Job Description

2602036

National Specialist in IAS Monitoring, Reporting and Communication

Job Posting

: 30/Sep/2026

Closure Date

: 14/Oct/2026, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: FASRL - FAO Representation in Sri Lanka

Job Type

: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location

: Home-Based

Duration: 186 days

Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal deviceFAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and cultureQualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to applyEveryone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's valuesFAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　 All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational SettingFAO 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 LinesThe 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.pdfFurther guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum 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.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process. HOW TO APPLY• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills

• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/cspFAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT