Livestock Health and Reproduction Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. As a specialized UN agency, FAO leads efforts to achieve food security and ensure access to quality food for all. Working in over 130 countries, FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development, aligning with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. In Iran, FAO supports the "Empowering Local Communities to Conserve and Develop Endangered Indigenous Livestock Gene Pool" project, focusing on sustainable agriculture and animal genetic diversity.

Job Purpose

The Livestock Health and Reproduction Specialist will provide essential technical and operational support to enhance the reproductive performance, health management, and genetic conservation of endangered indigenous livestock breeds. This role involves implementing technically sound reproductive interventions, effective disease prevention strategies, and ensuring the quality assurance of advanced reproductive technologies. All activities must be fully aligned with the project's community-based conservation framework, contributing to the overall objective of empowering local communities to conserve their livestock gene pool while improving productivity, resilience, and livelihoods in Northwest Iran.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative to I.R. Iran and in coordination with the project team, the incumbent will assess baseline health and reproductive performance of target breeds, identifying constraints and risks. Responsibilities include providing technical input on health management, disease prevention, and biosecurity measures, aligning interventions with FAO One Health principles. The specialist will assist in developing breed-specific health and reproductive guidelines, planning for advanced reproductive operations (AI/ET), and supporting semen/embryo collection and cryopreservation. Contributions will be made to genetic improvement approaches, establishing monitoring systems for reproductive performance, and collaborating with other FAO specialists. The role involves designing and delivering capacity-building programs for veterinarians and breeders, contributing technical content to knowledge-sharing events, and developing technical specifications for procurement. Additionally, the specialist will provide technical inputs for TORs, support bid evaluations, review technical reports, and contribute to the comprehensive plan for Animal Genetic Resources conservation. Mission and final technical reports will be prepared, along with performing other related duties as required.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in livestock health management and reproductive technologies, specifically Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET). Experience in developing and implementing health and reproductive management guidelines for livestock is crucial. Familiarity with community-based breeding programs and conservation efforts for indigenous livestock breeds is highly desirable.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Essential technical skills involve herd health management, reproductive performance improvement, biosecurity planning, semen collection, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation. Familiarity with indigenous breeds and pastoral production systems is important. Demonstrated experience in field-based reproductive interventions and delivering technical training to veterinarians, technicians, and local communities is required. Experience in more than one province or livestock production system is desirable. Familiarity with local languages (Turkish or Kurdish) is an asset.

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