Data Recording Specialist

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 catalyse 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 (TCP/IRA/4002) 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.

The post is home-based and all FAO-Iran employees shall follow the UN workweek (from Sunday to Thursday) and holiday schedule.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative to the I.R. Iran, d close collaboration with the Project team under technical guidance of the project Lead Technical Officer and with the technical advice from FAO-HQ Technical Officer, the Data Recording Specialist will work closely with the FAO consultants to support the team in achieving the deliverables and targets highlighted in his/her TOR.

Technical Focus

Technical support provided to the strengthening of pedigree development, performance recording, molecular characterization and data management systems for endangered indigenous livestock breeds under the project, ensuring scientific integrity of parentage verification, genetic conservation, and integration with community-based breeding programmes in Northwest Iran.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of FAO representative to the I. R. Iran and in close coordination with other FAO technical specialists, the incumbent will:
•    Assist in reviewing and assessing existing data recording systems (pedigree, performance, reproductive and health data) for target breeds (Bactrian camel, Sarabi cattle, Mahabadi goat, Markhoz goat) and support in identifying gaps, inconsistencies and priority improvement areas.
•    Support the development of practical recommendations to strengthen breed registration, animal identification, pedigree recording and performance data collection systems.
•    Support the development of technical guidance on molecular characterization and parentage verification strategies aligned with international best practices for animal genetic resources conservation.
•    Assist in preparing technical specifications and TOR/LOA inputs for contracting laboratories to conduct molecular analysis of blood samples for parentage testing and genetic characterization.
•    Provide technical support in the evaluation of laboratory offers, ensuring compliance with required standards, methodologies and quality assurance protocols.
•    Support development of sampling strategies, sample size determination, and data management procedures for molecular analysis.
•    Support integration of molecular and performance data into national databases (e.g. breeding center systems) to ensure traceability and long-term conservation value.
•    Assist in pedigree analysis, including estimation of inbreeding coefficients and identification of breeding strategies to maintain genetic diversity.
•    Assist with development of technical inputs for advanced reproductive activities (AI/ET planning) by aligning selection criteria with genetic conservation objectives.
•    Support identifying procurement needs and prepare technical specifications for equipment related to milk collection/analysis and wool/mohair processing centers, 
•    Support in evaluating training and capacity-building needs related to data recording, genetic evaluation, sample collection and data management.
•    Assist in developing and delivering training materials and workshops for technicians, breeding station staff and community-level recorders.
•    Provide technical inputs for preparing contracts/LOAs related to workshops, laboratory services and technical events.
•    Technically support the development of the comprehensive plan for conservation of Animal Genetic Resources in Northwest Iran, particularly regarding genetic characterization, data systems and sustainable breeding frameworks.
•    Support preparation of technical reports summarizing findings, recommendations and progress achieved under assigned activities.
•    Perform other related duties as required by the project team.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in animal breeding and genetics, Molecular Genetics, Animal Biotechnology, Animal Science, Veterinary Genetics, or a closely related field.
•    At least five (5) years of progressively relevant professional experience in livestock genetics data recording and analysis, molecular characterization, parentage verification, or animal genetic resources management
•    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

•    Strong knowledge of molecular genetics applications in livestock parentage verification, breed characterization and genetic diversity analysis.
•    Familiarity with molecular marker technologies (microsatellite, SNP-based analysis, DNA fingerprinting) and interpretation of parentage testing results.
•    Experience with DNA sample collection, traceability procedures, quality control and laboratory coordination for molecular analysis.
•    Knowledge of international standards and best practices for animal genetic resources conservation and molecular characterization 
•    Familiarity with pedigree analysis, inbreeding estimation and integration of molecular and performance data into breeding/database systems.
•    Ability to advise on sampling strategies, sample size determination and data management for genetic studies.
•    Good training, reporting, communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
•    Knowledge of indigenous livestock breeds and production systems in Northwest Iran is an asset.
•    Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaborative work approaches.

Selection criteria

•    Demonstrated hands-on experience with molecular genetics applications in livestock, including parentage testing, genetic diversity assessment and breed characterization
•    Familiarity with molecular marker technologies (e.g. microsatellites, SNP-based analysis, DNA fingerprinting) and interpretation of molecular genetic results for livestock breeding and conservation purposes
•    Working knowledge of data integration between molecular analysis outputs and livestock recording/breeding databases.
•    Preferably based in one of the target provinces of the project (Ardabil, East/West Azarbaijan, Kurdistan and willing to travel to project sites as required.
•    Familiarity with local languages (Turkish or Kurdish) is an asset.