agroforestry research communicator version 1 · job description – agroforestry research...

Job Description – Agroforestry Research Communicator Version 1.0

The Organic Research Centre, Elm Farm 15-Dec-16

JOB DESCRIPTION

AGROFORESTRY RESEARCH COMMUNICATOR

Version 1.0

RESPONSIBLE TO: PRINCIPAL AGROECOLOGY RESEARCHER GENERAL PRINCIPAL DUTIES

To work within the Agroforestry Programme to collate and prepare information for publication including in the form of factsheets, technical guides, bulletin articles, videos, webpages, website news items and press releases to a range of target audiences, including producers, advisors, researchers and policy-makers.

To establish new and manage ongoing social media accounts and postings; organize farmer workshops and events for the Agroforestry Programme.

To assist with data collection and research within the agroforestry projects AGFORWARD, SustainFARM and AFINET.

SPECIFICALLY: 1. To work with the ORC Agroforestry Programme to research, draft and prepare for publication including (but

not restricted to) the following: 1.1. Technical fact sheets (2x A4 pages) and leaflets for distribution to producers and others at shows and

events 1.2. Videos of farm case studies, research activities, interviews etc. 1.3. Articles summarising research results for ORC Bulletin and external publications (e.g. Organic Farming,

Living Earth, Farmers Weekly etc.) 1.4. Prepare text for relevant website and e-newsletters.

2. Be responsible for updating the ORC agroforestry website areas. 3. Manage the agroforestry contributions to ORC social media accounts/projects accounts where applicable (e.g.

SustainFARM, AFINET)

4. Liaise with project partners and ORC Research Communications Officer to coordinate dissemination activities within the agroforestry projects SustainFARM, AFINET and AGFORWARD and within ORC.

5. To assist in organising and running farmer events and meetings such as workshops as part of the Agroforestry Programme.

6. To be a member of the Agroforestry research team and contribute to the Agroforestry research projects AGFORWARD, SustainFARM and AFINET. 6.1. Carry out experiments, tests, observations, and field studies 6.2. Analyse results of experiments, tests, observations, and field studies 6.3. Conduct literature and database searches 6.4. Write up the results of experiments, tests, observations, and field studies 6.5. Assist in future project or proposal development as required. 6.6. Contribute to the work of the research team.



7. To ensure that effective routes of communications are established and maintained with the Team Leader and

other members of their team.

8. To assist with team administration such as collating timesheets and other tasks as requested by their Line Manager, Team Leader, Deputy Director or Director.

9. To represent their project(s) and ORC at shows and conferences as required and assist in raising awareness of

the activities outside of the Organic Research Centre.

10. Attend Staff, Research, Information Services and other meetings as required.

11. Undertake training to be able to continue meeting the requirements of this role and develop your potential as a member of ORC staff.

12. Provide other information and support or undertake other activities as required by the Director, including

responsibilities not listed above that may be allocated in the Annual Business Plan and/or agreed as part of annual appraisals.



RESEARCH COMMUNICATOR PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Attribute Essential Desirable

Qualifications BSc grade 2.1+ in agriculture, biology or related subject.

Advanced studies in research communications, agriculture, biology or related subjects.

Experience Breadth/depth of knowledge of agroforestry, organic, agroecological farming in a research context.

Producing publications for a range of technical and non-technical target audiences.

Research experience of field trials

Scientific research, research communication and/or science/technical journalism background

Skills Excellent written communication and editing skills.

Good oral communication skills

Ability to work with both new and traditional media.

Organisation of stakeholder workshops

Ability to understand and integrate a range of related scientific disciplines

Video production

High-level skills in MS Word

Adobe Creative Suite

Knowledge of website design

Workshop facilitation

Working knowledge of modern foreign languages

Personal qualities Independent, proactive and positive attitude.

Methodical and task-oriented approach to work

Able to work alone or as part of a team

Ability to meet deadlines

Ability to contribute to the wider activities undertaken by ORC

General ability Willingness to undertake work across a range of scientific areas.

Willingness to travel where and when needed.

Additional requirements

Willingness to work additional hours at peak times.

Full driving license



ACTIVITIES GENERIC ROLE REQUIREMENTS

1 Communication High ability to write for a range of audiences.

Write or contribute to publications or disseminate research findings using all appropriate media including videos.

Make presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events.

Routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media.

2 Teamwork and motivation

Be supportive of and encouraging to others in a team and help to build cooperation by setting an example and showing a flexible approach to delivering team results;

Actively participate as a member of a research team.

Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.

From time to time, clarify team requirements, agree clear task objectives, organise and delegate work fairly according to individual abilities

Help the team focus efforts on the task in hand and motivate individuals as and when required

3 Liaison and networking

Collaborate actively within and outwith the organisation to complete tasks and advance thinking.

Participate in and develop external networks and build relationships for current and future activities.

4 Service delivery Respond to internal or external contacts requiring information

Respond to internal or external contacts requiring a service

On occasions, be proactive in exploring and understanding customers’ needs; adapting the service accordingly to ensure the usefulness or appropriateness and quality of service e.g. content, accuracy, level of information, cost

5 Decision making Decide on appropriate approaches and methodologies, often in collaboration with colleagues and sometimes subject to the approval of the Programme Leader on fundamental issues.

6 Planning and organising resources

Assist Programme Leader in planning, co-ordinating and implementing research/information projects.

Plan and manage own assignments.

Co-ordinate own work with that of others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.

7 Initiative and problem solving

Resolve problems of meeting task objectives and deadlines.

Develop ideas for application of research outcomes



8 Analysis and research Undertake basic research for example by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and field work, the development of questionnaires and conducting surveys.

Conduct literature and database searches.

Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes.

Assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of research.

Synthesise research information

9 Sensory and physical demands

Sensory and physical demands will vary from relatively light to a high level depending on the discipline and the type of work

Carry out tasks that require the learning of certain skills.

10 Work environment Balance the pressures of information, education and research demands and competing deadlines.

Depending on area of work and level of training received, may be expected to conduct risk assessment and take responsibility for the health and safety of others.

11 Pastoral care and welfare

Show consideration to others and provide assistance to those in distress.

Provide information and help to colleagues and students, referring them to other sources of assistance if required.

12 Team development Coach and support colleagues in developing their dissemination/research techniques.

13 Knowledge transfer/ learning support

Significantly contribute to the organisation and content of knowledge transfer events relevant to areas of research activity and specialist knowledge.

Use a range of delivery techniques to enthuse and engage colleagues, students/interns and users of research results, including producers, food businesses, advisors, researchers and policy-makers.

14 Knowledge and experience

Extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship to research/information activities and appropriate external activities.

Possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge of organic/agroecological farming in the research context to develop effective information exchange strategies and activities.

agroforestry research communicator version 1 · job description – agroforestry research...

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