Agricultural Group Facilitator

Due to the scheme several different KT layers incorporating varying depths of knowledge, there are a number of separate interventions that can be applied:

• Lower-level awareness information – available to all farmers in a variety of formats.
• Training – for training required by a significant number of farm businesses, DAERA will focus on delivery via e-learning courses. However, not all participants will have internet access, confidence or skills required to use this method, so additional face-to-face training is required.
• Peer to peer group learning:
  • Business Sustainability Groups – longer term, whole farm approach, aimed at larger farm businesses.
  • Themed Groups (TGs) – shorter term with a specific focus.

The Farming for Sustainability Scheme – Knowledge (2025 – 2030) Training and Themed Groups  contract extends over 4 years and is being delivered and managed in 2 Lots:

• Lot 1 – Face-to-face training for groups of farmers
• Lot 2 – Themed peer-to-peer group facilitators

Lot 1 focuses on face-to-face training to individuals while Lot 2 seeks to deliver focused, high-quality peer-to-peer learning through Themed Groups (TGs) , providing farmers and growers with specialist facilitation and mentoring on priority topics identified by DAERA.  TGs complement Business Sustainability Groups by offering shorter-term, topic-specific support, enabling participants to share experiences, access expert guidance, and apply tailored solutions directly to their farm enterprises. The Agricultural Group Facilitators and Group Facilitation Associates will primarily be working as facilitators and mentors with the Themed Peer-to-Peer Groups (Lot 2).

Introduction to Lot 1:

Lot 1 contract has two key aspects:

1. Training Event Management– administration, venue booking, marketing and promotion, recruitment, managing bookings (via CAFRE’s online group booking system and telephone), helpdesk provision, event management on the day, and associated administration.
2. Training Delivery– provision of suitably qualified trainers with the knowledge, expertise, and skills to deliver the specified training courses face-to-face to groups of participating farmers, aligned to existing CAFRE e-learning content.

Training courses to be delivered are:

• Soil Nutrient Health Scheme, including nutrient management planning. This course is fully developed and ready for immediate delivery
• Carbon Footprinting – understanding of carbon information and interpretation of farm data. This course is under development with the expectation of rollout within 3-6 months of appointment.
• Bovine Genetics – understanding genetic improvement and interpretation of data. This course is yet to be developed with the expectation of rollout within 12 months of appointment.

Training will be delivered to large groups (50+ attendees) and must replicate the e-learning version. All training content and materials are being provided by CAFRE. Some face-to-face training of smaller groups (25-49 attendees) may also be required, which will  require greater technical support from CSL  due to increased discussion and questioning by the attendees. These groups may reflect specific enterprise types, e.g., pigs and arable enterprises which have a smaller number of farm businesses.

Introduction to Lot 2:

Themed Groups (TGs) are a new development from the previous Business Development Group (BDG) scheme which operated under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme and meets an identified need for shorter group duration with delivery focused on a specific topic/theme. The purpose of TGs is therefore to provide farm businesses with focused support and advice relating to specific themes and topics, therefore complementing BSGs which have a whole farm approach to sustainability and are aimed at larger, more intensive farms. TGs therefore meet a need for those farmers wishing to be part of a group learning experience but do not require a whole farm approach to address a specific issue. Knowledge delivered will be more in-depth compared to training in Lot 1 with some support offered to participants via mentoring. 

General information relating to Themed Groups (TGs):

• TGs are short-term, topic specific peer-to-peer learning groups
• They are designed to provide farmers with technical knowledge and practical support focused on a specific topic.
• Groups will be recruited and formed by the CAFRE with CSL allocating facilitators to groups.
• These TGs complement Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs), which adopt a longer-term, whole-farm approach.
• Duration: 18-24 months per TG.
• Meetings: 5 and 12 meetings over the lifetime of the group (equivalent to 3-6 meetings per year, depending on theme). 
• Groups size: Between 15 – 30 participants.
• Meetings will typically last 2-3 hours and will be held on members’ farms. They will take place at a time that suits participants, with a significant proportion expected to take place in the evening to accommodate those working off farm.

TGs focus on priority themes linked to DAERA policy objectives and are  summarised below:

* Differs from Bovine Genetic training in Lot 1 as assumes that participants have completed this training and group delivery focuses on using the information based on farmers own herds to make breeding decisions.

TGs differ from conventional training in that they provide opportunities for farmers facing similar issues to come together, share knowledge and experiences, and learn from one another in a structured group setting.  Knowledge transfer is supported by an experienced/ qualified facilitator who is also responsible for mentoring to help participants apply learning to their own farm business/ enterprise. 

There is no formal assessment of learning within TGs. However, participants are expected to contribute to group discussions, share information about their farm practices, and use lessons learned to improve farm performance. 

Facilitation

Facilitation will be delivered on a face-to-face basis on group member’s farms. These host farmers will receive a hosting payment, which will be administered by  CAFRE.

Facilitation will be provided by competent professionals qualified to at least honours (Grade 6) level and with significant relevant technical and facilitation / mentoring experience. They will be  engaged by CSL and will guide group participants through a structured learning process to achieve the objectives of the group as identified by CAFRE. These facilitators will create a safe environment for participants to discuss topics and learn from each other, providing technical support to enhance learning and development. They will  use a variety of questioning and leading techniques to involve all participants in the learning process and by getting to know participants over a period of time, they can be responsive to the needs of the participants and adapt delivery styles as appropriate.

Mentoring

As part of group support development, facilitators must also provide technical one-to-one guidance/mentoring to group members. This involves face-to-face farm visits and phone calls to farm businesses to discuss areas of improvement to meet the objectives of the Themed Group. Facilitation and mentoring will be  delivered by the same person for each group. 

The administration tasks within the contract will partly fall within the duties of the facilitator (e.g., attendance, risk assessments, progress reports) but with support from  CSL administrative support staff who will coordinate and monitor activities delivery on a scheme wide basis.

3. AGRICULTURAL GROUP FACILITATORS

3a) Position and Role

Job Title: Agricultural Group Facilitator

Key Purpose: Facilitation and mentoring of Themed Groups of farmers with specific focus on Suckler Cow Fertility, Water Quality or Genetic Improvement.

Reports To: the Themed Groups Scheme Coordinator who reports to the Rural Services Contract Manager.

Manages: While the Facilitators will be reporting to and assigned work by the Scheme Coordinator, they will be working remotely and required to organise and schedule their own work with minimal supervision. They will be part of a small team of facilitators and communication within the team and with group members will be a key requirement of the position.

3b) Principle Responsibilities

(i) Core Activities

Facilitation of Group Meetings.

Groups will have 15 – 30 members and meet  3- 6 times per year on members farms over an 18–24 month period.

Meetings will be mostly in the evening and of 2-3 hours duration.

Basic course and session structure and content will be provided by CAFRE.

Mentoring.

Each participant will be eligible for up to 16 hours (typically 6 sessions) of technical mentoring which will facilitate application of the course learning outcomes to their individual farm. This mentoring will be provided by the same Agriculture Group Facilitator or Group Facilitation Associate as facilitated the group sessions.

Administration.

The Group Facilitator will be responsible for arranging meetings and the associated administration e.g., risk assessment, confirming insurance, recording attendance, reporting activities and outcomes.

This will involve recording and communication through a computerised system provided by CAFRE.

Central administration staff will monitor and support the Agriculture Group Facilitators and monitor delivery of the scheme.

All equipment and training linked to delivery of the TG scheme will be provided by CSL. Agriculture Group Facilitators will however be expected to meet the competence levels established in the Essential Criteria for this work.

(ii) Delivery Support & Promotion

The Agriculture Group Facilitator will also be expected to:

• Provide Technical input to aspects of the delivery of Themed Group Schemes as required, and
• Assist the Scheme Coordinator and Contract Manager to develop and improve systems and procedures, and
• Actively contribute to promotion of  the Scheme and represent CSL at shows and public events

(iii) Other Duties

As part of a small team within Countryside Services Ltd the post holder will be expected to contribute, as required, to the wider work of the organisation and show flexibility in line with the needs of the scheme and the organisation.

The key activities listed serve as a guideline to the responsibilities of the person appointed to this position. They are not intended to be exclusive or inflexible and may be subject to change in light of future developments as required by the Contract Manager.

4. APPOINTMENTS

Two vacancies will be filled immediately but the competition may be used to fill any additional vacancies which occur in the future.

4.1 Essential Criteria

Applicants will be expected to provide evidence, in their application and/or at interview, of the following qualifications, experience and abilities.

a) Qualifications and Experience

Possession of qualifications and experience in one or more of the following areas is required:

• Qualification to at least honours degree level (level 6) or equivalent in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics and Management, Environmental Science , Veterinary Science or a closely related subject¹.
• Minimum of 1 year’s (in past five years) relevant post-qualification experience of applying specialist knowledge of primary food production and agri-business/environment to the NI agri-food industry to meet business objectives and improve performance^.2 .
• Experience and evidence of competence in facilitation skills³
• Experience of mentoring farmers on a one-to-one basis.

I. “Closely Related Subject’: A closely related subject is defined as a qualification which has the any of the following words in the title: Agriculture; Agricultural; an Agri prefix (for example Agri-Business); Farm; Farming;  Animal Science; Poultry; Pig; Dairy; Environmental Sustainability; Drystock; Beef; Sheep; Soil Science; Livestock; Animal Production; Animal Science; Crop; Environmental Management; Countryside Management; Land Management; Water Management.

II. Application of Specialist Knowledge: This should include application of knowledge in one of the following areas – Suckler Cow Fertility, Water Quality or Genetic Improvement.

III. Facilitation skills: These include goal setting, questioning techniques to promote discussion, time management to move the group along, engagement techniques and flexibility to deal with ad hoc queries.

b) Abilities and Skills

Applicants will be expected to provide evidence, in their application and/or at interview, of the following well developed skills and abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Superior organisational skills
• IT competence – with experience of using spreadsheets, MS Office, internet and e-mail
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and on their own initiative

Capable of working under pressure whilst meeting standards and deadlines

4.2 DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Possession of qualifications or experience in one or more of the following areas may be an advantage:

• Qualification relating to extension, advisory, teaching, or coaching.
• Qualification relating to Suckler Cow Fertility, Water Quality or Genetic Improvement.

NOTE:

i) The post holders will be based at the CSL offices in Dungannon but be required to travel throughout Northern Ireland on a regular basis and to accommodate group members working off farm those appointed must be available to work in the  evenings and weekends as required.

A valid driving licence and access to a car, or some means of transport which allows the post holder to meet the demands of the post in full are essential.

ii) As part of a small team within Countryside Services Ltd the post holder will be expected to contribute, as required, to the wider work of the organisation and show flexibility in line with the needs of the contracts and the organisation.

4.3 Terms and Conditions

Location: Countryside Services Ltd, 97 Moy Road, Dungannon. BT71 7DX

Contract Duration: Full time contract.  

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week which will include regular evening work.

Salary Scale: A basic salary in the range £35,000 – £40,000. Starting position on the pay scale is dependent on experience and qualifications.

Travel Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses are paid according to a standard CSL staff rate.

Pension: Members of staff will be auto enrolled into a pension scheme upon the successful completion of their probationary period.

Sickness/ Absence: You will be paid sick pay according to the rules and regulations of the Company’s Sick Pay Scheme and the Statutory Sick Pay Scheme (SSP) subject to compliance with the Company’s Sickness/Absence Notification Procedure.

Training and Personal Development: will be a condition of engagement and, where specific to our delivery requirements, will be funded by Countryside Services.

The Company reserves the right to require you to be examined by a Company nominated doctor, as it considers necessary.

Notice Period: After one month’s service, you will be required to give three month’s notice in writing of your intention to terminate your employment.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and flexibility in your approach to your role is essential.  We reserve the right to amend or change this job description from time to time to suit the changing needs of the role and the business and you agree to accept any such changes.