National Specialist in Equipment Commissioning of GMO Testing Laboratories

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations, and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Setting

The government of Sri Lanka, through the 4-year project, “Implementation of the National Biosafety Framework in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety”, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is strengthening the country’s institutional and human capacities for the implementation of the National Biosafety Framework (NBF) and hence the safe handling of living modified organisms (LMOs) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The National Executing Agency of the project is the Ministry of Environment while the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) is the Implementing Agency.

The National Specialist in Equipment Commissioning of GMO Testing Laboratories will contribute to the implementation of this project.

Reporting Lines

The national specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and will receive technical guidance from the Lead Technical Officer and relevant FAO Technical Officers. He/she will work closely with the recipient laboratories and the suppliers of procured equipment, along with their relevant accessories and supplies.

Technical Focus

Undertaking of all necessary inspections, tests, diagnostics and verifications of such equipment as required, confirming that the equipment mentioned in the contract has been functioning properly for the prescribed period of time in full compliance with the relevant provisions and specifications of the contract during the defects liability period.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Ensure all equipment function satisfactorily after the defects liability period.
• Provide a report certifying that all equipment, accessories and supplies as specified in the PO are functioning satisfactorily according to the terms of the contract.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or related disciplines
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the use and handling of equipment related to molecular testing.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Sri Lankan National or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.