Data Recording Specialist

Organizational Setting

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, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance, offer policy advice and support to countries and provide technical assistance, develop capacities, and deliver core services while observing international standards of accountability.

In cooperation with the Department of Animal Production Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad, Iran, technical support has been provided through the implementation of the Technical Cooperation Programme entitled “Empowering Local Communities to Conserve and Develop Endangered Indigenous Livestock Gene Pool in the Northwest of Iran.”

Direct supervision of the FAO Representative to I.R. Iran; close collaboration with the project team under the project Lead Technical Officer; support from FAO–HQ Technical Officer.

Strengthening pedigree development, performance recording, molecular characterization and data management systems for endangered indigenous livestock breeds, ensuring scientific integrity of parentage verification and genetic conservation.

• Assist in reviewing existing data recording systems for target breeds and identify gaps and improvement areas.
• Develop practical recommendations to strengthen breed registration, animal identification, pedigree recording and performance data collection systems.
• Develop technical guidance on molecular characterization and parentage verification aligned with international best practices.
• Prepare technical specifications and TOR/LOA inputs for contracting laboratories for molecular analysis of blood samples.
• Evaluate laboratory offers and ensure compliance with required standards, methodologies and quality assurance protocols.
• Support development of sampling strategies, sample size determination, and data management procedures for molecular analysis.
• Integrate molecular and performance data into national databases to ensure traceability and long‑term conservation value.
• Assist in pedigree analysis, estimate inbreeding coefficients and identify breeding strategies to maintain genetic diversity.
• Assist in developing technical inputs for advanced reproductive activities (AI/ET) aligning selection criteria with genetic conservation objectives.
• Support identification of procurement needs and prepare technical specifications for equipment related to milk collection/analysis and wool/mohair processing centres.
• Evaluate training and capacity‑building needs related to data recording, genetic evaluation, sample collection and data management.
• Develop and deliver training materials and workshops for technicians, breeding station staff and community‑level recorders.
• Provide technical inputs for preparing contracts/LOAs for workshops, laboratory services and technical events.
• Support the development of a comprehensive plan for conservation of Animal Genetic Resources in Northwest Iran.
• Prepare technical reports summarizing findings, recommendations and progress.
• Perform other related duties as required by the project team.

• Advanced university degree in animal breeding and genetics, molecular genetics, animal biotechnology, animal science, veterinary genetics or a closely related field.
• At least five years of progressively relevant professional experience in livestock genetics data recording and analysis, molecular characterization, parentage verification or animal genetic resources management.
• Working knowledge (level
  
  C) of English.
• National of I.R. Iran or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

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

• Strong knowledge of molecular genetics applications in livestock parentage verification, breed characterization and genetic…