Organizational Setting

The Smallholder Rubber Revitalization Project (SRRP) aims to enhance the productivity, quality, and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s rubber smallholder sector through the adoption of improved technologies, strengthened research–extension linkages, and quality-focused processing systems. Latex diagnosis (LD) has been identified as a key area essential for optimizing latex yield, improving tree health management, and ensuring sustainable production practices. However, knowledge and practical experience in LD remain limited, particularly among small scale growers. This gap has been recognized as a major bottleneck contributing to reduced productivity and lower income levels among smallholders. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening both institutional and technical capacities in precise diagnosis, interpretation, and quality management. In line with this need, the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRISL), under the SRRP, intends to engage an international expert with proven experience in latex diagnosis and interpretation to conduct a hands-on training program for RRISL officers and thereby supporting the overall objectives of the SRRP.

Reporting Lines

The duty station will be the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRISL) in Agalawatta, Sri Lanka, with visits to project sites and rubber plantations as required. The expert will report to the Director/Acting Director of RRISL and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with technical coordination provided by the Director/Acting Director of RRISL and FAO.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide international-level expertise to strengthen the capacity of RRISL’s Research and Technical Officers in latex diagnosis, covering sampling, testing, data interpretation, and application of results for field-level decision-making.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Expert shall conduct theoretical and practical training sessions covering:
• Principles and objectives of latex diagnosis.
• Sampling and extraction procedure for latex.
• Chemical preparation procedures.
• Laboratory procedures for analysing latex parameters (e.g., sucrose, inorganic phosphorus, thiols, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Mg++ content).
• Data interpretation and identification of physiological constraints.
• Use of diagnostic results to recommend appropriate tapping, stimulation, and relevant agronomic strategies.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in related field or any other discipline relevant to the field . Or Bachelor”s degree with two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Minimum of five (05) years of professional experience in latex diagnosis in Hevea brasiliensis)
• Proven experience in conducting training on latex diagnosis.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English is required and limited knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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