About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations seeks an Expert on Microbial Bio-Control Agents for a non-staff opportunity under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA). Working under the project titled “Community-Based Bio-Control Agents (BCA) and Bio-Pesticides Production and Utilization System for Eco-Friendly Pest Management Programmes in Sri Lankan Agriculture,” the expert will provide technical expertise and operational support to identify effective bio-control agents, develop protocols and standard operating procedures for mass rearing, upgrade facilities, and promote sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. The assignment duration is 25 WAE days, based in Kandy, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Horticultural Crops Research and Development Institute (HORDI).
Salary and benefits
- Professional engagement with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
- Opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly pest management in Sri Lanka
- Remuneration provided in accordance with FAO Personal Services Agreement (PSA) standards
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Plant Genetics, or a related field
- Postgraduate training and specialized expertise in Plant Protection with demonstrated knowledge of microbial biological control and sustainable practices
- At least 5 years of research experience and professional exposure in microbial biological control (entomopathogenic fungi/bacteria/NPV and nematodes), plant protection, microbial biopesticide formulations, molecular biology, and related areas
- Working knowledge of English; working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is required
- National of Sri Lanka or resident of the country with a valid work permit
Required documents
- Accurate and complete online profile including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
When to apply
- Opening Date: 07 September 2026
- Closing Date: 21 September 2026 at 21:59 GMT
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal and complete your online profile
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Submit your application through the recruitment platform before the deadline
Additional information
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Incomplete applications and those received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only language proficiency certificates from UN-accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations will be accepted as proof of language skills.
- Appointment is subject to medical clearance, visa/residency requirements, and security clearances.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Applicants holding an advanced university degree in Agriculture, Plant Genetics, or a related field with postgraduate training in Plant Protection.
- Professionals with specialized expertise in microbial biological control (entomopathogenic fungi/bacteria/NPV and nematodes), molecular biology, and microbial biopesticide formulations.
- Candidates with at least 5 years of research experience and professional exposure in eco-friendly pest management.
- Nationals or residents of Sri Lanka with a valid work permit who possess working knowledge of English as well as Sinhala and/or Tamil.
What should you think carefully about?
- The contract is limited to 25 WAE (When Actually Employed) days, representing intermittent rather than continuous full-time work.
- The position is based on-site in Kandy, Sri Lanka, requiring local presence or residency.
- Language requirements include proficiency in local languages alongside English, verified strictly through official certificates or FAO exams.
- Appointments remain subject to medical clearance, visa checks, and security clearances.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This assignment offers researchers and plant protection experts a chance to advance sustainable agriculture and bio-pesticide utilization systems in Sri Lanka. It suits professionals aiming to apply scientific expertise to practical field programs in collaboration with local research institutes like HORDI.
Our take
Sri Lankan researchers specializing in biological control agents and sustainable agriculture should apply for this advisory role. Individuals seeking full-time permanent employment or lacking local language proficiencies should skip this opportunity.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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