National University of Ireland Galway

Communications Programme Manager Ref Number NUIG 56-13

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a fixed term contract position as Communications Programme Manager with the Irish Technology Centre for Biorefining and Bioenergy (TCBB).

The Centre:

The Irish Technology Centre for Biorefining and Bioenergy www.tcbb.ie undertakes a series of research and development projects aimed at enhancing development of the biorefining and bioenergy industry in Ireland. The programme is aimed at improving and integrating academic and industrial collaboration for suport and development of near-to-market bioenergy and biorefining applications for commercial deployment in the Irish market. The programme undertakes research activities in its own right within Ireland as well as pursues funds for larger development projects internationally.

The Research and Development Programme:

The R&D programme funds various research projects undertaken at multiple locations, involving multiple industrial and academic participants. Projects can range from thermal processing of wastes and biomass for renewable heat and power, to development of enhanced anaerobic digestion technologies to the bio-synthesis or thermal chemical synthesis of bio-fuels, bio-plastics or bio-chemicals. Academic and professional disciplines cover a broad range from bio-chemistry to microbiology and from combustion chemistry to chemical engineering.  As part of its research activities, the TCBB engages in outreach activities to communicate the technologies being developed and the benefits of its R&D activities to potential members, enhancing recruitment, as well as to the wider public, encouraging sustainable development and enhancing general knowledge in respect of bio-based industry. It undertakes economic analyis as part of its R&D activities to support an advocacy role designed to influence government policy and regulations in support of bio-based development opportunities within Ireland. The programme is managed by the Technology Leader, with the assistance of up to 5 Principal Investigators (PI’s) and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of a combination of industrial and academic Board members.

The Post:

Reporting to the Technology Leader, a position is available for a suitably qualified candidate to develop and manage a communications programme with specific emphasis on communication of R&D results to members, recruitment of new members, deepening member engagement, building the public profile of TCBB across a broad population of stakeholders and helping to develop the political and lobbying acumen of the Centre.

The specific work tasks will include:

• Assisting with preparation of the detailed technical and economic analysis of research projects and process flows for presentation to industrial project participants, to potential new members and to the TCBB Board;
• Development and implementation of a communications plan to ensure a regular stream of communications incorporating results and impacts of the research projects are directed across all stakeholders;
• Identification and organization of speaking/presentation opportunities - both at technical/academic level, but also at non-technical level;
• Organisation of workshops and conferences to communicate R&D project activities and benefits
• Optimisation of website impact including development of a reference library of relevant technical, marketing and regulatory resources;   

·         Development and implementation of an advocacy programme with special emphasis on pursuit of a tax derogation for use of bio-methane as a transport fuel;

·         Development of a professional education programme for the training of Industry member staff;

·         Assistance with preparation and filing of funding applications in pursuit of funding to expand the activities of the centre;

Skills/qualifications required:

·         Postdoctorate degree (or equivalent background and demonstrable understanding comprising minimum 3 years work experience) in biorefining or bioenergy  technologies, environmental science or relevant sustainable development discipline;

·         Background in public relations, marketing or related field with demonstrable experience in policy development / advocacy and ability to develop and manage a communications programme;

Interested candidates will be highly motivated, have a demonstrable track record with a history of liaison with international and industrial collaborators, an ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision and strong inter-personal, written communication and networking skills.

The position will initially run for a period to 31 December 2014 and may be extended, depending on the results generated.

Start date: Position is available immediately.

Salary Range: €38,286 - €49,468 per annum. (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply)  

To Apply:

Applicants are requested to submit a covering letter, a detailed CV, and the names and contact details of three referees via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Norah.Ohalloran@nuigalway.ie

Please ensure to put the reference number NUIG 56-13 in the subject line of the email application

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm on Friday 14^th June 2013.

National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer