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Job description

DAERA has responsibility for food, farming, environment, fisheries, forestry, sustainability policy and the development of the rural sector in NI. The department is structured into seven groups including one Executive Agency (the NI Environment Agency) and is also accountable for one Public Corporation (Forest Service) and all groups and agencies work together to support the delivery of DAERA’s strategic objectives. The work of the Department touches the daily lives of everyone in Northern Ireland by delivering cross cutting activities that protect and enhance our natural environment, address the challenge of climate change, support sustainable agri-food and fishing sectors, develop our rural communities and improve animal health and welfare in our ambitious drive towards disease eradication. Together with its agencies, non-departmental public bodies and stakeholders, DAERA: - leads on the Executive’s climate change agenda, working with all NICS departments and sectors to develop and implement Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action plan and reduce carbon emissions; - takes action to protect and enhance the environment for future generations; - assists the sustainable development of the environmental, agri-food, fishing and forestry sectors of the Northern Ireland (NI) economy, having regard to the needs of the consumer, the protection of human, animal and plant health, the welfare of animals and the conservation and enhancement of the environment; - delivers knowledge transfer and education programmes as essential components of successful policy delivery programmes across DAERA; - supports rural communities by working in partnership with other departments to address wider socio-economic rural issues and achieve improved outcomes for rural communities.

Responsibilities

• While not an exhaustive or prescriptive list of responsibilities, an indication of the main duties of Inspector Grade I is provided below.
• The emphasis on particular duties will vary depending on the post allocated and may vary over time depending on business priorities and needs.
• The post holder will manage a Branch within DAERA. For posts across DAERA, the post holder will report to the relevant Head of Division (Grade 5) or Head of Programme (Grade 6) depending on the post.
• Leading teams of professional staff in a technical environment to achieve business plan targets and ensure the development and delivery of programmes to meet DAERA targets and the needs of the agri-food industry;
• Leading on the provision of professional and technical input/advice to the strategic direction of DAERA, including leading the development of programmes in response to policy and industry needs;
• Please see the Candidate Information Booklet for the duties and responsibilities.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must, by the closing date for application, meet the criteria set out in either Route 1 or Route 2, as shown below. Please apply through Route 2 if the relevant qualification you hold:
• - does not fall within the definition of a ‘closely related subject’ (see Criterion 1(a)); or - is a Postgraduate qualification.
• ROUTE 1 1(a) Have an Honours Degree or an equivalent qualification (minimum classification of 2.2) in either Agriculture, Agricultural Economics and Management, Agricultural Technology, Agri-Environment, Agricultural Engineering,
• Agricultural Mechanisation, or a closely related subject.
• AND 1(b) At least three years’ direct experience at middle management level of successfully using professional
• and technical knowledge to contribute to significant industry support and/or education programmes or other industry initiatives, for the benefit of the agriculture sector that have achieved impact.
• OR ROUTE 2 2(a) Have at least an Honours degree or an equivalent qualification (minimum 2.2 Classification) in a subject relevant to the Agriculture discipline.
• AND 2(b) At least six years direct experience at middle management level of successfully using professional and technical knowledge to contribute to significant industry support and/or education programmes or other industry initiatives,
• for the benefit of the agriculture sector that have achieved impact
• AND (for both Route 1 or Route 2) 3. At least three years’ experience of effective leadership in an area of strategic significance to your organisation,
• where you deployed excellent communication skills to achieve successful outcomes in a complex and challenging environment.
• AND 4. Access to a form of transport which will enable you to travel throughout NI, ROI, GB and abroad to fulfil their responsibilities in full.

Desirable Skills

• In addition, applicants should be aware that after an eligibility sift, should it be necessary to shortlist candidates to go forward to interview,
• the Panel will carry out an objective evaluation of the information provided by candidates in response to eligibility criterion 3.
• This will be completed on a scored basis and only the highest scoring applicants will proceed to interview. The Panel will complete this assessment against the information provided by applicants in the application form only.
• Please refer to the Candidate Information Booklet

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 5th December 2025 at 12 noon. Applications from males, young People (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC318743)