Rangeland Management 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 has a mission 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 Rangeland Management Specialist will provide technical and operational support for the implementation of holistic, regenerative, and community-based rangeland management systems. This role is crucial for the conservation and sustainable utilization of endangered indigenous livestock breeds in Northwest Iran. The specialist will work closely with the FAO consultants and project team to achieve the deliverables outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR). The position requires a strong understanding of rangeland ecology and management, as well as the ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders to promote sustainable practices. The specialist will be involved in various assessments, planning, and capacity-building activities aimed at improving rangeland management and supporting local livelihoods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a baseline assessment of rangeland conditions, analyze biodiversity, and assess natural resource use. Responsibilities include conducting field mapping, assessing rangeland soils and vegetation, developing grazing management plans, preparing rehabilitation and reseeding plans, and providing assistance on ecosystem restoration. The specialist will also support the development of community-based management plans, assess training needs, and contribute to knowledge-sharing events. Additional duties include preparing technical reports, ensuring project visibility, and performing any other related tasks as required by the project team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in rangeland ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field, along with at least five years of relevant professional experience in rangeland management. A working knowledge of English is required, and candidates must be nationals of I.R. Iran or residents with a valid work permit. FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in fields such as rangeland ecology, environmental sciences, rangeland management, forestry, botany, soil science, or natural resource management is required. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of rangeland ecosystems and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in rangeland management, including expertise in grazing management, rangeland rehabilitation, and sustainable use of pasture resources. Experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration with local communities and government institutions is also important.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory. Proficiency in Farsi is required, and knowledge of local languages such as Turkish or Kurdish is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local communities in the target provinces.

Additional Notes:
The 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 within the target provinces of Ardabil, East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, and Kurdistan. The position is full-time and may involve collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of project activities.