National Specialist in IAS Monitoring, Reporting and Communication

The National Specialist will provide technical expertise in establishing a sustainable national monitoring and reporting system for Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and lead communication and public awareness initiatives to promote biosecurity in Sri Lanka. The role involves supporting digital tool development, coordinating with multiple experts, and implementing communication strategies to enhance IAS awareness and biosecurity measures.

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).

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

• Environmental Sciences
• Communications
• Information Management
• Environmental Management
• Biodiversity Monitoring
• IAS Monitoring
• Technical Report Preparation
• Policy Brief Writing
• Training Material Development
• Knowledge Management
• Data Analysis
• Environmental Communication
• Public Awareness Support
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Coordination
• Digital Tool Development
• Management Information Systems
• Data Visualization
• Communication Strategy
• Digital Platforms

Languages

English, Sinhala, Tamil