Livestock Value Chain 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 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 International Livestock Value Chain Specialist will work closely with the Project Counterpart and FAO consultants to support the team in achieving the deliverables and targets highlighted in his/her TOR. The post is home-based and all FAO-Iran employees shall follow the UN-Iran workweek (from Sunday to Thursday) and holiday schedule.

Technical Focus

To provide high-level technical guidance for the development of competitive, conservation-linked livestock value chains for endangered indigenous breeds in Northwest Iran, drawing on international best practices and global market experience to enhance sustainability, branding, traceability and long-term economic viability.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of FAO and in coordination with national experts and MAJ, the specialist will:
•    Conduct a review and analysis of the livestock value chains for indigenous breeds (Bactrian camel, Sarabi cattle, Mahabadi goat, Markhoz goat) and benchmark them against relevant international models.
•    Identify global best practices in conservation-driven value chains, niche marketing, geographical indication (GI), eco-labeling, breed branding and traceability systems.
•    Develop a value chain upgrading framework and recommendations, linking genetic conservation with market incentives and premium product positioning.
•    Provide technical guidance on product differentiation strategies (e.g., breed-specific dairy, mohair quality enhancement, specialty products).
•    Advise on traceability systems along value chains, integrating pedigree data and product certification to strengthen conservation incentives.
•    Provide high-level recommendations for improving competitiveness, export readiness and compliance with international standards (where feasible).
•    Review technical designs and operational models for milk and mohair processing centers to ensure alignment with international quality and safety standards.
•    Develop business models and investment frameworks for scaling indigenous breed-based enterprises.
•    Identify potential regional or international market partnerships and provide recommendations for long-term positioning.
•    Mentor and provide technical backstopping to the national value chain specialist and relevant institutions.
•    Contribute to integrating economic sustainability mechanisms into the comprehensive Animal Genetic Resources conservation strategy.
•    Deliver policy-oriented recommendations for MAJ and FAO.
•    Prepare a final report with actionable recommendations and scalability roadmap.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Livestock Systems, Rural Development or related field.
•    At least 5 years of relevant international experience in livestock value chain development and market system strengthening.
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Work experience in more than one country, preferably in dryland, pastoral or biodiversity-sensitive production systems.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in designing value chain upgrading approaches for indigenous or niche livestock products.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in product branding, certification, traceability and geographical indication schemes.
•    Familiarity with international quality standards, export compliance and premium market positioning.
•    Experience working with FAO, UN agencies or international development projects is desirable. 
•    Demonstrated experience in integrating biodiversity conservation with market incentives.
•    Strong analytical and strategic planning skills.
•    Experience mentoring national experts and institutions.