Sheep and Beef Veterinary Programme Support

The Organisation

Animal Health Ireland (AHI) is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership involving farmers, vets, processors, service providers and Government. Its mission is to improve the profitability and sustainability of Irish farming by controlling non-regulated diseases of livestock. Follwing a strategic expansion of its beef and sheep offering, AHI is now strengthening its technical team to support the delivery of programmes across these sectors.

The Position

The successful candidate will join AHI’s team of technical specialists, with a focus on beef and sheep-related activities. In particular, they will assist in the delivery of an exciting new sheep health programme, aimed at improving the overall health and welfare of the national flock in a staged manner. Reporting to a senior AHI Programme Manager, the role will require working within a busy organisation and collaborating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders across the sheep and beef industries, the veterinary sector, farm businesses, research institutions and government agencies.

Role Description

Reporting to a senior AHI Programme Manager, the successful candidate will:

• Form a key part of AHI’s sheep and beef division.
• Manage the day-to=day operations of a new sheep health programme.
• Manage the delivery of programme activities, ensuring clear timelines, measurable outcomes and high-quality standards.
• Manage the development of an online dashboard for this new Programme.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with the sheep industry, including farmers, their representatives, veterinary practitioners, farm advisors, researchers and relevant state agencies.
• Lead on the training of advisors to deliver on-farm activities to farmers.
• Communicate programme progress, findings and recommendations clearly to key stakeholders, including the farming community, through a range of communication channels.
• Champion the work of AHI to livestock farmers, relevant service providers and the agri-food sector generally.
• Contribute to the development of other AHI programmes and to the corporate development of the organisation, as required.

Essential Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

• A primary degree in veterinary science.
• A strong understanding of the sheep and beef sectors in Ireland.
• Strong organisational skills, with a demonstrable ability to effectively plan, structure and prioritise work, to meet deadlines and manage time effectively.
• Experience in knowledge exchange, with a strong ability to communicate clearly and appropriately, in both written and verbal English, with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, veterinary practitioners, industry representatives, scientists and policy makers.
• A demonstrable ability to work co-operatively and effectively as part of a team.

Desirable Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

• Understanding of the epidemiology, costs and benefits of controlling sheep and cattle disease in Irish farming systems.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multi-stakeholder programmes or projects.
• Experience of project management, preferably in the context of delivering a large-scale animal health programme.
• Aptitude and experience in the development and delivery of educational resources and training.
• An understanding of the interaction between various interest groups and stakeholders in the Irish agri-food sector and a demonstrable ability to work effectively with such groups.

Job Location

The role is a full-time position based in Animal Health Ireland’s office in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, with flexibility for national travel and some remote work possible. You will need to have your own transport and be able to drive legally within Ireland as part of this role.

Contract Duration

The contract will be for a fixed term of 12 months.

Salary

€50,000 - €55,000, depending on experience.

Selection Process

Candidates are required to submit a cover letter and a curriculum vitae to the Chief Executive Officer, Animal Health Ireland. Applications must be submitted by 22^nd August. Further information about Animal Health Ireland and its programmes can be found at www.animalhealthireland.ie. Animal Health Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.