Livestock Nutritionist

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 works through its country offices to provide policy advice, technical assistance, and support to countries in areas related to food and agriculture, ensuring that operations are aligned with international standards of accountability and effectiveness. FAO's strategic framework aims to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to better production, nutrition, environment, and life for all, while leaving no one behind.

Job Overview:
The Livestock Nutritionist position is designed to provide technical and operational support to improve feed efficiency, nutritional management, and productivity of endangered indigenous livestock breeds. The role involves working closely with FAO consultants and project teams to achieve specific deliverables related to the conservation and sustainable use of livestock genetic resources. The incumbent will be responsible for assessing the nutritional status of target breeds, identifying feed gaps, and developing practical feeding strategies that align with sustainable rangeland management. This position is critical in ensuring that local communities can conserve their livestock gene pool while enhancing productivity and resilience, ultimately contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Livestock Nutritionist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting the technical assessment of nutritional status and feeding practices of target breeds; identifying seasonal feed gaps and constraints affecting productivity; developing balanced ration formulations using locally available feed resources; providing technical input on supplementary feeding during critical seasons; integrating nutrition planning into breeding and reproductive approaches; designing feed monitoring and performance tracking measures; delivering training sessions for herders and technicians on nutrition management; collaborating with rangeland management specialists on grazing management planning; contributing to the comprehensive conservation strategy by integrating nutritional sustainability aspects; preparing technical and mission reports; and performing other related duties as required by the project team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, Livestock Production, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in livestock nutrition planning and ration formulation. A working knowledge of English at level C is required, and candidates must be nationals of I.R. Iran or residents of the country with a valid work permit. FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to animal nutrition, animal science, or livestock production. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of livestock nutrition and the development of effective feeding strategies that align with conservation objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in livestock nutrition planning and ration formulation. Experience in various livestock production environments is desirable, as is familiarity with rangeland-based and pastoral feeding systems. The ability to link nutrition strategies with reproductive and productivity performance is also important, along with demonstrated experience in practical, field-oriented nutrition solutions for smallholders and experience in training and capacity building.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Familiarity with local languages such as Turkish or Kurdish is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and effectiveness in the project areas.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should ensure that their higher educational qualifications are obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.