As a member of a team led by the Section Head, the Livestock Geneticist/Breeder provides expertise and services in the optimal utilization of local livestock genetic resources to ensure maximum productivity and the maintenance of biodiversity. She/he also provides technical and strategic advice and services to FAO and IAEA Member States through design, technical backstopping, and support for the implementation and appraisal of projects aimed at the sustainable enhancement of animal production.
The Livestock Geneticist/Breeder is: (1) a technical officer and research coordinator, ensuring the efficient and effective development, implementation and dissemination of research, training and scientific and technical knowledge, and evaluating and implementing TC projects and coordinated research projects (CRPs) for the IAEA and FAO; (2) a technical expert, planning and conducting technical meetings and project review missions; (3) a facilitator, working with Member States to meet their national and regional agricultural development objectives, and; (4) a liaison with relevant stakeholders on issues related to the transfer of sampling and analytical technologies to Member States.
Functions / Key Results Expected:
Provide technical and managerial inputs to the animal breeding and reproduction component of current CRPs and TC projects in the field of animal production and health.
Contribute to upstream planning work for new TC projects, including the preparation of concept papers, participation in pre-project missions, thematic planning exercises and country programme framework missions as required, to evaluate and reformulate TC project requests and make recommendations for inputs when necessary.
Evaluate proposals for research contracts and agreements as well as requests for renewal, and coordinate with staff of the Animal Production and Health Section on research, training and analytical services in support of CRPs.
Plan, organize and conduct consultants meetings; plan and conduct training courses and regional seminars and participate in national and international expert consultations, symposia and workshops as required. Travel will be involved.
Contribute to the preparation and review of biennial FAO/IAEA programmes, work plans, budgets, biannual newsletters and periodic updating of the Section's website.
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills:
Master's Degree - Advanced university degree or equivalent in veterinary or animal science, with emphasis in livestock genetics, breeding or reproduction. Doctorate degree an advantage.
At least 7 years of post-qualifying experience at the national level in a livestock research institute or university in the area of livestock breeding and reproduction, with at least 5 years of contributions to livestock development, research, teaching and technology transfer programmes of national and international importance.
Experience in planning, implementing and coordinating activities related to the livestock research and development sector.
Experience in managing multidisciplinary projects and participation in international research.
Proven expertise in the use of nuclear and related technologies for the characterization and management of livestock genetic resources, radiation hybrid mapping, development and validation of genomic tools/resources (e.g., DNA microarrays), genome sequencing, trait detection (e.g. QTL, GWAS) and marker assisted selection, bioinformatic analysis, monitoring reproductive efficiency and improving productivity.
Knowledge of and experience in the use of nuclear and related techniques for improving reproductive efficiency and artificial insemination services, radioimmunoassay for hormone estimations and early pregnancy diagnosis, advanced techniques for sperm evaluation and assessment of male fertility.
Knowledge of smallholder farming systems in developing countries.
Working knowledge of international organizations, such as FAO and other UN organizations, and advanced research institutes desirable.
Understanding of coordinated research and TC project life cycles.
Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
