Basic Function:

Teagasc is a project partner with FORADVISE, an innovative Horizon Europe-funded project which is developing a European-wide network of forest advisory organisations, actors, and networks. This will support valuable sharing of existing forestry-related project and research outputs, cutting-edge forestry knowledge, good advisory practices, forestry advisory tools and resources as identified and implemented across European partners.  FORADVISE will also combine collaborative national and international action and implement pilot initiatives on forestry knowledge transfer within participating countries to further enhance advisory practices via shared learning. FORADVISE will speed up knowledge flows, increase the competencies of forest advisors beyond traditional areas of advice, and develop pathways towards a future Forest Knowledge and Innovation System (FOKIS) in Europe. The ultimate goal is to transition to a self-sustaining pan-European network that is beneficial to all network members.

This is an exciting opportunity to be a central actor in the development of a comprehensive both a national and pan-European forestry network. The Forestry Extension Officer will work closely with international FORADVISE partners and implement project tasks of engaging with identified National Forest Contact Points in each country/region across Europe and supporting them in developing a relevant network in their country/regions as a key platform to enhance good practices and learnings for all. The Forestry Extension Officer will also be central to implementing and evaluating the transfer of novel advisory practices through peer-to-peer pilot actions.

This contract position offers the opportunity for high-level impact, providing excellent upskilling and self-development potential in this exciting area.

Background:

Forest advisory and forest extension services play a crucial role in the building capacity to facilitate maintenance of healthy and resilient forests systems. There is an identified  significant need to increase access to knowledge, technology, and resources, engage forest owners, overcome current challenges with innovative solutions, and find ways to engage society and build consensus for sustainable, resilient, productive, multifunctional and biodiverse forests.

The appointee will be central to FORADVISE tasks of supporting the establishment and progression of a wide advisory network on forestry, as a key measure to improve the sustainability and multi-functionality of European forests. This offers great potential to modernise the forest sector, and contribute to EU, national and regional policy objectives. This network will serve as a platform for stakeholders to share collective knowledge and expertise, exchange ideas, identify needs, and co-develop and implement innovative solutions, proving the basis for the development and modernisation of the FOKIS. The appointee will also collaborate and develop linkages with and be strongly supported by Teagasc Forestry departmental and local staff in the delivery of this programme.

Teagasc wish to establish a panel from which similar vacancies may be filled.  The panel will remain in place for 1 year.

• Support the work of the Horizon Europe FORADVISE project in animating a European-wide forestry network
• Engage and support identified National Contact Points in each country/region in activating forestry networks and engage with forestry advisory providers and other FOKIS actors in forestry-based thematic working groups
• Support National Contact Points in engaging their networks in FORADVISE project activities, and dissemination of FORADVISE activities and outcomes at national or regional level.
• Organise and coordinate a national advisory initiatives in Ireland, engaging relevant forest advisors and technical experts in assessing advisory needs and supporting innovative knowledge sharing processes
• Assist in identifying and disseminating good forest practices, digital advisory tools and learning materials across project networks and members.
• Assist in development and testing of forestry training modules, materials and/or pilot initiatives to transfer novel advisory practices within advisory/other relevant organisations.
• Support the development and delivery of initiatives within an agreed business plan in alignment with Teagasc objectives in terms of enhancing forestry research, advisory and knowledge transfer.
• Maintain a high and professional profile for the Teagasc forestry advisory service through actively contributing to local activities, regional and national events, publications and public relations.
• Use a range of effective advisory methodologies as part of a forestry team to achieve high quality technology transfer and sustainable forest owner support and development.
• Assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan through adherence to best practice protocols.
• Liaise 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.
• Undertake any 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.

 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.