Overview
Provide high-level technical guidance for the development of competitive, conservation-linked livestock value chains for endangered indigenous breeds in Northwest Iran.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct a review and analysis of livestock value chains for indigenous breeds.
- 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.
- Provide technical guidance on product differentiation strategies.
- Advise on traceability systems along value chains.
- Provide high-level recommendations for improving competitiveness, export readiness and compliance with international standards.
- Review technical designs and operational models for milk and mohair processing centers.
- Develop business models and investment frameworks for scaling indigenous breed-based enterprises.
- Identify potential regional or international market partnerships.
- 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.
Required Experience
- At least 5 years of relevant international experience in livestock value chain development and market system strengthening.
- Work experience in more than one country, preferably in dryland, pastoral or biodiversity-sensitive production systems.
- Experience in designing value chain upgrading approaches for indigenous or niche livestock products.
- Experience in product branding, certification, traceability and geographical indication schemes.
- Familiarity with international quality standards, export compliance and premium market positioning.
- Experience working with FAO, UN agencies or international development projects is desirable.
- Demonstrated experience in integrating biodiversity conservation with market incentives.
- Experience mentoring national experts and institutions.
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.
