International specialist to develop and test Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for bovine semen collection, processing and quality control

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations, and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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/PSA will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to 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. Develop a technical manual on semen bulls management

The guidebook should describe at least the following aspects:
Feeding of bulls, - diseases vaccination calendar,- regular health and physical examinations,
Training of young bulls to mounting and semen production, - bull libido management,
Bulls exercises and work out schedules, - bulls recruitments (age, reproductive soundness, breed standards, etc.),
Bull preserving or culling (age, physical or physiological conditions, semen quantity, etc.),
Biosecurity measures for the bull center and other reassures and practices.

2. Semen collection guidelines

The guidelines should articulate at least the following features:
Hygiene & cleanness (equipment and consumables) for workers,- bulls, equipment and facilities before and after semen collection,
Work flow design and size of the area in the semen collection room (location of teaser bull or dummy cow, protection measures...),
Equipment and their preparation area, artificial vagina (types vs breeds, preparation, temperature, etc.),
Bull preparation for mounting to ensure optimum libido and maximum semen production,
Semen collection schedules,
Biosecurity measures,
Does and don’ts measures and best practices in semen collection.

3. Develop a technical document on semen analysis, processing and quality control
• The document should outline at least the following items:
• The Laboratory rooms and work flow,- access to semen collection room,
• Protocol for semen analysis, - processing and freezing,
• Equipment and consumables and best practices in their handling and basic maintenance, Hygiene, cleanness and precautions in the semen analysis &processing lab (workers, equipment and facilities)
• Semen evaluation (with photometry, Microscopic, and computer),
• Semen dilution, extenders, Semen straw labelling and colors vs bulls (when required),
• Semen parameter values and international standards,- Semen identification and recording;
• Semen packaging (including temperatures, waiting time, etc.), - Semen freezing (steps, temperatures, etc.),
• Semen post-freezing analysis (Microscopic, and computer, time after freezing, parameter values recommended, etc.);
• Semen storage, - Good management of semen bank/stock; - Semen distribution,
• Semen quality control along value chain; - Semen handling along value chain,- Semen production biosecurity measures;
• Best practices along semen production, processing and quality control value chain

4. Organize and conduct professional trainings for RAB staff while testing the SOPs

The training will cover mainly, but not limited to the following aspects:
• Bull Management (bull handling, feeding, training of young bulls, routine health checks, bull libido management,etc.);
• Bull reproductive physiology and semen collection schedules;
• Bull breed standards and body condition score; - Semen collection procedures; - Semen evaluation by photometry;
• Microscopic evaluation of semen; - Computer assisted semen analysis;
• Semen identification and recording and use of IT,- Semen packaging and freezing;
• Good management of semen bank/stock; - Semen quality control along value chain;
• Semen post-freezing analysis (Microscopic, and computer);
• Semen production biosecurity measures; - Laboratory biosecurity measures;
• International standards/ required standards for quality semen; - Semen collection by electro-ejaculator;
• General guidelines and biosecurity measures for public access to bull center;
• Best practices along semen production, - processing and quality control value chain

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

 At least Bachelor's degree in in veterinary medicine, Animal production and animal sciences or in related fields with 10 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree holder in veterinary medicine, Animal production and animal sciences or in related fields with 7 years of relevant experience in veterinary medicine, Animal production and animal sciences or in related fields;
 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).
 At least 5 years of relevant experience in working in bovine semen production and processing center / laboratory and using different machines and methods in semen analysis, processing, labelling, packaging and freezing;

FAO Corporate Competencies

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

Technical/Functional skills

 Having experience in research on implementation of genetic improvement policies
 Previous engagement and experience in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for bovine semen collection and processing
 Having working experience with international organizations is mandatory
 Good knowledge of English with analytic skills is advantage
 Demonstrate ability to perform the assignment and record of completion of related work is mandatory
 Show familiarity with current guidelines, policies, and regulations on nutrition sensitive agriculture
 Demonstrated experience and capacity in curricula development and writing.
 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;

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency