Animal Breeding and Genetics Specialist

The Animal Production and Health Division (AGA) 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 post is located in the Animal Production and Genetics Unit (AGAG). The Unit generates information and manages knowledge, facilitates the development and implementation of innovative solutions and provides technical expertise to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience of livestock production. The activities of the Unit cover all production systems, from pastoralism to industrial, including crop-livestock integrated systems; and aim to enhance their sustainability.

Reporting Lines

The Consultant reports to the Senior Animal Production Officer (Animal Production and Genetics) and is under the overall supervision of the Director AGA.

Animal breeding and genetics, with particular emphasis on the application of biotechnologies in the management of animal genetic resources

• Contribute to FAO’s support of countries’ implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources;
• Provide technical and normative inputs to the Unit’s work on animal breeding and reproduction and management of animal genetic diversity;
• Provide comparable inputs to similar work being undertaken by other FAO units, including the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture;
• Provide technical and research/scientific leadership in the field of animal genetics and breeding;
• Contribute to preparation and implementation of technical cooperation and other projects, including planning work for new project proposals, participation in pre-project missions, thematic planning exercises, back-stopping and reporting and evaluation;
• Plan, organize and conduct expert and consultants meetings; plan and conduct training courses and regional seminars and participate in national and international expert consultations, symposia and workshops as required; and
• Contribute to the preparation of communication tools and products, including websites, technical guidelines and manuals, meeting documents and scientific articles.

• Advanced university degree in animal science, production, reproduction and/or genetics
• Seven years of relevant experience in animal breeding and genetics
• Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in animal breeding and genetics in developing countries
• Extent and relevance of experience in application of biotechnologies in the management of animal genetic resources