Farm Liaison Officer (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: We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual to join our team as a Farm Liaison Officer, contributing energy and enthusiasm to our on-farm research programme. The successful candidate will have an agricultural background and a strong understanding of farming practices. This is a predominantly field-based role involving regular travel to farms, with dedicated office time for organising farm visits, conducting data validation, and carrying out analysis. Reporting to the Network Manager the Farm Liaison Officer will have responsibility for: Assisting the Network Manager in the overall management of AgriSearchs contribution to the CliBeef Project Support farmers in the CliBeef Farmer Network Assisting farmers to implement the relevant protocols / mitigation methods Visiting farms to collect and collate data Validating and cross-checking data and uploading information onto the secure project database; Undertaking preliminary analysis of data Providing data feedback and information to farmer Participating in regular project meetings Reporting and escalating to management as needed 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 or related discipline At least one years recent relevant experience within the ruminant livestock sector, with a good working knowledge of animal husbandry. An Interest in application of technology in farming systems Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an inquisitive nature, including Ability to handle conflict Ability to work on own initiative Ability to maintain farmer confidentiality Effective organisational skills including attention to detail and ability to multitask 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 agricultural research Knowledge of the Northern Ireland and Republic of Irelands beef sectors Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week Based at: Hillsborough Salary: £30,000 Benefits: Hybrid Working, Healthcare Insurance Contact Term: 3 Year Fixed Term Contract (Immediate start available)