Rangeland Management 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. As a specialized agency of the UN, FAO leads international efforts to achieve food security for all and ensure access to quality food for healthy lives. FAO works in over 130 countries, providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development. In Iran, FAO supports the "Empowering Local Communities to Conserve and Develop Endangered Indigenous Livestock Gene Pool" project, focusing on sustainable agriculture and safeguarding animal genetic diversity.

Job Purpose

The Rangeland Management Specialist will provide essential 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 within Northwest Iran. The specialist will contribute to project activities aimed at improving rangeland conditions, supporting sustainable grazing practices, and enhancing the livelihoods of local communities involved in livestock gene pool conservation. The position is home-based, aligning with the UN workweek schedule.

Responsibilities

The Rangeland Management Specialist will support baseline assessments of rangeland conditions, land degradation, and biodiversity in target provinces, including field mapping and data analysis. Responsibilities include assessing rangeland soils, vegetation, and carrying capacity to inform sustainable grazing strategies and developing holistic grazing management plans with pasture rotation and stocking rate recommendations. The role involves assisting in rangeland rehabilitation and reseeding plans, identifying native species, and promoting ecosystem restoration and water conservation practices. The specialist will prepare community-based rangeland management plans, ensure grazing recommendations align with breed conservation goals, and contribute technical inputs to conservation plans. Capacity-building activities for herders and technicians on sustainable rangeland management will be supported, along with developing technical content for knowledge-sharing events. The role also includes developing technical standards for range resource management, providing assistance for related contracts, preparing technical reports, and supporting project visibility initiatives.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in rangeland management is required. This experience should encompass grazing management, rangeland rehabilitation, and the sustainable use of pasture resources. The candidate should possess an advanced university degree in a related field such as rangeland ecology, environmental sciences, or natural resource management.

Skills

Key skills include a strong understanding of rangeland ecology, ecosystem services, and plant-soil-animal interactions. Proficiency in native and invasive plant species identification, soil science, and mapping is essential. Familiarity with GIS, digital mapping, and spatial data analysis is required. Proven experience in stakeholder engagement with local communities and government institutions is crucial. Strong communication skills in English and Farsi are necessary; knowledge of local languages in the target provinces is an asset. Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaborative approaches is expected. Familiarity with local languages (Turkish or Kurdish) is considered an asset.

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