Recruiting: Project Manager Role - SCEENE EIP
Following the announcement by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, of our organisation Loop Head Together CLG being successful in our proposal under call 6 Environmental Sustainability, of the European Innovation Partnerships initiative for our soil carbon enhancement project, SCEENE, we are now recruiting for the position of Project Manager on this exciting project.
To learn more about this role, here is an overview of the Job Spec and How to Apply. Also you can learn more about the SCEENE EIP Project itself by clicking HERE or following the link at the end of this page.
Project Manager - Job & Person Specification & Overview On How To Apply
Job Title: Project Manager
Project Description: ` The Soil Carbon Enhancement for Excess Nutrient Elimination (SCEENE) is a 4½ year European Innovation Partnership (EIP) focused on soil carbon enhancement to determine the feasibility of restoring soil health in coastal farming regions of Ireland. Focused on the Loop Head Peninsula, but with wider applicability, the SCEENE EIP is focused on soil carbon enhancement, the reduction of nutrient run off and the reduction in the need for chemical fertilisers and the potential for circular bio economy solutions in agriculture. Co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and the European Union, the SCEENE EIP has a budget of €1.75 million. It will, like other EIPs, will test new ideas and practices which can then be used more widely by farmers and others to improve productivity and enhance resource efficiency.
Employer: Loop Head Together is a company limited by guarantee (CLG) based in West Clare. It acts in a coordinating capacity, as a grass roots initiative, supported by almost fifty local groups and organisations, across the Loop Head Peninsula in West Clare. As Project Lead for the SCEENE EIP, Loop Head Together CLG will be the employer of the small project team implementing the EIP.
Role & Purpose: This key position with Loop Head Together, the lead partner with the SCEENE EIP, is central to the successful and timely implementation of the project. The EIP was co-designed by Loop Head Together, local farmers and the Technological University of the Shannon, with external consultancy support. It is supported by Clare County Council and a wide range of professionals and project partners. The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall implementation of the project, under the oversight of Loop Head Together and the SCEENE EIP Operational Group. He / She will be expected to coordinate the delivery of all project tasks and timelines, and coordinate, direct, and oversee the work of all external contractors and stakeholders.
Reporting To: The Project Manager’s work will be directed by the core management team of Loop Head Together and the SCEENE EIP Operational Group. The Project Manager will report directly to the Project Lead (the Chairperson of Loop Head Together). All employer/employee-related matters will be dealt with by the Project Lead. In addition, the Project Manager will be expected to present monthly reports (technical and financial) to the wider SCEENE EIP Operational Group and will be the main point of contact on all reporting and liaison with the Department of Agriculture (DAFM).
Key Areas of Responsibility:
Project Implementation
Ø Lead and coordinate the implementation of the various work elements of SCEENE EIP under the direction of the Project Lead and the EIP Operational Group;
Ø Provide all required support and leadership to the Project Lead and the EIP Operational Group;
Ø Lead on all reporting and liaison with Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM);
Ø Direct and oversee external contractors working on the SCEENE EIP project;
Ø Help collate, monitor, and support the research components of the SCEENE EIP project;
Ø Coordinate project tasks and timelines across participant Loop Head farmers and coordinate the role of external contractors;
Staff Management:
Ø Provide management support to the Project Administrator (part time position) and oversee the workload in line with the needs of the SCEENE EIP;
Ø Complete annual performance appraisal reviews with the Project Administrator;
Ø Approve and sign off timesheets, leave requests and expenses claims.
Financial Management:
Ø Act as the main point of contact with DAFM on all financial matters;
Ø Manage all project budgets (administration and farmer payments) across all key areas of work;
Ø Ensure the efficient financial management of the project;
Ø Track and monitor all project expenditure (including all quarterly and annual estimates);
Ø Work with the Project Lead and the directors of Loop Head Together to ensure full and timely compliance with the DAFM contract;
Communications, Outreach and Promotion:
Ø Organise and partake in outreach events in the Loop Head peninsula and elsewhere;
Ø Engage with participating farmers and external contractors to facilitate project collaboration;
Ø Support the development of promotional materials to enhance project identity and project visibility;
Ø Create content for publication on social medial platforms in conjunction with project officer;
Ø Support the drafting and dissemination of policy briefs and project communications in collaboration with the Project Administrator and SCEENE EIP Operational Group.
Reporting and Compliance:
Ø Lead the preparation of all reports to the DAFM and the EIP OG on project activity;
Ø Ensure evaluation and monitoring processes are implemented effectively;
Ø Ensure effective project administration, including ensuring that all records are properly and accurately maintained and that appropriate statistical information is provided;
Ø Represent the project in meetings, networking events, various fora, conferences, etc.
Ø Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including GDPR.
The above job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties.
Consequently, the Project Manager may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to them by the Project Lead of the SCEENE EIP and the SCEENE EIP Operational Group to contribute to the implementation of the EIP.
Project Manager - Person Specification
Essential Experience:
Ø At least five years’ experience in project management ideally in the agri-environmental sector;
Ø A proven interest and knowledge in research, spoil health, carbon sequestration or sustainable land use;
Ø Comprehensive proven track record in successfully delivering Irish or EU funded programmes or projects (for example, EIPs, agri-environmental projects, EU LIFE projects, etc.);
Ø Understanding of ecological and/or agricultural systems, especially those related to Irish farming;
Ø Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
Ø Full clean EU driving licence and access to own transport
Other Essential Requirements & Attributes:
Ø Have proven leadership skills;
Ø Be highly self-motivated
Ø Have a proven ability to work under their own initiative;
Ø Have exceptionally strong communication skills;
Ø Have strong organisational and time management skills;
Ø Have a positive, enthusiastic, pragmatic, solution driven work focus;
Ø Have an ability to manage multiple work tasks, to ensure that the SCEENE EIP is fully implemented on schedule and to a high professional standard.
Desirable Qualifications:
It is expected the project manager will have a relevant third-level qualification in project management, agriculture, ecology, environmental science, or related discipline. Ideally this would be:
Ø MSc in a relevant discipline (agricultural or environmental science, project management, etc.);
Ø Prior project management experience, particularly in research projects, EIPs, EU LIFE Projects;
Ø Experience with data collection and analysis, including soil research, in a research setting;
Ø Familiarity with the management of budgets and reporting to funders;
Ø Experience of engaging with farmers in a listening manner and with a solution driven focus;
Other Relevant Information: The successful candidate will:
Ø Have proven experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects, involving multiple actors (farmers, 3rd level institutes, external researchers and contractors, etc.) working collaboratively;
Ø Possess excellent facilitation and report writing skills;
Ø Have good problem-solving and organisational skills;
Ø Be able to demonstrate excellent leadership skills;
Ø Have the ability to manage multiple work tasks and associated risks;
Ø Have an excellent ability to adapt and respond to project needs and the needs of the SCEENE EIP Project Lead and the membership of the SCEENE EIP Operational Group;
Ø Be proficient in MS Office packages including Word, Excel, Outlook, programme databases, and SharePoint and have proficiency with other basic project management tools e.g., ‘Microsoft Project’
Project Manager Role - Terms and Conditions
Salary: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be in region of €50 - €60K
Duration: A fixed-term contract (full-time) for 4.25 years (1st Oct 2025 to 31st Dec 2029) will be offered subject to probation and satisfactory performance.
Probation: A probation period of 8 months will apply.
Hours: From 30 hours to 37.5 hours per week; both salary and hours will be commensurate with experience. The post will involve some evening meetings and week-end work. The SCEENE EIP operates a Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policy for this work.
Annual Leave: 23 days per annum (rising to a maximum of 25 days per annum)
Travel & Subs: Travel and subsistence will be paid in accordance with the SCEENE EIP policy and financial management procedures of the project.
Location: This role will be hybrid with on and off-site requirements - with an option for remote (home) working and an office base in Kilkee, West Clare. The post will also involve travel throughout the Loop Head peninsula and elsewhere.
Transport: A full driving license and access to own transport is essential.
Selection Process: Selection may involve short listing of applicants for interview based on the criteria for the position as outlined in this job description and person specification.
How To Apply: Please submit your Curriculum Vitae (max 4 page) and cover letter (max 2 page) by email to SCEENEEIP@gmail.com
Please quote EIP Project Manager Application and Your Name in the subject line.
Please save and attach your CV as YOURNAME_CV
Please save and attach your Cover Letter YOURNAME Cover Letter
_________________________________________________________
Important: Please check your junk and spam folders throughout this recruitment campaign. does not accept any responsibility for missed communication.
Closing Date: The closing date for applications for this exciting role is 5pm on Monday, 15th September 2025.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Interview Date: It is likely that interviews will take place on the week commencing the 22nd of September -
The SCEENE EIP is co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and the European Union. Loop Head Together (as the Project Lead) is an equal opportunities employer and will welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Loop Head Together is committed to a diverse, inclusive project team.