International expert to update the national livestock genetic improvement strategy and implementation plan at Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): (Deadline 15 September 2021)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (“FAO” or “Organization”) is an intergovernmental organization with more than 194 member nations. Since its inception, FAO has worked to alleviate poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition and the pursuit of food security – defined as the access of all people at all times to the food they need for an active and healthy life. To achieve its goals, FAO cooperates with thousands of partners worldwide, from farmers’ groups to traders, from non-governmental organizations to other UN agencies, from development banks to agribusiness firms (further and more detailed information on FAO can be found on the internet site: http://www.fao.org).
The main aim of FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve security and reduce hunger and malnutrition to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forest sectors, and use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner

Reporting Lines

The international consultant will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Rwanda (who is the project budget holder) and direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR/Programme in close collaboration of the National Project Manager and the FAO project Lead Technical Officer (LTO); who would support the project implementation from the FAO Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE).

Tasks and Responsibilities

1.    A stakeholder consultation process:
•    In collaboration with national consultant to support a stakeholder consultation to have key information and contacts to ensure that the developed national livestock genetic improvement strategy and implementation plan fits the needs, capabilities and expectations of the stakeholders and value chain actors.

2.    Conduct a literature review by assembling available information on:
•    Analyse available information on past and on-going animal genetic improvement programs to identify lessons learned;
•     Provide a detailed description and analysis of the various dairy breeds present in the country including indigenous breeds;
•    Analyse key initiatives conducted in the region on cattle genetic improvement as benchmark of best practices

3.    Map and conduct an inventory of cattle AnGR in Rwanda:
•    Guide the National consultant (who will conduct the field work assessment on production systems) to develop questionnaire, methodology, data analysis and implementation in selected areas for field work assessment survey to establish an inventory of existing bovine genetic resources.
•    Develop questionnaire for a systematic inventory for animal genetic resources in Rwanda
4.    Develop strategic orientation towards improvement of livestock investment in Rwanda
5.    Develop an effective breeding guideline/manual taking into considerations the production systems and agro ecological zones
•    Propose an orientation on collection and use of genomic information for  breeds and breeds composition
•    Develop dairy cattle breeding programmes and implementation plan
•    Develop a plan for conservation and use of local cattle genetic resources
•    Assess the expected benefits and sustainability of the proposed animal breeding programme based on bovine genetic makeup.
6.    Review and update existing breeding strategies including molecular information and conservation of local breed
7.    A stakeholder endorsement process:
•    Present the findings in the validation workshop to the stakeholders to ensure that the plan developed fits the needs, capabilities and expectations of the value chain actors (producers, processors, etc.,)

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

 Minimum Requirements

•    At least University degree in animal breeding, veterinary medicine, Animal production and animal sciences.
•    Minimum 10 years of relevant experience or a PhD holder in animal breeding, veterinary medicine, Animal production and animal sciences with minimum 5 years of relevant experience in animal breeding, veterinary medicine, Animal production and animal sciences
•    Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English (PSA.SBS).
FAO Corporate Competencies

•    Results focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building effective relationships
•    Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional skills

•    Strong analytical skills, knowledge of governance in  veterinary sciences, animal breeding and policy development
•    Having previous  related engagement  in  development of livestock genetic improvement strategies and implementation plan
•    Having experience in research on implementation of  genetic improvement policies
•    Work experience with international organizations is mandatory
•    Demonstrate ability to perform the assignment and record of completion of related work is mandatory
•    Show familiarity with current guidelines, policies, and regulations on the national livestock genetic improvement strategy and implementation of Breeding Program for cattle.
•    Demonstrated experience and capacity in framework of the National Livestock Breeding Strategy and is intended to improve the genetic potential of dairy animals in smallholders’ dairy farms based on agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions
•    Demonstrated experience in breeding scheme and cattle production systems in management of indigenous cattle genetic resources.
•    Sound expertise in conducting situational analyses engaging public institutions and other development stakeholders.
•    Capable to work independently and perform under tight deadlines.
•    Good inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, ability to engage effectively with policy and decision makers;

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