures, fact sheets, infographics, social media content, videos, press releases, and other awareness products in accordance with FAO communication standards.
•    Support communication and outreach activities to enhance public visibility, knowledge sharing, and understanding of IAS impacts and biosecurity actions.
•    Support documentation and visibility of project activities, results, and lessons learned through success stories, articles, photographs, and other communication products.
•    Collaborate with the FAO Communication Analyst to monitor and report on communication and awareness activities, including outreach achievements, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations for sustaining IAS awareness beyond the project period.
•    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).

FAO Standards and guidelines:

Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE (https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

Videos should follow the FAO Video production guidelines: https://www.fao.org/3/cc5308en/cc5308en.pdf

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Communications, Information Management, or a related field.
•    Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in environmental management, biodiversity, monitoring and reporting, or communications.
•    Working knowledge of English and fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil.
•    National of Sri Lanka or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Strong expertise in knowledge management for IAS, biodiversity, and environmental programmes.
•    Skilled in reviewing, synthesizing, and developing technical reports, policy briefs, and training materials.
•    Good analytical and problem-solving skills to identify gaps and provide practical recommendations.
•    Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, able to coordinate effectively with stakeholders and work independently.

Selection Criteria

•    Knowledge of IAS monitoring, reporting, and information management systems
•    Ability to develop technical specifications and oversee digital tool development
•    Strong data analysis, documentation, and reporting skills
•    Experience in environmental communication and public awareness
•    Stakeholder engagement and coordination skills
•    Knowledge of digital platforms, databases, and data visualization tools
•    Ability to develop communication strategies, key messages, and awareness materials
•    Proven experience in developing and implementing communication, awareness, and public outreach initiatives.
•    Demonstrated experience in data management and the use of digital platforms, dashboards, and information systems.