Livestock Health and Reproduction Specialist

The Livestock Health and Reproduction Specialist will technically and operationally support strengthening reproductive performance, health management and genetic conservation of endangered indigenous livestock breeds through reproductive interventions, disease prevention approaches and advanced reproductive technologies. The role is home-based and supports a project aimed at empowering local communities in Iran to conserve and develop endangered indigenous livestock gene pools.

Responsibilities

• Technically and operationally support assessing baseline health and reproductive performance of target breeds in the project provinces
• Technically assist in identifying major reproductive constraints, production and infectious disease risks and biosecurity gaps affecting conservation and productivity
• Technically support providing input on health management, including disease prevention, vaccination approaches, reproductive health monitoring and biosecurity measures
• Technically support review and aligning reproductive and health interventions with FAO One Health principles, promoting integration of animal health, environmental sustainability, and community livelihoods
• Technically assist in development of breed-specific health and reproductive management guidelines tailored to pastoral and smallholder systems
• Technically support in planning for advanced reproductive operations (AI and ET)
• Technically support semen and embryo collection, handling and cryopreservation protocols, ensuring compliance with international technical standards
• Contribute to pedigree and genetic improvement approaches by technically supporting and reviewing alignment of reproductive interventions with genetic diversity and inbreeding control objectives
• Technically and operationally support the establishment of reproductive performance indicators and monitoring systems within community-based breeding programs
• Collaborate with FAO Iran Rangeland and Nutrition specialists to ensure reproductive plans are aligned with forage availability and grazing approaches
• Technically support designing and delivering capacity-building programs for veterinarians, technicians and local breeders on reproductive technologies, herd health monitoring and biosecurity
• Contribute technical content to knowledge-sharing events
• Technically assist in development of technical specifications for procurement of medical, reproductive, veterinary and cryopreservation equipment and supplies
• Provide technical inputs for drafting TORs for contracts related to reproductive services, laboratory services, veterinary supplies and related works
• Support the technical evaluation of bids and offers for goods, works and services related to reproductive and health components, ensuring compliance with project requirements
• Support in reviewing technical reports submitted by contracted service providers and assist in providing validation comments and recommendations
• Contribute technical inputs to the comprehensive plan for conservation of Animal Genetic Resources in Northwest Iran, particularly regarding sustainable reproductive management frameworks
• Prepare mission reports and a consolidated final technical report summarizing findings, recommendations and sustainability measures
• Perform other related duties as required by the project team

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Reproduction, Animal Science or related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in livestock health management and reproductive technologies (AI/ET)
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of I.R. Iran or resident of the country with a valid work permit
• Work experience in more than one province or livestock production system is desirable
• Extent and relevance of experience in herd health management, reproductive performance improvement and biosecurity planning
• Extent and relevance of experience in semen collection, embryo transfer and cryopreservation
• Familiarity with indigenous breeds and pastoral production systems
• Demonstrated experience in field-based reproductive interventions
• Experience delivering technical training to veterinarians and technicians and local communities

Skills

• Livestock Health Management
• Reproductive Technologies
• Artificial Insemination
• Embryo Transfer
• Cryopreservation
• Herd Health Management
• Biosecurity Planning
• Indigenous Breeds Knowledge
• Pastoral Production Systems
• Field-based Reproductive Interventions
• Technical Training Delivery
• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Reproduction
• Genetic Conservation
• Disease Prevention
• Livestock Production

Languages

English