Invasive Alien Species Management and Control Expert

The Invasive Alien Species Management and Control Expert will provide technical support for the implementation of the KBF-supported project in Nepal, focusing on IAS prevention, control, field-level management, pathway disruption, threat assessment, and related knowledge products. The role supports policy and institutional strengthening, risk/threat assessment, quarantine and detection systems, community-based IAS management, and science-based control measures in priority sites.

Responsibilities

• Assist in reviewing the project document, results framework, workplan, NIAS SAP 2025, draft NBSAP 2025–2030, and relevant national and global guidance on IAS prevention, control, pathway management, early warning, rapid response and biodiversity threat assessment.
• Support the development of a practical IAS biodiversity threat assessment methodology/guideline and contribute technical inputs on criteria for prioritizing species based on spread, impact, invasion pathways, risks to biodiversity, ecosystem services, agriculture, forests, water systems, livelihoods and feasibility of control.
• Provide technical and documentation support to the FAO team in conducting field assessments in selected sites of the Trishuli River Corridor focusing on the priority invasive alien species, affected areas, key invasion pathways, and suitable demonstration sites reflecting different ecological and livelihood contexts.
• Support the preparation of technical reports by compiling and organizing findings and recommendations from FAO-led field assessments and consultations with relevant institutions and community groups.
• Assist in providing technical support for site-specific IAS control and management demonstrations, including prevention, pathway disruption, restoration of affected areas, prevention of re-invasion, and practical approaches such as IPM/FFS-based learning and safe use of selected IAS biomass, where technically feasible.
• Assist in implementing early warning, rapid response and monitoring mechanisms by preparing simple reporting formats, response protocols, local focal point roles, and related technical inputs for the IAS App/Webpage for species identification, location reporting, photographs, monitoring records and follow-up actions.
• Support capacity-building activities and assist in preparing training materials, technical notes, awareness messages, best practices, case studies, knowledge products and the final technical report with key findings, lessons learned and recommendations for strengthening future IAS prevention, control, monitoring and community-based management in Nepal.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in ecology, biodiversity conservation, botany, zoology, forestry, agriculture, plant protection, natural resource management, environmental science or other relevant discipline
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in invasive alien species management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, plant protection, pest management, forest/agriculture ecology or related fields.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
• Extent and relevance of experience in invasive alien species prevention, control, field-level management, pathway disruption, biodiversity threat assessment and ecological restoration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Nepal’s IAS management priorities, including NIAS SAP 2025, draft NBSAP 2025–2030, and relevant commitments under the CBD and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing field assessments, participatory surveys, ecological monitoring, demonstration activities and community-based natural resource management.
• Familiarity with IAS risk/threat assessment tools, early warning and rapid response mechanisms, monitoring systems, and practical approaches for prevention and control of priority invasive species.
• Knowledge of Farmer Field School, Integrated Pest Management, community-based monitoring, participatory learning or local capacity-building approaches will be an asset.
• Experience working with government institutions, local governments, research institutions, quarantine/customs offices, farmer groups, forest user groups, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, women and youth groups.
• Ability to prepare high-quality technical reports, guidelines, training materials, best practices, case studies, IEC materials and knowledge products related to IAS management.
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, coordination, communication and report-writing skills, with the ability to work in English and Nepali and travel to project districts under diverse field conditions.

Skills

• Invasive Alien Species Management
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Ecosystems Management
• Plant Protection Systems
• Pest and Disease Management
• Forest Ecology
• Agriculture Ecology
• IAS Prevention
• IAS Control
• Pathway Disruption
• Biodiversity Threat Assessment
• Ecosystem Restoration
• Field Assessments
• Participatory Surveys
• Ecological Monitoring
• Community-Based Resource Management
• IAS Risk Assessment Tools
• Early Warning Systems
• Rapid Response Mechanisms Implementation
• Monitoring Systems Management
• Farmer Field School
• Integrated pest management
• Community-based Health Monitoring
• Participatory learning and action
• Capacity Building
• Technical Report Preparation
• Training Material Development
• Knowledge Product Development
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Policy and Institutional Strengthening
• Quarantine and Detection Systems

Languages

English