Data Recording 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 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 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 Data Recording Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the FAO's project aimed at conserving and developing endangered indigenous livestock breeds in Northwest Iran. This position involves providing technical support for pedigree development, performance recording, molecular characterization, and data management systems for livestock breeds such as the Bactrian camel, Sarabi cattle, Mahabadi goat, and Markhoz goat. The specialist will work closely with FAO consultants and the project team to ensure the scientific integrity of parentage verification and genetic conservation, integrating these efforts with community-based breeding programs. The role requires a strong understanding of livestock genetics and data management, as well as the ability to develop practical recommendations for improving existing systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: reviewing and assessing existing data recording systems for target breeds, identifying gaps and recommending improvements; developing technical guidance on molecular characterization and parentage verification; preparing technical specifications for laboratory contracts; evaluating laboratory offers for compliance with standards; supporting the integration of molecular and performance data into national databases; assisting in pedigree analysis and developing breeding strategies; identifying procurement needs for equipment; evaluating training needs and developing training materials; providing technical inputs for contracts related to workshops and laboratory services; and preparing technical reports summarizing findings and progress. The specialist will also support the development of a comprehensive plan for the conservation of Animal Genetic Resources in Northwest Iran.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in animal breeding and genetics, molecular genetics, animal biotechnology, animal science, veterinary genetics, or a closely related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of progressively relevant professional experience in livestock genetics data recording and analysis, molecular characterization, parentage verification, or animal genetic resources management is required. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of I.R. Iran or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as animal breeding and genetics, molecular genetics, animal biotechnology, animal science, or veterinary genetics is essential for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the project's objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively relevant professional experience in areas such as livestock genetics data recording and analysis, molecular characterization, parentage verification, or animal genetic resources management. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of livestock genetics and the technical requirements of the project.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Familiarity with local languages such as Turkish or Kurdish is considered an asset, as it may 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 workweek from Sunday to Thursday. The role may require travel to project sites as necessary. The position is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries and local communities. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO's policies and guidelines.