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Job description

DAERA has a vision of "Delivering a net zero nature positive future, supporting sustainable agriculture and thriving rural communities". Our vision is the foundation of everything we do as we seek to enhance our environment; grow a sustainable, vibrant economy; and support the development of thriving rural communities. At the heart of our vision is a desire to make DAERA a great place to work, with engaged people delivering a twenty-first century agenda. The successful candidates will work within the Agricultural Inspectorate profession which is a group of professional and technical staff who use their knowledge and expertise across DAERA to develop policy and deliver education, knowledge transfer, innovation and regulatory programmes to support the agri-food industry. We are looking for professional and technical people with a track record of delivery, decision making, leadership, and an ability to develop strong partnerships within their organisations and with stakeholders. If you have the professional, technical and people skills we need and share our commitment to public service, we would love to hear from you.

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 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.
• Leading on the provision of professional and technical input/advice at a strategic level to help shape the development of a range of challenging policy and delivery programmes across DAERA.
• Please see the Candidate Information Booklet for the main duties and responsibilities for the successful candidate.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• At least an Honours Degree or an equivalent qualification (minimum classification of 2.2) in Food Technology, Food Science or Food Business, or a closely related subject.
• At least three years’ direct experience at middle management level of successfully using professional and technical knowledge to contribute to significant industry support.
• Education programmes or other industry initiatives, for the benefit of the agri-food sector that have achieved impact.
• 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.
• Access to a form of transport which will enable you to travel throughout NI, ROI, GB and abroad to fulfil your 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,
• 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: IRC319033)