National Livestock Value Chain Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems to achieve the 2030 Agenda. As a specialized UN agency, FAO leads global efforts to defeat hunger and ensure food security for all. Operating 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. This role supports a project in Iran focused on empowering local communities to conserve and develop endangered indigenous livestock gene pools.

Job Purpose

The National Livestock Value Chain Specialist will support the strengthening of sustainable and conservation-linked value chains for indigenous livestock products, including milk, mohair, wool, and meat. The primary goal is to enhance income generation for local communities by creating economic incentives that promote the conservation of valuable indigenous livestock breeds. This role is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of these breeds and improving the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them, contributing to both biodiversity conservation and economic development.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will conduct rapid value chain assessments for target indigenous breeds, identifying bottlenecks in production, processing, quality control, marketing, and market access. Responsibilities include analyzing existing processing practices, identifying opportunities for product upgrading and diversification, and developing practical value chain approaches that link conservation with income generation. The specialist will support the development of marketing strategies and business models for small-scale producers and cooperatives, identify niche markets, and contribute to designing and delivering training modules on product quality, value addition, entrepreneurship, and cooperative management. Collaboration with the International Livestock Value Chain Specialist is essential for data collection, alignment of field implementation with upgrading frameworks, and adapting international recommendations to local contexts. The role also involves providing technical inputs for procurement specifications, developing hygiene and quality assurance standards, and preparing progress reports.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required, specifically in livestock value chain analysis, agribusiness development, and the processing and marketing of animal products. Experience in establishing or upgrading processing and collection centers is desirable. Familiarity with cooperative development, smallholder market integration, and product quality standards is beneficial. Experience linking value chain development with livelihood improvement and working with pastoral or smallholder livestock systems is also advantageous.

Skills

Key skills include strong analytical abilities for value chain assessment, market analysis, and identifying opportunities for product upgrading. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are needed for collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, cooperatives, and international specialists. The ability to design and deliver training programs on product quality, value addition, and entrepreneurship is crucial. Experience in developing marketing approaches and business models for small-scale producers is essential. Familiarity with indigenous livestock systems, conservation-linked value chain approaches, and local languages (Turkish or Kurdish) is an asset. Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills are required.

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