Livestock Health and Reproduction Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and technical assistance to countries, ensuring effective operations and resource mobilization to support agrifood systems transformation.

Job Overview:
The Livestock Health and Reproduction Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the conservation and sustainable use of endangered indigenous livestock breeds in Iran. This position involves working closely with the FAO project team to enhance reproductive performance, health management, and genetic conservation of livestock. The specialist will be responsible for implementing advanced reproductive technologies and disease prevention strategies, ensuring that all interventions align with community-based conservation frameworks. The role requires a strong technical background in livestock health and reproduction, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with local communities and stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including assessing baseline health and reproductive performance of target breeds, identifying reproductive constraints and disease risks, and providing input on health management strategies. The specialist will develop breed-specific health and reproductive management guidelines, support advanced reproductive operations, and ensure compliance with international standards for semen and embryo handling. Additionally, the role involves establishing reproductive performance indicators, designing capacity-building programs for local veterinarians and breeders, and contributing to knowledge-sharing events. The specialist will also assist in procurement processes, evaluate bids for reproductive services, and prepare technical reports summarizing findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Reproduction, Animal Science, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in livestock health management and reproductive technologies, particularly artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET), is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and must be nationals of I.R. Iran or residents with a valid work permit. Familiarity with indigenous breeds and pastoral production systems is desirable, along with experience in field-based reproductive interventions and delivering technical training to local communities.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Reproduction, Animal Science, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage livestock health and reproduction, particularly in the context of endangered indigenous breeds.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in livestock health management and reproductive technologies. This experience should include practical knowledge of artificial insemination and embryo transfer techniques, as well as familiarity with herd health management and biosecurity planning. Experience working in multiple provinces or livestock production systems is considered an asset, as is demonstrated experience in field-based reproductive interventions.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, familiarity with local languages such as Turkish or Kurdish is considered an asset, as it can facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is home-based, and all FAO-Iran employees are expected to follow the UN-Iran workweek from Sunday to Thursday, along with the holiday schedule. The role may require travel to project sites as needed, particularly to the provinces of Ardabil, East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, and Kurdistan. The position is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the project aimed at conserving endangered indigenous livestock breeds.