Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
• advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
• provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
• assist and catalyze partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
• position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
• ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programs, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources sustainably.

In cooperation with the Department of Animal Production Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad (MAJ), Iran, technical support from FAO has been provided through the implementation of the Technical Cooperation Programme entitled “Empowering Local Communities to Conserve and Develop Endangered Indigenous Livestock Gene Pool in the Northwest of Iran.” This TCP project is expected to strengthen the conservation and sustainable use of endangered indigenous livestock breeds in Ardabil, East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan and Kurdistan provinces.

The project addresses national priorities on climate-smart and sustainable agriculture and contributes to safeguarding animal genetic diversity in line with SDG targets 2.4 and 2.5. It focuses on community-based breeding and conservation of at-risk breeds—Bactrian camel, Sarabi cattle, Mahabadi goat and Markhoz goat—through pedigree and performance recording, molecular characterization, cryopreservation of genetic materials, and application of advanced reproductive technologies.

In parallel, the project enhances local capacities, supports regional breeding stations, improves milk and mohair processing facilities, and strengthens value chains. The overall objective is to empower local communities to conserve their livestock gene pool while improving productivity, resilience and livelihoods.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative to the I.R. Iran, and close collaboration with the Project Management and Monitoring Expert on Management and Conservation of Indigenous Animal Genetic Resources, under technical guidance of the project Lead Technical Officer FAO-RAP Livestock development Officer and the Alternate Lead Technical Officer and with the technical advice from FAO-HQ Technical Officer the Livestock Nutritionist will work closely with the FAO consultants to support the team in achieving the deliverables and targets highlighted in his/her TOR.

Technical Focus

To technically and operationally support improving feed efficiency, nutritional management and productivity of endangered indigenous breeds through optimized feeding strategies aligned with sustainable rangeland management.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of FAO Representative to the I.R. Iran and in close coordination with other FAO project team, the incumbent will:

• Support the technical assessment of nutritional status and feeding practices of target breeds in project areas.
• Technically support the identification of seasonal feed gaps and constraints affecting productivity and reproductive performance.
• Technically support the identification of nutrition-related risk affecting breed conservation
• Technically support the development of practical feeding approaches aligned with rangeland carrying capacity and conservation objectives.
• Technically assist in the development of balanced ration formulations using locally available feed resources.
• Provide technical input on supplementary feeding approaches during critical seasons.
• Technically assist in the integration of nutrition planning into breeding and reproductive approaches.
• Technically support the design of feed monitoring and performance tracking measures.
• Technically and operationally support delivering training sessions for herders and technicians on nutrition management.
• Provide technical support to grazing management planning in collaboration with the FAO Iran rangeland management specialist.
• Technically contribute to the comprehensive conservation strategy by integrating nutritional sustainability aspects.
• Prepare technical and mission reports.
• Perform other related duties as required by the project team.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, Livestock Production or related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in livestock nutrition planning and ration formulation.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of I.R. Iran or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one livestock production environment is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in feed resource assessment, ration formulation and seasonal feed gap analysis.
• Extent and relevance of experience in linking nutrition strategies with reproductive and productivity performance.
• Familiarity with rangeland-based and pastoral feeding systems.
• Demonstrated experience in practical, field-oriented nutrition solutions for smallholders.
• Experience in training and capacity building.
• Ability to integrate nutrition planning into broader conservation and breeding strategies.

Selection Criteria

• Preferably based in one of the target provinces (Ardabil, East/West Azerbaijan, or Kurdistan) and willing to travel to project sites as required.
• Familiarity with local languages (Turkish or Kurdish) is an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION