[Hiring] Rangeland Management Specialist @Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Role Description

The Rangeland Management Specialist will 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.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in rangeland ecology, environmental sciences, rangeland management, forestry, botany (dendrology), soil science, natural resource management, watershed management or a related field.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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 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.

Benefits

• Home-based position.
• Follow the UN workweek (from Sunday to Thursday) and holiday schedule.

Company Description

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.

• FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all.
• Works in over 130 countries worldwide with 195 Members.
• Offers policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO.
• Ensures effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.