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:
This post is divided equally between the roles of Education Officer and Advisor. The basic function of the role is to:
- Develop and implement, at Regional Education Centre level, a comprehensive adult farmer education and training programme which reflects the education and training goals in Teagasc’s Statement of Strategy and local requirements.
- Work closely with assigned client’s to ensure the sustainable development of their farm business through improved technical and financial efficiency and sustainable resource management.
- To develop, as part of a team, the annual adult farmer education and training programme for the regional education centre in consultation with the manager.
- To deliver appropriate components of the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture for mature learners and to co- ordinate the overall delivery of the programme.
- To deliver appropriate components of the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture for non-agriculture award holders and to co-ordinate the overall delivery of the programme.
- To deliver appropriate components of on-line/distance learning programmes, and to co-ordinate the overall delivery of these programmes.
- To deliver adult short courses as required and to co-ordinate the overall delivery of these courses
- To act as internal verifier and carry out internal quality assurance monitoring for the adult farmer education and training programme in the regional education centre.
- To participate, as appropriate, in the delivery of education and training programmes at colleges.
- To arrange and co-ordinate, as required, the on-farm training period of students and the supervision of training hosts within the regional education centre.
- To enter student details and results as appropriate on the EMS and the AMS, and to prepare files for external verification and submission to QQI.
- To provide reports on the progress of the adult farmer education and training programme as required by management.
- 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 clients’ farm business.
- To assist clients in the participation in EU and National Schemes including the new Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS).
- To develop and deliver an agreed enterprise business plan as part of an area based team.
- To maintain effective liaison with relevant stakeholders and agencies.
- To keep up-to-date on the subject matters appropriate to his/her discipline and to undergo such training as may be required from time to time.
- 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
- Liaison with relevant stakeholders in the industry and education sectors
- Managing health, safety and welfare of students.
- To undertake self-development and updating through active participation in PMDS based role-related training and the development of a personal development planner.
- To work ‘out of hours’ when needed.
- 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 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.
- A Level 8 Degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agricultural Science or equivalent
- Relevant post graduate qualification
- Completion of Module 01 and 02 of CECRA training programme and ideally on pathway to becoming a CECRA certified advisor.
- Strong IT skills.
- Strong communication and experience collaborating with stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Team work and leadership abilities.
- Quality and customer service focus.
- Practical knowledge of agriculture/related areas.
- Applicants must stay abreast of current concepts and use effective teaching methods to impart this knowledge to the students.
- Solid understanding and appreciation of the role of Agriculture in the Irish economy.
- 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.
- Teaching experience.
- Familiarity with Teagasc Cost Control Planner and preparation and interpretation of farm accounts and business plans.
- Familiarity with Teagasc software e.g. NMP Online, Pasture Base etc.
- Good knowledge of Teagasc education system.
- Understanding of QQI quality assurance procedures.
- Excellent analysis, problem solving & decision support abilities
- Work and project organisation shows pro-activity and drive
- Shows excellent communication skills and ability to transfer knowledge
- Adopts an open-minded and flexible approach to work
- Understands and appreciates the importance of continuous professional development
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos.
- 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.
Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.