Data Recording Specialist

Technical Focus

• Assist in reviewing and assessing existing data recording systems (pedigree, performance, reproductive and health data) for target breeds (Bactrian camel, Sarabi cattle, Mahabadi goat, Markhoz goat) and support in identifying gaps, inconsistencies and priority improvement areas.
• Support the development of practical recommendations to strengthen breed registration, animal identification, pedigree recording and performance data collection systems.
• Support the development of technical guidance on molecular characterization and parentage verification strategies aligned with international best practices for animal genetic resources conservation.
• Aid in preparing technical specifications and TOR/LOA inputs for contracting laboratories to conduct molecular analysis of blood samples for parentage testing and genetic characterization.
• Evaluate laboratory offers, ensuring compliance with required standards, methodologies and quality assurance protocols.
• Develop sampling strategies, sample size determination, and data management procedures for molecular analysis.
• Support integration of molecular and performance data into national databases (e.g. breeding center systems) to ensure traceability and long-term conservation value.
• Aid in pedigree analysis, including estimation of inbreeding coefficients and identification of breeding strategies to maintain genetic diversity.
• Support the development of technical inputs for advanced reproductive activities (AI/ET planning) by aligning selection criteria with genetic conservation objectives.
• Support identifying procurement needs and prepare technical specifications for equipment related to milk collection/analysis and wool/mohair processing centers.
• Support in evaluating training and capacity-building needs related to data recording, genetic evaluation, sample collection and data management.
• Aid in developing and delivering training materials and workshops for technicians, breeding station staff and community-level recorders.
• Provide technical inputs for preparing contracts/LOAs related to workshops, laboratory services and technical events.
• Support the development of the comprehensive plan for conservation of Animal Genetic Resources in Northwest Iran, particularly regarding genetic characterization, data systems and sustainable breeding frameworks.
• Support preparation of technical reports summarizing findings, recommendations and progress achieved under assigned activities.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative to the I. R. Iran and in close coordination with other FAO technical specialists, the incumbent will:
• Assist in reviewing and assessing existing data recording systems (pedigree, performance, reproductive and health data) for target breeds (Bactrian camel, Sarabi cattle, Mahabadi goat, Markhoz goat) and support in identifying gaps, inconsistencies and priority improvement areas.
• Support the development of practical recommendations to strengthen breed registration, animal identification, pedigree recording and performance data collection systems.
• Support the development of technical guidance on molecular characterization and parentage verification strategies aligned with international best practices for animal genetic resources conservation.
• Aid in preparing technical specifications and TOR/LOA inputs for contracting laboratories to conduct molecular analysis of blood samples for parentage testing and genetic characterization.
• Evaluate laboratory offers, ensuring compliance with required standards, methodologies and quality assurance protocols.
• Develop sampling strategies, sample size determination, and data management procedures for molecular analysis.
• Support integration of molecular and performance data into national databases (e.g. breeding center systems) to ensure traceability and long-term conservation value.
• Aid in pedigree analysis, including estimation of inbreeding coefficients and identification of breeding strategies to maintain genetic diversity.
• Support the development of technical inputs for advanced reproductive activities (AI/ET planning) by aligning selection criteria with genetic conservation objectives.
• Support identifying procurement needs and prepare technical specifications for equipment related to milk collection/analysis and wool/mohair processing centers.
• Support in evaluating training and capacity-building needs related to data recording, genetic evaluation, sample collection and data management.
• Aid in developing and delivering training materials and workshops for technicians, breeding station staff and community-level recorders.
• Provide technical inputs for preparing contracts/LOAs related to workshops, laboratory services and technical events.
• Support the development of the comprehensive plan for conservation of Animal Genetic Resources in Northwest Iran, particularly regarding genetic characterization, data systems and sustainable breeding frameworks.
• Support preparation of technical reports summarizing findings, recommendations and progress achieved under assigned activities.