[Hiring] Livestock Value Chain Specialist @Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Role Description

The International Livestock Value Chain Specialist will provide high-level technical guidance for the development of competitive, conservation-linked livestock value chains for endangered indigenous breeds in Northwest Iran. This role involves drawing on international best practices and global market experience to enhance sustainability, branding, traceability, and long-term economic viability.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a specialized agency of the UN focused on defeating hunger.
• Engagement in international efforts to achieve food security and sustainable agriculture.
• Collaboration with national experts and institutions to enhance local capacities.