IRD Duhallow

wishes to recruit a

Social Farming Coordinator

Duhallow Social Farming was established in 2021. It is a voluntary, locally led, community-based initiative supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Social farming provides opportunities for people with additional needs to experience day-to-day life on a working farm. It is a person-centred approach which aims to match participants with suitable host farms based on their personal interests, goals and desires. Social farming focuses on an individuals abilities and possibilities rather than limitations. It supports people with additional needs and enables them to become more involved in their communities, develop valuable skills and extend their social circle.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruitment of project participants and host farmers through promotion and public awareness campaigns;
• Supporting the communication links between host farmers, participants and their guardians, service providers and IRD Duhallow;
• Establishing realistic, measurable targets that are properly tracked and evaluated;
• Assisting farmers in accessing additional supports and funding where necessary;
• Working in a professional manner to ensure the welfare and safety of the participants and hosts;
• Implementing the initiative in line with Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse – National Policy and Procedures;
• Developing and maintaining working relationships with farmers, health /social service providers;
• Overseeing and maintaining IRD Duhallow’s community gardens and polytunnels on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute monitoring and managing the harvesting of plants etc.
• Maintain sustainable environmental, health and safety practices when performing duties;
• Implementing planting plans from seed to harvest each season using sustainable methods;
• Managing both the Social Farming and Community Garden Budgets effectively and levering additional funds where appropriate;
• Working in an integrated manner with other team members within IRD Duhallow;
• Carrying out risk assessments and manage risks and report to Team Leader
• Maintaining accurate records of work and report to Management, Working Group and Board

The candidate should possess:

• Third Level Qualification QQI Level 8 or higher or Professional Qualification;
• A background or qualification in Agriculture and Farm Related Activities, Horticulture
• Experience in Rural Development/ Health and Social Care and the issues pertaining to both the service users – project participants and farming families;
• The interpersonal and communication skills necessary to establish trusting relationships with all stakeholder groups and encourage engagement with the service;
• Familiarity with polytunnel management including plant care, temperature contril and pest management
• Good organizational skills both for own work and network/events within the region.
• Excellent presentation skills & proficiency in IT.
• Be able to work on their own and as part of a team
• Full clean driving Licence with own.

Application in the form of a Cover Letter and Current CV should be sent to Maura Walsh: duhallow@irdduhallow.com

Deadline: Applications must be received by 5pm on 28th March 2025