Animal Breeding Specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes and facilitates the sustainable development of the livestock sector, integrating scientific, technical expertise and policy advice. It hosts technical networks in areas of animal genetics, feed and pastoralism, among others. It provides analysis and technical assistance and facilitates policy dialogue (including intergovernmental bodies).

The assignment is within the Animal Genetics Resources (AnGR) group of the Sustainable Animal Production, Feed and Genetics Branch (NSAP). The branch generates information and manages knowledge, facilitates the development and implementation of innovative solutions and provides technical expertise to improve the productivity, efficiency and resilience of the livestock sector. The activities of the Animal Genetics Resources group cover supporting the monitoring, characterization, conservation, and sustainable use and development of AnGR, including assisting the development and implementation of national breeding policies and providing capacity development for AnGR management.

Reporting Lines

The Animal Breeding Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the NSAP Animal Production Officer, with the eventual support of FAO decentralized offices, and in close consultation and collaboration with relevant colleagues in FAO HQ and decentralized offices and of partner organizations.

Technical Focus

Develop and support pastoral and agropastoral community-based breeding programs to improve the productivity of breeds adapted and resilient to local conditions in countries of the East Africa Region, including through the participation in national animal identification and recording systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

In close collaboration with all team members, the incumbent is expected to\:

• Liaise with identified communities and implementation partners to prepare workplans for the development and support of community-based breeding programs and animal identification and recording systems.
• Support the development of agreements with implementation partners, describing roles and responsibilities of stakeholders.
• Prepare and contribute to reports, manuals, guidelines, and other specialized publications.
• Build capacity of implementation partners and communities in the field.
• Follow up on agreed activities with partners and communities in the field.
• Travel to project sites as needed to engage with communities and monitor field activities.
• Develop exit strategies at the end of the project.
• Perform any other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements depending on the profile and orientation

• Advanced university degree in animal breeding and genetics, or a relevant field
• At least two years of relevant experience in livestock sector development
• Working knowledge of English (level C)

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in community-based breeding programs and animal identification and recording systems development.
• Extent and relevance of experience in capacity building of partners and pastoral communities.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical/scientific documents related to livestock sector development.
• Extent and relevance of experience in collecting technical information and data.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in writing project-related documents and reports.
• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.
• Working experience in the field in East Africa is an asset.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

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