Background:

Teagasc has outlined its ambitions for Operational Excellence and Digital Transformation in its Statement of Strategy 2025-2028. Both are recognised as pivotal to achieving the organisation’s strategic Themes and Enablers.

The Operational Excellence Programme will identify initiatives to enhance programme delivery and operational efficiency. In many cases, the Digital Transformation Strategy will provide the enabling solutions. By leveraging Microsoft 365, cloud-based technologies, and AI tools, Teagasc business units will be empowered to transform innovative ideas into practical, high-impact outcomes.

The Digital Innovation Specialist will play a key role in this journey. They will be both culturally and technically committed to promoting and supporting the organisation’s adoption of new digital technologies, including Microsoft 365, Digital and Data platforms, AI tools, and other technologies. The role will focus on helping individual business units use digital and data-driven solutions effectively, while sharing learnings and examples of successful adoption across the organisation. The Specialist will also ensure that appropriate technology governance and guardrails are in place.

In addition, the Digital Innovation Specialist will contribute directly to the Digital Transformation Strategy and the Teagasc Statement of Strategy 2025-2028 by developing, prototyping, and embedding innovative digital solutions that maximise the value of Teagasc’s data. This will include work in advanced analytics, AI integration, workflow automation, and immersive digital technologies, delivering meaningful impact across Teagasc’s advisory, education, research, and operations functions.

Basic Function:

Partner with the Business Units to lead the design, development and deployment of innovative digital solutions to support Teagasc’s Statement of Strategy. This includes advanced Power BI Dashboards, AI Models and AI-driven assistants, Data Modelling, User Experience, automation tools and other emerging technologies that improve decision making, efficiency and staff experience.

Location and Hybrid Working:

Teagasc Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow. Other locations may be considered at the discretion of Teagasc management. Applications under the Home Working and/or Remote Working policies of the Flexible Working Programme may be considered, subject to meeting business requirements.

Diversity & Inclusion:

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation. We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'. We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Design, develop and maintain advanced business intelligence dashboards for senior management and other stakeholders using Power BI, including data modelling, DAX and UX-focused design.
• Lead the development of AI applications and assistants using Python, Docker and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) or large language model frameworks tailored to Teagasc projects.
• Prototype and pilot innovative digital technologies such as workflow automation, immersive visualisation (AR/VR, digital twins), and computer vision, in collaboration with Teagasc directorates to solve challenges and create new opportunities.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and automation workflows using ETL processes, SQL, APIs and tools such as Microsoft Fabric to improve reporting and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify digital innovation needs, define key metrics and align solutions with strategic organisational objectives.
• Contribute to the evaluation and selection of tools and platforms for data management, analytics and innovation across Teagasc.
• Support the ICT Research & Innovation Manager and the Data Value team in delivering the Digital Transformation Strategy and the Business Delivery team in delivering the Operational Excellence Programme.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including 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 responsibilities and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post-holder.

Person Specification:

Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.