Organisation:Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA)
Position: General Secretary
Location: Portlaoise, Co Laois

About ICSA:

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) operates as a membership association, representing the interests of cattle and sheep farmers across Ireland. ICSA is acknowledged as a representative body for farmers both in Dublin and at the Brussels level. The association is wholly dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of its members and ensuring the prosperity of the Irish agricultural sector.

Position Overview:

ICSA seeks a dynamic and experienced individual with a good understanding of the agriculture sector to undertake the role of General Secretary. The General Secretary will be tasked with leading the organisation, implementing its strategic vision, and advocating for the interests of Irish cattle and sheep farmers at local, national, and international levels.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Strategic Leadership: Overseeing day-to-day operations and providing strategic direction and leadership to the organisation in alignment with its mission and objectives.
• Financial Management: Supervising the organisation’s budget and financial resources, ensuring responsible stewardship and accountability in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations and overseeing governance structures to maintain transparency and accountability within the organisation.
• Policy Development: Leading the development of ICSA’s policy positions on all issues affecting cattle and sheep farming.
• Representation and Lobbying: Representing the organisation’s interests in negotiations with government departments, state agencies, industry stakeholders, and other relevant bodies.
• Membership Engagement: Cultivating strong relationships with ICSA members, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed through effective communication channels and member engagement initiatives.
• Communication and Media Relations: Formulating and implementing communication strategies to enhance ICSA’s visibility and influence, including media outreach, public relations campaigns, and digital communications.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Educational Background: A 3rd-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience: Experience in a leadership role, preferably within the agricultural sector, demonstrating a proven track record in strategic planning, organisational management, and financial administration.
• Knowledge of Agricultural Policy: A deep understanding of agricultural policy, regulations, and issues affecting the cattle and sheep farming industry in Ireland.
• Political Acumen: Ideally, an in-depth knowledge of the political landscape with the ability to navigate governmental processes and procedures to effectively secure support for the association’s initiatives.
• Communication and Advocacy Skills: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to communicate complex agricultural issues to various stakeholders, including members, government officials, media, and the public are essential.
• Networking Abilities: Proficient in building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders (internal and external) including farmers, industry representatives, government officials, and other organisations within the agricultural sector.
• Passion for Agriculture: A genuine passion for agriculture and a commitment to improving the livelihoods of cattle and sheep farmers.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV along with a cover letter to admin@icsaireland.com. The closing date for applications is Friday 12 April, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. ICSA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. For enquiries, please call ICSA on 057 8662120.