Job Description
Duration:
Permanent . 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: The development of assigned clients’ farm business, through improved technical and financial efficiency and sustainable resource management.
Background: The Teagasc national advisory service consists of a network of 52 offices across 13 Advisory Regions that deliver a professional service to over 42,000 farming clients. The service provided ranges from knowledge transfer, education, sustainability to enabling clients to optimise their utilisation of EU and national agriculture programmes, schemes and governing legislation.
*Please note: proposed interview date for this role is week of 11th August 2025*
Job Objectives
- To provide input and deliver on assigned objectives of the agreed enterprise business plan as part of an area based team.
- To use a range of effective advisory methodologies including discussion group facilitation as part of an enterprise team to achieve technology transfer and sustainable client development.
- To maintain a high profile for the Teagasc advisory service through activities, local regional and national events, publications and public relations.
- To assist clients in the analysis & planning of their farm business in systems of production varying from organic to intensive.
- To assist clients in the change processes necessary arising from a changing agriculture.
- To co-ordinate referrals from the Options Programme for clients.
- To facilitate clients in the analysis and planning of succession and inheritance.
- To assist clients in the facilitation and participation in EU and National Schemes including the Basic Payment Scheme.
- To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
- To assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices.
- To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
- Take responsibility for the marketing of services and contract with clients consistent with the achievement of the area income targets.
- Take responsibility for the marketing of training programmes.
- Take responsibility for own professional development.
- Liaison with relevant stakeholders in the industry and education sectors.
- 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 carry out other such duties and assignments delegated by the Head of Department.
* 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 Requirement
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
- Applicants must hold a Level 8 degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Agricultural Science or related discipline.
- It is essential that the applicants Agricultural Science degree qualification is eligible for FAS registration.
- Relevant post graduate qualification
- Completion of Module 01 and 02 of CECRA training programme and ideally on pathway to becoming a CECRA certified advisor.
Knowledge/Skills
- Applicants must show expert agriculture knowledge and demonstrate how they stay abreast of current best practices and research.
- He/she must be able to identify and shape the best practical applications of this knowledge in order to enhance the capabilities of farms & other enterprises.
- He/she must act as an effective conduit to the latest thinking and methods that may give farmers a competitive edge or sustain their viability
- Financial analysis and farm business planning
- Experience in setting up and facilitating discussion groups
- Established record of promoting grass budgeting
Behavioural Competencies
- Excellent analysis, problem solving skills and decision support abilities
- Excellent communicator and experience collaborating with stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer.
- Work and project organisation which shows pro-activity and drive
- Quality customer service focus.
- Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, training, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos
- Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
- Flexible approach to work with an ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
- A results-driven individual with a strong focus on goal-setting, performance delivery and accountability.
- Ability to work independently, and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach to work with an ability to adapt to changing requirements and shifting work priorities.
- Ability to set clear standards and have a quality customer service focus.
Other
- Advisors will be required to have their own transport in order to efficiently carry out the duties of the role. Travel and subsistence expenses will be payable at approved public service rates.
- Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
