Job Opportunities in Ireland

Main Purpose of Role:
DLDC is a community-led local development company covering all of County Donegal except the Inishowen area. We work to improve the opportunities for people and communities in Donegal to bring about positive changes in their own lives and in their community. 
DLDC has been partnering with Food Cloud and the Donegal Food Response Network since 2023 on the Growers Project. The aim of this project is to tackle food poverty , food insecurity and food waste by supporting farmers and receiving and channelling Grade B ‘wonky’ vegetables for Donegal families experiencing food insecurity. The pilot resulted in the redistribution of more than 36000kg of produce that would have otherwise remained unharvested or sent for animal feed.
The Food Security Project Coordinator will continue and develop this project throughout the county of Donegal. They will lead efforts to address food poverty, food insecurity, and food waste in Donegal by managing and expanding the Growers Project. The coordinator will oversee the community 'Wholeshare' food hub in Letterkenny, facilitate food distribution to local food banks, develop strategic initiatives to improve food security, and organise awareness-raising events. This role is crucial in ensuring that nutritious food reaches those most in need, reducing food waste, and embedding a culture of food literacy and sustainability within the community.
SALARY:
Project Officer Scale
Conditions of Work:
· The successful candidate will be required to work 3 days, total 21 hours per week.
· This is a Fixed Term contract to the 31st of December 2024 and is subject to funding.
· Main base will be in the Letterkenny Office.
Main Duties
You will be required to…
1
Develop and regularly update strategic reports to guide the initiative’s efforts and measure progress.
2
Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies to assess the viability and impact of any proposed future projects
3
Actively seek and apply for funding opportunities to support the initiatives goals and activities.
4
Manage the existing Growers Project with Food CLoud distributing vegetables to the food banks.
5
Manage the setting up and thereafter the day-to-day operations of the community ‘wholeshare’ hub, ensuring effective logistics and inventory management.
6
Establish and maintain partnerships with NGO’s, supermarkets and other contributors.
7
Establish and maintain partnerships with local food banks, ensuring a steady and fair distribution of food resources.
8
Plan and execute awareness raising events to educate the community about food poverty, food security and encourage active participation.
Core Competencies
Essential
1
Qualifications
A recognised and relevant third level qualification in community development or related discipline and/or
Minimum 3 years working experience in a community development, healthcare, training or related field.
2
Experience
At least 3 years’ experience in a role that has involved:
· Food/ poverty promotion and improvement
· Health behaviour change,
· Working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders
3
Planning and Organising Skills
· The ability to motivate others, influence opinion, inspire trust and develop mutually beneficial relationships
· The ability to form good working relationships with organisations and communities
· Good organisational and planning skills, good attention to detail in approach to work, have effective time management skills and an ability to work to tight deadlines
· Have an ability to work flexibly with DLDC colleagues to ensure efficient delivery of schemes
· Be capable of supervising compliance with health and safety requirements.
· Be able to set, manage and monitor work schedules and attainment of targets for the programmes
· Excellent computer/ICT and record keeping skills
4
Interpersonal Skills
The successful candidate will be required to be able to liaise effectively and efficiently with groups and agencies providing services to individuals and communities. They will be required to act as a positive and contributing member of the wider staff team within DLDC.
5
Communication
They will have experience of forming good working relationships with organisations and communities, combined with excellent communication and listening skills.
6
‘Other’
· Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role as post will involve frequent travel. This includes a full clean driver’s licence and permission to drive in Ireland.
· A track record which demonstrates initiative, personal motivation, an ability to make things happen and achieve outcomes.
· An ability to use independent judgment and handle confidential material sensitively.
Core Competencies
Desirable
· Ability to communicate in Irish is advantageous.
· Experience of group facilitation & training.
· External experience on community based committees/boards et al.
· Experience in the area of environmental awareness and climate action.
Experience of social inclusion or working with new community groups.
DLDC reserves the right to enhance criteria, dependent on the responses received to the advertisement.
A panel may be formed from this recruitment process.
Donegal Local Development CLG is committed to a Policy of Equal Opportunity. Canvassing will disqualify.
Application Process
· To apply for the position, please submit by email a Letter of Application together with current Curriculum Vitae, clearly outlining how you meet the criteria, to: HR Department by Email to: vacancies@dldc.org
· The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 16th September 2024 by end of the day
· Interviews are likely to take place on week of the 23rd September 2024.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 16/09/2024