Network Manager (PEACEPLUS CliBeef Project) Agricultural Research (Ruminant Livestock) Completed forms should be submitted by noon on January 5th 2025. Interviews will be held on week commencing 12th of January in the greater Belfast area. The Company The Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council (T/A AgriSearch), is a charitable organisation whose mission is to drive innovation and sustainability in ruminant livestock farming, as a trusted, valued conduit of knowledge and innovation based on sound science and widely applied research. The CliBeef Project The CliBeef project is a European Funded project under PEACEPLUS that focuses on promoting peace and reconciliation across/between NI/ROI communities. PEACEPLUS is an EU funded programme managed by the Special EU programmes Body (SEUPB). The project will strive to identify novel crops and solutions that can be adopted on beef farms within Northern Ireland and the 6 Border Counties of the Republic of Ireland that will help to reduce the Greenhouse Gas emissions from beef production. This project led by AFBI and involving Teagasc, Queens University and AgriSearch will last for over three years. CliBeef will trial and demonstrate carbon reduction technologies and innovations at research centres (AFBI and Teagasc) while demonstrate proven mitigations on farm. AgriSearch will be responsible for a network of 12 farmers across the 6 counties of Northern Ireland and the 6 border counties of the Republic of Ireland (Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal). Purpose of Role: Overall management and responsibility of AgriSearchs contribution to the CliBeef Project To run and have responsibility for the CliBeef Farmer Network and be responsible for the CliBeef Farm Liaison Offficer Support the communication team on sharing the findings to the farming and wider community Overviewing project design to ensure intended aims are achievable and delivered in full and on time. To disseminate research findings using effective methods e.g. by speaking personally at events, through electronic and print media and in collaboration with other partners. Reporting to the Operations Manager the Project Manager will have responsibility for: Coordinating activities, resources, equipment and information Monitoring and tracking the CliBeef project progress and handling any issues that arise Acting as the point of contact and communicating project status adequately to all participants Using project management tools to monitor working hours, budget, plans and money spend Reporting and escalating to management as needed Creating and maintaining comprehensive project documentation, plans and reports Helping arrange dissemination / knowledge exchange activities including events, website, social media, press articles, etc. This may include personal participation as relevant Essential Criteria: Tertiary level qualification in agriculture, project management, or related discipline At least 3 years experience in managing projects and staff resources Experience leading and developing staff to meet operational and performance targets Excellent written and verbal communication skills including social media Good interpersonal and persuasive skills Background in farming and / or experience of engaging with farmers Good understanding of Northern Irelands beef sector Solid organisational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office As travel throughout Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland is essential the successful candidate must have a full valid driving licence and access to a form of transport that will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full. Desirable Criteria: Experience of working on complex projects with multiple stakeholders Knowledge of the Northern Ireland and Republic of Irelands beef sectors Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week Based at: Hillsborough Salary: £38,000 to £42,000 Benefits: Hybrid Working, Healthcare Insurance Contact Term: 3 Year Fixed Term Contract (Immediate start available)