Livestock Reproductionist/Breeder (P-3)

Application Deadline:	8 November 2011
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture is in the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications at the IAEA in Vienna. The Joint Division assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, to alleviate poverty and to promote sustainable agriculture. It does so by coordinating and supporting applied research, providing technical and advisory services, laboratory support and training, and collecting, analysing and disseminating information. The Joint Division consists of five sections, each with an associated laboratory, in the areas of: food and environmental protection; animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; and, soil and water management and crop nutrition. The five associated laboratories are located at the FAO/IAEA agriculture and biotechnology laboratories in Seibersdorf, 45 km southeast of Vienna. The laboratories undertake strategic and applied research within an agreed programme and provide training for scientists from developing Member States and analytical and other laboratory services. The Animal Production and Health Section is responsible for supporting the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme in Food and Agriculture through the provision of expertise and services in the area of animal production and health. In particular, it supports research and technical cooperation (TC) projects in Member States aimed at sustainable intensification of livestock production systems through the application of nuclear and related techniques. The animal production and health subprogramme provides support to countries in their efforts to enhance capabilities to sustainably intensify livestock production systems and to assess, control and manage risks from transboundary animal diseases (TADs) and those of a zoonotic nature, by developing and applying nuclear and related techniques. The animal production and health subprogramme is implemented by a team of six Professional and two General Service staff at IAEA headquarters and two Professional and three General Service staff at the Animal Production and Health Laboratory in Seibersdorf.

Main purpose

Reporting to the Section Head, the Livestock Reproductionist/Breeder provides expertise and services in the optimal utilization of local livestock reproduction and breeding 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 reproduction and breeding. She/he provides scientific expertise and knowledge in animal reproduction and breeding programmes to conceptualize, plan, formulate, implement, manage and evaluate new coordinated research projects (CRPs), to backstop technical cooperation projects (TCPs) with regard to fellowship training and technology transfer, and to support capacity building in Member States.

Role

The Livestock Reproductionist/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 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.

Partnerships

The Livestock Reproductionist/Breeder engages national counterparts in Member States' institutions in the area of programme planning and implementation to ensure the effective transfer and sharing of technical information and she/he develops partnerships with appropriate UN and other international organizations and institutions. She/he also works closely with the appropriate departments, which includes close collaboration on technical cooperation activities with both intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (IGOs and NGOs), to ensure the effective utilization of technical inputs to programme design and implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Serve as animal reproduction and breeding resource person for the Animal Production and Health Subprogramme and Member States. Provide technical and managerial inputs to the animal reproduction and breeding components 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. Contribute to the preparation and review of biennial FAO/IAEA programmes, work plans, budgets, biannual newsletters and periodic updating of the Section's website.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proven expertise in the use of nuclear and related reproduction and breeding technologies for the evaluation, characterization and management of small holder livestock to optimize the quality and quanity thereof. Good knowledge of the use of nuclear and related techniques in animal production research and the ability to formulate and undertake research programmes and projects and to mobilize extrabudgetary research and development funding. This includes the ability to design and implement quality projects and to evaluate research and development projects and the ability to organize and conduct technical meetings. 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 CRPs and TCPs and their life cycles. Communication skills: Demontrated ability to present and communicate project results effectively to diverse audiences. A record of published research papers and reports documenting the ability to formulate projects, analyse technical and scientific information and to write clearly and concisely. Ability to organize and conduct technical meetings. Interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate project needs and results effectively to experts and national counterparts, work effectively as a team member to achieve organizational goals, and work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Computer skills: Proficiency in MS Office 2010, which is the IAEA standard (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), and the ability to use databases and data analysis tools, includign web based resources.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in veterinary medicine, preferably followed by a PhD or equivalent in the field of animal production, with emphasis in livestock genetics, breeding or reproduction. Minimum of five years of postgraduate experience at the national level in a livestock research institute or university in the area of livestock breeding and reproduction, with at least three 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 designing and conducting training. Experience in managing multidisciplinary projects. Language skills: Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $56 018 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $34 283*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance. How to apply to the IAEA Complete an Online Application * Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.