Rangeland Management 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 overall guidance and direct supervision of the FAO Representative to the I.R. Iran, and 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 Rangeland Management 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

To provide technical and operational support for the implementation of holistic, regenerative and community-based rangeland management systems that contribute to the conservation and sustainable utilization of endangered indigenous livestock breeds in Northwest Iran.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative and in close coordination with other technical specialists of the project, the incumbent will:
•    Support undertaking a baseline assessment in the target provinces to compile and analyze existing information on rangeland conditions, land degradation, biodiversity (flora and fauna), and natural resource use.
•    Support conducting field mapping and sampling of rangeland resources, integrating available geospatial and environmental data, and prepare analytical summaries and maps.
•    Assist in assessing rangeland soils, vegetation composition, carrying capacity, and seasonal forage availability to inform sustainable grazing strategies.
•    Support developing holistic and regenerative grazing management plans including pasture rotation systems, grazing calendars and stocking rate recommendations.
•    Support preparing rangeland rehabilitation and reseeding plans, identifying suitable native species and sustainable restoration practices for target districts.
•    Provide assistance on ecosystem restoration, water conservation and improved pasture management practices to reduce overgrazing and land degradation.
•    Assist in preparing practical community-based rangeland and landscape management plans aligned with breed conservation objectives.
•    Support reviewing consistency of grazing management recommendations with feed resource availability and the reproductive and productive performance goals of endangered indigenous breeds.
•    Contribute technical inputs to the comprehensive conservation plan for Animal Genetic Resources in Northwest Iran, particularly regarding rangeland sustainability and stakeholder engagement.
•    Support assessing training needs of herders, camel owners, technicians and local experts, and support in  designing and delivering capacity-building activities on sustainable and biodiversity-friendly rangeland management.
•    Assist in the development of technical content to knowledge-sharing events, workshops and learning visits, and support presenting of findings and recommendations to project stakeholders and experts.
•    Support developing practical technical standards and specifications for sustainable management of range resources under the project framework.
•    Provide technical assistance for preparation of relevant LOAs/contracts related to rangeland activities, workshops and events.
•    Support preparing concise technical reports summarizing assessments, field missions, recommendations and implemented activities.
•    Support project visibility and initiatives related to sustainable rangeland management and pastoral systems where relevant.
•    Perform any other related duties as required by the project team.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in rangeland ecology, environmental sciences, rangeland management, forestry, botany (dendrology), soil science, natural resource management, watershed management or a related field, with 
•    At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience. in rangeland management, including grazing management, rangeland rehabilitation, and sustainable use of pasture resources.
•    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

•    Sound understanding of native and invasive plant species, as well as soil science, including soil sampling, profiling and mapping.
•    Familiarity with GIS, digital mapping and spatial data analysis.
•    Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with local communities, government institutions and partners.
•    Strong communication skills in English and Farsi; knowledge of local languages in the target provinces is an asset.
•    Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaborative work approaches.

Selection criteria

•    Strong knowledge of rangeland ecology, ecosystem services, watershed management, and plant–soil–animal interactions.
•    Preferably based in one of the target provinces (Ardabil, East/West Azarbaijan, or Kurdistan) and willing to travel to project sites as required.
•    Familiarity with local languages (Turkish or Kurdish) is an asset.