Organizational Setting
The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture (SRCA) as the Competent Authority for protection of genetic resources in Georgia aims to develop a sustainable gene bank solution dedicated to preserving and managing genetic resources in the livestock sector. The SRCA manages breeding of local genetic resources, as well as certification of pure breed animals from imported breeds. The local breeding organizations despite their willingness do not have a breeding programme and are not involved in breeding of imported procurement and the latest draft legislation aims to support the SRCA in decentralizing its breeding programmes.ย
Reporting Lines
The International Livestock Breeding Specialist shall operate under the overall guidance and responsibility of the FAO Representative for Georgia, the technical guidance of the Senior Animal Production and Health Officer (REU) and the direct supervision of the Technical Advisor and in close collaboration with the competent authority.
Technical Focus
Provide technical expertise for the appropriate planning, development and implementation of the FAO project and timely delivery of the project outputs.
Tasks and responsibilities
The assignment of the International Livestock Breeding Specialist shall include the following tasks and responsibilities:ย
โข ย ย Conduct an analysis of the Georgian livestock sector with a focus on most dominant imported cattle dairy breeds and perform a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for the most dominant imported dairy cattle breeds, on basis of the established economic priorities and opportunities within the existing cattle populations.
โข ย ย Review research, initiatives, donor projects, SRCA activities, and private stakeholdersโ (breeders/farmerโs needs, preferences) assess the capacities, resources, and expertise of these stakeholders in support to a breeding programme and identify gaps and areas requiring development in infrastructure, human resources, and research capabilities for ensuring sustainability and continuous development.
โข ย ย Hold consultations with stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, private sector representatives, and farmers and define the strategic objectives for the breeding programme, ensuring alignment with national development goals taking in consideration farmer preferences, feed base, environment, conditions, market for products, etc.
โข ย ย To design a Straight (closed/pure) breeding programme that enhances the productivity and adaptability imported dairy cattle breeds, that produces not only progeny for further finishing, but also replacement females for the herd.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย ย
โข ย ย University degree in Genetics or Genomics, Animal Science or Veterinary Medicine
โข ย ย At least five (5) years of relevant work experience in designing and implementing breeding programs for livestock species
โข ย ย Full proficiency in English language
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Experience in designing and implementing Breeding programmes.ย
โข ย ย Experience in support to activities of Breeder Associations.
โข ย ย Excellent communication, writing and reporting skills.
Selection Criteria
โข ย ย Extent and diversity of experience related to the above requirements.