Dairygold Joint Programme Dairy Advisor

Job Summary

Duration:

Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 26 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.

Basic Function:

To actively lead and deliver on the agreed programme objective and activities of the Dairygold Co-Op / Teagasc joint advisory programme, with the objective of increasing the economic, environmental and social sustainability of Dairygold Co-Op milk suppliers

Background:

A key objective for Teagasc is to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of all dairy farms, by increasing uptake of specific management practices at individual farm level. Central to this objective has been the collaborative work undertaken with milk processors over a number of years. The Dairygold Co-Op/Teagasc joint advisory programme has proven to be an essential means of achieving dissemination to milk suppliers in this regard. The offered position will play a very significant role within the joint programme, and will seek to enhance engagement with the wider milk supplier base. The role will support development of a network for delivery of farm sustainability activities to all Dairygold Co-Op milk suppliers.

Job Objectives

• Co-ordinate activities within the Dairygold Teagasc joint dairy programme including scheduling and delivery of events, building innovative technical content, and effective communications with suppliers and stakeholders.

• Develop a technical dissemination and support network for Dairygold milk suppliers not currently engaged as discussion group members, entailing:
  • Analysis of current technical support needs of milk suppliers,

  • Alignment of joint project objectives with technical support demands

  • Building a technical contact network for Dairygold milk suppliers on a local/regional basis

  • Delivery of public events, invited workshops and smaller-scale contact groups through the support network

• Promote the adoption of key (MACC) technologies for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions on Dairygold Co-Op farms, via events, workshops, and publication of relevant digital content.

• Contribute timely technical content to the Dairygold Co-Op supplier newsletter.

• Actively participate in the annual business planning process for the joint programme.

• Participate in planning and implementation meetings of programme operations team.

• Deliver progress updates and programme planning options to steering committee; implement recommendations of steering committee.

• Build strong collaborative relationships with programme partners and stakeholders.

• Work closely with research and advisory colleagues to ensure effective integration and consistency of technical content.

• Participate in technical upskilling and in-service training for dairy advisors.

• Contribute to Teagasc dairy events, webinars and podcasts to promote the joint programme .

• Carry out such other duties as may be agreed by the Joint Programme management team from time to time.

• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.

• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan

• To maintain responsibility for own development and updating through active participation in PMDS

• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

 * This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

Skills Required

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a relevant Level 8 Degree in Agricultural Science or equivalent.

• Relevant post graduate qualification

Knowledge/Skills

• Applicants must show expert agriculture knowledge and demonstrate how they stay abreast of current best practices and research. 

• Applicants must be able to identify and shape the best practical applications of this knowledge in order to enhance the capabilities of farms & other enterprises.

• Applicants must act as an effective conduit to the latest thinking and methods that may give farmers a competitive edge or sustain their viability.

• Ability to work within a team environment

• Recognised networking/ relationship building skills

• Computer literate, with proficiency in the use of MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) adaptable to various audiences and media types

• Knowledge of the Irish and international dairy industries.

• Knowledge of grazing management decisions and grassland infrastructure.

• Financial analysis and farm business planning.

• Experience in setting up and facilitating discussion groups.

• Established record of promoting grass budgeting.

• Financial analysis and farm business planning

• Experience in setting up and facilitating discussion groups.

• Established record of promoting grass budgeting

• Facilitation skills

• Social media skills

• Use of analytical software packages

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent analysis, problem solving skills and decision support abilities

• Excellent communicator and experience collaborating with stakeholders.

• Work and project organisation which shows pro-activity and drive

• Quality customer service focus

• Team work & leadership abilities.

Other

• Advisors will be required to have their own transport in order to efficiently carry out the duties of the role. 

• Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

Eligibility

• This is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful in their application through open public competition for this post, their current contract of employment with Teagasc will come to an end on taking up this post.

 Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.

Attachment:

ADO_G_5a3a01b8-c4ca-469d-8e50-8f968f110b09.pdf